June 20, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Attractions
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It's a beautiful sunny morning in Smithers, BC and a perfect day for a stroll down the redbrick sidewalks of Main Street. My name is Alpine Alice, and I am right at home here in the beautiful Bulkley Valley, surrounded by mountains, forests and rivers. As I walk down Main Street, making my way past outdoor eating areas, the smell of cinnamon buns tempts me to stop at a local café. I greet both new and familiar faces who are out enjoying this sunny first day of summer. Glancing up, I notice that that Smithers’ Ski runs are visible from town, as they are only a 20 minute drive up Hudson Bay Mountain Road. Although it is summer now, I can’t wait to hit the slopes and enjoy the beautiful northern BC powder. My walk brings me to the “Old Church.” It’s a favorite venue for local events, and if I shut my eyes I can almost hear the upbeat melodies of fiddle music or the catchy lyrics of local song writers. The “Old Church” is also a perfect place for visitors to enjoy a picnic or stretch their legs, as it is located just off Main Street on the corner of King and 1st Ave. As you’re travelling through make sure to take time to stop and smell the flowers!
June 19, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Arts, Culture & History Tours
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Smithers has many talented local artists, and I recently had the pleasure of enjoying their work in the Art Gallery. In this picture I am standing between 2 beautiful dresses, sewn by a local seamstress. I enjoyed the many paintings, carvings, and unique work the Gallery had to offer, then made my way to the other side of the building, where the Museum is located, to learn all about the history of Smithers. The Museum had lovely displays and was an educational experience to remember: First Nations History, the aviation exhibit, and the summer exhibit - All About Glaciers. Because I am Alpine Alice, I found the Swiss migration to the Valley particularly interesting, I even learned of Smithers' gift to civilization... the egg carton was invented by a man from Smithers, BC! As I left my history lesson and came back to 2012 I took a few minutes to admire this historic building; the Art Gallery and Museum was built in 1925 and was once used as the Smithers courthouse. This is one of the many historic buildings in Smithers that takes you back in time and shows you the beauty and wonder of years gone by.
June 19, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Science, Nature or Animals
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I took a drive just 5 minutes west of town to one of Smithers' unique buildings, a beautiful igloo. Inside was a tasteful collection of Northern BC animal and bird species, on display under the Igloo dome. From moose to mice, bears to owls, birds of prey to otters, I was amazed to see over 130 animals in their natural habitat settings. I thought I knew of all of Northern BC's animals, but I was proven wrong when I had to ask the owner the names of a few animals. Come to Adam's Igloo and see how many animals you can identify!
June 08, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Attractions
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On Kitseguekla Lake Road in Smithers I stepped into a fairy tale when at kilometre nine I found an architectural dream... a shoe house. Toby Walsh built this magnificent structure several years ago and each year welcomes around 600 people who pop by to take their picture next to his home. I was amazed when I looked up on the roof and found gigantic shoelace that tied it all together. I googled shoehouses when I got home and I only found two more out there in cyberspace so this is a pretty unique experience. Everyone on the fam tour on June 6 was pretty impressed.
June 08, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Aboriginal Experiences
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Hi, I'm Alpine Alice... making my way through the many amazing sites here in the Bulkley Valley around Smithers. On Wednesday, June 6, during a local Fam Tour, organized by the Visitor Centre, I made it to the Moricetown Multiplex and Interpretive Centre. I was greeted by museum attendant, Lillian, who was eager to show me around. I saw many aborigional artifacts, old photots, crafts, historical information and a signature piece: a replica of a traditional fish trap. I loved the spectacular view from the deck overlooking the Moricetown Canyon where many of the locals fish. I enjoyed learning of our Wet'suwet'en culture in our area so if you want to enjoy this type of experience come to our area and visit Smithers and take a day trip to Moricetown.