June 26, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince Rupert, Museums
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Located along the Northwest Corridor on Highway 16 West of Northern British Columbia is the community of Port Edward and the North Pacific Cannery. Since being established in 1889 and being open for almost 100 years, the North Pacific Cannery served the region and was a prominent fixture of the fishing industry.
I made my way out to Prince Rupert a few weeks ago, and shortly before Prince Rupert is located the community of Port Edward. Here is Port Edward is located one of Canada's best National Historic Sites. The Cannery served as a prominent fixture of the fishing industry and today it serves as a museum documenting the North Pacific Cannery's important place in the history of this region.
Many canneries were located along the Pacific West Coast and today you can see what remains of the buildings in Port Edward. You are able to experience how life would have been in the cannery from the old machines, boats, equipment and canning supplies. Enjoy the unique experience of having a meal in the old mess hall, or spend a night in the old bunkhouse of authentic cannery living quarters.
If you find yourself driving along Highway 16 West heading towards Prince Rupert, make the stop into Port Edward and visit the North Pacific Cannery. Here you will find the place where thousands of workers and their families, of various nationalities including First Nations, Chines and Japanese, migrated to Port Edward for the summer months in order to take advantage of the salmon season. This National Historic Site is a must see on any visitors list travelling along the Northwest Corridor.
June 26, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Parks
While in Prince George I wanted a view of the city from above and it was recommended to me that I visit Connaught Hill. It is a very beautiful park right on the top of the highest point in Prince George. I was told that Connaught Hill used to be a ski hill many years ago and was used for training for ski jumping. Today, the hill is site to a very beautiful park with lots of flowers, rock gardens, and many great areas with picnic tables all around the park. I was able to drive my car all the way up the hill and park at the top, but many more adventurous types have the possibility of parking at the bottom and making the hike up. I wasn't feeling that adventurous that day, so I decided to avoid the steep climb. While there, some friends and myself brought a soccer ball and a frisbee with us, as the abundance of trees around made for the perfect soccer goals, and a few more obstacles as well. The afternoon spent on Connaught Hill was well worth it, and the view of Prince George was a bonus as well.
June 25, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Quesnel, Historic & Heritage Sites
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There is gold in the hills! Come on out to try your luck at striking it rich in Barkerville!
While it may be 150 years since Barkerville became a town, named after the now famed gold miner named Billy Barker, people still flock from all over the world to try their luck at finding gold. But while this gold may only be a few small fragments in your pan as you try your luck in Barkerville, the thril is still just the same when you get to go home with a little vial to show for your efforts. Barkerville is a town of so much history since 1862 when there were, in today's standards, millions of dollars taken out of the hills surrounding the area. The gold rush was a magnificent boom for the region which brought many people and their families to the area.
Today, Barkerville remains open as a historical site for thousands of people to visit each year to pan for gold, take a horse-drawn carriage ride throughout the town, watch some incredible live theatre, singers in the streets, dressing up in period clothing and taking a black-and-white photo home as a souvenir, and numerous other great activities. One of the best bakeries of any period definitely must be Goldfield's Bakery located right on main street where they have some of the best baked goods that I can remember. Along with the House Hotel Coffee Saloon, Lung Duck Tong Restaurant, and Wake Up Jakes, nobody will go hungry in this old gold mining town.
Louis Blanc Photography is very neat photography shop where you can dress up in period clothing, grab yourself a gold pan, a rifle, or an assortment of other props, and have a great memorable photo taken of your group so you won't soon forget the day. The Mason and Daly General Store provides you with some of the best sweets that anyone can be pleasured to enjoy; often causing me to stock up on multiple different candies, fudge and treats to last me a very long time. After all these sweets, you may need to stop into the local dentist to have some work done; so it's wise to watch how many sweets you do consume because the gentleman sitting in the chair getting his tooth pulled out doesn't look like he is having much fun.
One of the best adventures of the day definitely must be the stop at the school house where the old schoolmarm with teach you the proper way to write your cursive writing; and if you don't follow the rules, you may find yourself scolded by the teacher or a slap on the wrist, which will teach you to listen. This day at school gets you thinking that we don't have it too bad today or anything to complain about when we go to school; might as well enjoy it a little.
For the brave and adventurous at heart you can spend the night right in Barkerville at the Kelly and King House or the St. George Hotel. Make your stay in Barkerville perfectly unique and give yourself something to talk about for quite some time by staying over-night and taking advantage of the full experience. The steep narrow stairs in all of these buildings really gets you to enjoy the houses we have today. These owners will make your stay so pleasant and maybe evening convincing you to spend a few nights.
While in Barkerville, don't hesitate to stray off main street a little and check out the adjacent streets with all the other buildings, the water wheel, and shops. Just off main street I found a wonderful little woodwork shop and bought myself an old wooden top, that even provides someone like myself well past my childhood years to a long enjoyable time. Go and visit the amazing church, and if you have the time, go and visit the old graveyard up on the hill where Billy Barker himself and many other fellow miners rest today.
Barkerville provides endless opportunities for fun and adventure for any age and I hope to return again this year. Perhaps I will try to get down to enjoy the full festivities of Dominion Day in Barkerville, celebrating on July 1st. Make your way down there and strike gold - in the form of endless memories.
June 24, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Camping
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Growing up, many kids including myself began to form a love for outdoors adventures and camping. One of the many great thrills of looking forward to summer was to attending the Ness Lake Bible Camp. The fun of outdoor adventures on the lake with various water sports, boating, swimming, and hiking. With all of these activities it made for the quickest week out at camp. You always wanted to keep going and never wanted the week and activities to end. With all of these day activities, you cannot forget the evening campfires. These made for some of the best memories for camp growing up.
Recently, I went back out to Ness Lake, and while I may be a few years older now, I still enjoy the camp just as much as before. I didn't do the whole camp experience as I'm a little old for it now, but I went back for a conference. I took advantage of the food made by the wonderful kitchen, stayed in the rustic cabins on the lake, and enjoyed the overall great amenities. The camp is able to be booked out for a conference by any group and allow you to take advantage of all of their services that they offer.
Whether you are looking for a great summer getaway for fun at the lake, or you are in need of an amazing place to hold your conference, Ness Lake Bible Camp & Conference Centre is a good option to suit the many needs you may have. The staff here make the camp completely worth the experience and you will be wanting to never leave, and if you must, then return time and time again.
June 19, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Food or Wine
While visiting Prince George, I chose to explore the downtown area and much to my delight I found numerous options for having a hot or cool drink at one of the many downtown cafes. One of my now favourite options is a place called Zoe's Javahouse! I have been there numerous times since my first visit and the place just seems to drag me back each time. It is located right downtown on 4th Avenue amongst many local shops and stores that are locally owned and operated. Zoe's is nothing different, as the owners are very friendly and make it easy for me to return time and time again.
One of my favourites that I seem to get quite regularly is a wonderful turkey sandwich with all the vegetable toppings of your choice, plus to top it all off is a friendly serving of real cranberry jelly. The fresh made bread of your choice make this an easy selection each and every time I go there. This is by far my favourite choice, even though you cannot forget any of the other great options either. To finish off the combo, I usually add a bowl of the freshly made daily soup. I try to drag myself out of there without buying too many little treats for later too, but that normally doesn't go too well as I tend to buy something else for the road.
The cafe has a wonderful chill atmosphere as everyone always seems so relaxed and friendly; making this quite easy to spend a lot of time here. On days when it is nice and sunny, they open up the great big windows at the front and it feels like the tables seated nearest to the front of the cafe are almost on a patio as it just completely opens up the space. Bring a nice book or relax in the cafe with friends and you will find yourself staying for a lengthy period of time, just like myself.
If you find yourself in Prince George and wanting freshly made local food for a great price, Zoe's is always near the top of my list.
June 19, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Vanderhoof, Outdoor Activity Tours
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Northern British Columbia has an abundance of mountains, lakes, rivers, and many incredible waterfalls. The region is full of so many picturesque and secluded areas that the outdoor enthusiast in me never seems to get bored by so many new adventures that are available. Throughout my travels, I always try to search out and explore as many waterfalls as possible. I enjoy the power that the waterfalls create and the chance to explore and discover them.
One of my favourite waterfalls in the Vanderhoof area is Greer Creek Falls. After a short drive heading south from Vanderhoof on Kenny Dam Road, just around the 37km mark on the road is located the parking lot for the trail leading to the falls. I found myself here by accident one day but was pleasantly surprised by what I found. The trail is quite steep with many trees, flowers and other plants leading the trail down the path to where the falls are located at the bottom. The falls disappear into a nice pool at the bottom which is great place for a quick swim to cool off after the hike down. There is a great little picnic area with a few tables to enjoy a meal on while you enjoy the mist from the pool. The adventure seeker in me decided to climb the hill beside the waterfall, which may or many not have been the best idea, but it turned out well and I enjoyed doing it. It definitely gave a much different perspective of everything from on top of the falls.
This waterfall is definitely worth the drive in and the hike down to it and I would recommend it to anyone. There are so many great waterfalls in Northern British Columbia, so this little gem just south of Vanderhoof is a great adventure for anyone.
June 17, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Burns Lake, Fishing
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Stretching across the Northwest region of Northern British Columbia is the enormous lake called Francois Lake. It is a very chilly lake for swimming, even in the summer; but this lake is an amazing lake for some fishing. Access to Francois Lake can be made through multiple locations with access from Fraser Lake and Burns Lake being both common access points to the lake.
A great opportunity for fishing on the lake can be found via Nithi Lake Resort, through access via Fraser Lake. There can be Nothing Like Nithi when it comes to a great resort on Francois Lake. It is a great location for some of the best fishing in the region, with numerous possibilities for accommodation. You are able to rent out one of the twelve cabins that they have available, with various different sizes and prices. If staying in a cabin is not your thing, then there are full service hook-up sites available as well. The convenience store at Nithi is stocked with lots of useful things like live bait, tackle and fishing supplies, canned foods, ice, pop, water and various other treats. If you don't have your own fishing gear and boat available, they were able to rent one out to me to use.
Fishing on Francois Lake and making a stop at Nithi Lake Resort should be on anyone's list, especially all the fishing enthusiasts.
June 17, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
McBride, Art Galleries & Artists
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Nestled in the heart of the Robson Valley is a little community called McBride. It is a beautiful area surrounded by many mountains on all sides, with an abundance of outdoor adventure activities for everyone to enjoy. Whether you drive or decide to take the Via Rail train to the stop at the Heritage Train Station from either Jasper or Edmonton, it is a great place to stop. The Heritage Train station is a wonderful little rustic train station with the Whistle Stop Gallery and The Beanery coffee shop to share the building.
Surrounded by parks and playground equipment, this train stop is the perfect place to stop and visit as a family. The Whistle Stop Gallery is an amazing little gallery, full of work from many local and area artists. It is easy to spend quite a bit a time here relaxing and looking at all of the wonderful artwork; and if you so choose to, you are able to purchase some of it to take home with you.
The Beanery coffee shop is a nice little quaint cafe with many great options for coffee, treats, homestyle meals, and various other hot and cool beverages. Whether you are just passing through or choose to stay and explore the adventures in the region, the Heritage Train Staion, Whistle Stop Gallery, and the Beanery are three perfect places to stop and visit while you are in McBride.
June 17, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Food or Wine
Tucked away in the sheer size of one of the newest hotels in Prince George, the Sandman Signatures, is located a hidden gem of a restaurant in Prince George. I had not heard many of my friends talk about the Rockford Grill as a prime destination for eating out, so this is when I became confused. I had myself an excellent lunch here in the very modern and relaxed restaurant. The huge bar is located right in the middle of the restaurant, so you are able to sit at all four sides of the bar and enjoy your meal, while also watching one of the many tv's they have on display. I was particularly pleased with some of the decorations they have used, an example being the coat rack that looks like multiple sets of antlers. I found this very interesting and helped bring a unique connection to Prince George and the north. I enjoyed a wonderful dish of Salmon Pesto Penne, with a side of garlic toast, and it was wonderfully cooked and a great meal to have with friends. I will definitely be going out again sometime soon to see what else this restaurant has to offer.
August 12, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Mount Robson, Hiking
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For anyone out there that loves a great hike, then I would seriously recommend hiking Mount Robson just on the border of British Columbia and Alberta. This great hike can be done by the easier of beginner hikers all the way to the well advanced. The first section of the trail up to Kinny Lake is quite easy and wheelchair accessible so that anyone can do it. Because it is always open to the elements though, the trails can sometimes get a bit dirty and muddy and make wheelchair travel a bit more difficult, but not impossible. Beyond Kinny Lake, the trail goes all the way up the mountain to the top to Berg Lake, some amazing cakes, and of course a giant glacier. The well advanced hikers can make it all the way up to the top and back down to the bottom again in one day, but for those more willing to take their time, you can camp at various locations along the way up the mountain at many different campsites. There are some incredible waterfalls along the way at Emperor Falls, and some amazing scenery as well. Some of the scenery I swear could be used to film a dinosaur or Jurassic Park movie. Mount Robson is the highest mountain in the Rocky Mountains and I definitely recommend this hike to anyone out there, either a nice day hike or a couple day hike to the top.