August 09, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Art Galleries & Artists
View a larger image on flickr.com
The other night, I attended the opening reception for Nigel Fox's showing of "Milestone: A Fox Year in Painting". It was a great show of colorful paintings that everyone at the event thoroughly enjoyed.
The Smithers art gallery tends to always have an opening night for a new exhibit, and I encourage everyone to attend if they have the chance. With the catalyst of refreshments and a healthy appreciation of art, you can strike up a conversation with your neighbour and get to know the community. One can experience a warm Smithers welcome, and enjoy the exhibit surrounded by (old or new) friends.
August 09, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Museums
View a larger image on flickr.com
Full of local artefacts and history, the Bulkley Valley Museum has it all. A great place to stop if you're interested in the history of the Bulkley Valley and of Canadian pioneers, the knowledgeable staff will tell you about the history of our area.
I received a tour from one of the staff through the museum, which was great - I had always been to the museum on school trips, and as a kid with my parents, but I saw it from a completely different perspective being older (and perhaps wiser).
Seeing what my home town used to look like, and to see how it's grown in the last 100 years is amazing. I couldn't imagine how difficult it would have been to explore this vast, and beautiful, country.
There's so much to see - and learn - from our local museum. They'll show you through the exhibits - one especially that is a surprise to people is an invention from Smithers that no one can actually believe at first because it affects so many people world wide. I won't tell you what it is (you'll have to see it for yourself!) but it is simply (HINT) "eggceptional"!
The building itself is something to explore- built in 1925, it was the original courthouse for Smithers. So drop by if you're going through Smithers - you won't regret it!
August 09, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Hiking
Find more information about Smithers - Hiking
View a larger image on flickr.com
One of my favorite regular hikes is Call Lake Provincial Park. The other day, we ventured out for an adventure. We hiked the 3 kilometer loop, that brings you from the trail head, sort of past Call Lake (if you squint through the trees), up to "the bench" (an actual bench) and then back again.
This makes for a nice after-dinner hike that isn't too strenuous but long enough that you are satisfied. My favorite part is making it up to the bench, and looking down over the valley, especially if the sun is setting. It creates a beautiful glow that I can't really describe.
The other loop is 5 kilometers, for those who want a bit longer of a trek. I like how small the park is, and how the people living in the area of it are somewhat of a community. Go see this local favorite - either if you're hiking or biking!
August 07, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Historic & Heritage Sites
View a larger image on flickr.com
Driftwood Canyon Provincial Park (otherwise known as the fossil beds) are a great local attraction to the Smithers area. Located right before Babine Mountain Provincial Park, it is a good place to bring a picnic and sit by the creek, and go enjoy some archeological history.
Fossils were found in this area approximately 50 years ago, and ever since have been excavated by professionals from museums and universities from all over the country. Their are a few species are indigenous to the Bulkley Valley of plants, fish and bugs from 50 million years ago. Note: no fossils are allowed to leave the park.
Recently, BC Parks upgraded the park with $200,000, with now a new bridge, information signs, new benches and upgrading to the trail among most of the improvements.
Definitely a good place to go with your family on a nice day.
August 07, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Farms & Markets
Every saturday morning from 8am to 12pm, residents (and non-residents) make their way down to the Smithers farmer's market on the corner of Highway 16 and Main street. There, you can buy freshly baked bread, buy a steaming chai, creatively inspired jewelly and fresh produce (among many other things) while listening to music from our local musicians. From May until late September, people can get their fill of local goods. The farmer's market is one of my favorite things to do on a saturday, and a good way to start your weekend. The farmer's market is a Smithers tradtion- if you're looking to meet some great Smithers locals, and stock up on local goods, stop by.
August 07, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Shopping
Find more information about Smithers - Shopping
View a larger image on flickr.com
If anyone is planning a trip for Smithers, one of the places must (and are bound to) see is our Main Street. One of the things I love about Smithers is it’s commitment to our downtown, and the attitude people have to supporting local businesses. I think the residents of Smithers also appreciate how much the local businesses have available for us, and their commitment to helping create a diverse community.
Our downtown has an alpine theme, so all of the buildings have a sort of quaint European look to them. We have a wide range of stores and boutiques that offer everything from gifts and clothing to computers and a few of our fabulous restaurants. Even if you have no plans to spend any money, just doing a “mainer” (walking up and down all of main street) is a nice way to spend an hour or two. Also, you can’t miss our famous Alpenhorn man statue at the beginning of Main Street by the highway.
August 07, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Wildlife Tours
View a larger image on flickr.com
The other day, I went for a great hike on Hudson Bay Mountain. I hiked all the way up to Crater Lake (a glacial lake on the mountain) where there was alpine meadows right next to left-over snow from winter. It took me an hour to get to the top, where I jumped in the frigid lake to cool off.
Not expecting to see any animals other than the usual marmot (which I did see), coming down from the mountain I saw a buck by the parking lot! Even though I have grown up in Smithers my whole lie, seeing wildlife never ceases to amaze me, so excitedly I grabbed my camera and took some pictures.
I hope when other people go hiking to Crater Lake, they have the same luck and see some animals as well! You may see mountain goats, whisky jack birds in the fall who will eat right out of your hand, and a whole lot of snowboarders and skiers in the winter!
Editor's note: Learn more about hiking near Smithers here.
August 07, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Historic & Heritage Sites
View a larger image on flickr.com
If you’re interested in beautiful art work, native history, and a great drive, then Kitwancool is the place to stop.
From Kitwanga, it is about a 30 minute drive to this small community, where some of the best (and oldest) totem poles you can find anywhere stand. I’ve seen quite a few totem poles in my day, and these ones take the cake. Beautifully carved, and in such a breath-taking area, this is definitely worth a stop off of your trip to go see.
August 07, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Historic & Heritage Sites
View a larger image on flickr.com
If you are travelling on highway 16 west of Smithers, you can stop 5 minutes off onto highway 16 where you can see some of the most beautiful totem poles (and greatest assortment) in the west. I quote the old adage, “the best things in life are free”, because it is truly a wonderful place that you can stop, admire spectacular history and art, all for the price of willing to stop.
August 07, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Hiking
Find more information about Smithers - Hiking
The other day, I decided to go hiking in the Babine Mountains. A beautiful place to go for an adventure, it is definitely not for the faint of heart.
With many options, the trails can take you for days into these spectacular mountains. There’s even the Joe L’Orsa cabin that you can stay in on the Silverking Trail. I only went to sunnypoint, taking 1 hour-roundtrip.
On the way out of the park on the road, we stopped and watched as a family of 5 foxes ran across the road. I’ve never seen foxes come up so close to humans before, so it was a pretty exciting experience. Down the road, we had to stop again as a doe and her baby fawn ran into the forest. And still, as we continued, a moose ran across the road!
If you’re looking for wildlife in the Smithers area, I recommend going into the Babine Mountain area to see the diverse amount of animals in this area.
Editor's note: Learn more about hiking in Smithers
here.