August 14, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince Rupert, Car / Truck / Motorcycle
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I just returned from Prince Rupert, and had a great time! I went on a tour of Pike Island, which has petroglyphs and a longhouse, with Seashore Charters. We ate (and drank!) at Rain Dining Lounge, which was super funky AND had amazing food! I also stayed in a brand new suite at The Crest Hotel, and it was awesome - kitchen with granite countertops, entertainment area, flatscreen, fireplace, king size bed... I didn't want to leave it.
July 20, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince Rupert, Outdoor Activity Tours
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King Pacific Lodge in the Great Bear Rainforest would be a great place to go, kick back and relax - IF there wasn't so much cool stuff to do!!!
I'm not usually one of those people with FOMO - you know, "Fear Of Missing Out"! On vacation, I can usually kick back with a book and be perfectly happy for at least a day or two, but not at KPL... there are too many things worth doing (and once you're there, it's all-inclusive!) So, when our plane belly-landed in Barnard Harbour, I arrived at a floating adventure playland, and had to make some tough decisions:
Why spend time with a book when I can go kayaking at low tide, and see seastars, anenomes, sun stars and eagles?
Why take a long bath when there's a Rainforest hike, or cultural tour to Hartley Bay First Nation to go on?
Why spend time on the internet when there are humpback whales bubblenet feeding nearby, just waiting to have their picture snapped?
Why sleep late when I can go visit Cetacealab, an independent whale research station?
Why diet on vacation? There are no mere meals at King Pacific Lodge, there are amazing gastronomic experiences! Pacific Northwest cuisine, paired with BC wines, healthy BC-sourced fresh food, lovingly prepared by lodge's chefs. Executive Chef Maxim Ridorossi's creations are sublime. (Did I mention there are only 28 guests at a time - with a staff of 24 - 30 to take care of them?)
So, the answer to all of the questions was - PARTAKE and ENJOY. It's a once in a lifetime experience, and has to be experienced fully to be truly appreciated!
July 20, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Sightseeing Tours
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The Prince George Railway & Forestry Museum is one of my favourite (kid-friendly) activities in Prince George. Driving by, it may not look like there's much there, but once you're inside the fence, and climbing aboard locamotives - you'll be surprized.
One of the great things is that it's HANDS ON - you can climb aboard all the engines, cars and cabooses with orange steps. Once inside, you won't find ropes holding you back from touching things! You can climb up into the back seats of a caboose, relax in the "Nechako" coach - used as a VIP reception centre at Expo '86, or, on some days, help operate a 1913 steam crane.
The miniature Cottonwood Railway is a hit with the kids. (Okay, I like it, too). The railway runs around the perimeter of the property, through a tunnel, an old beehive burner (picture a large, inverted badminton shuttlecock) and over a small bridge. It's an extra $2.00 for a train ride, and worth it.
It's not all for kids, either! There's many an adult visitor who dreams of riding the rails. And considering that you can sit in the conductor's seat and operate the controls, it's about as close as most of us will get!
For those with the "other kind" of kids, the museum is dog-friendly, too!
July 16, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. James, Historic & Heritage Sites
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You might think that taking an energetic three year old to a National Historic Site would be a disaster, but not if it's Fort St. James National Historic Site!
On a sunny Sunday, the hubby and I packed up 3 year old Jacob, and headed out. After the scenic hour and a half drive (from Prince George), we found ourselves in 1896! Following the simple self-guided tour, we happily discovered that it is a HANDS-ON attraction, staffed by interested and interesting costumed interpreters.
In the Warehouse and Fur Storage building, we were able to touch the furs, barrels and supplies, smell the wood of the building, and sense the bustling activity of the past.
In the Men's House, we couldn't resist the photo op, sitting in the precursor to the La-Z-Boy, wearing a felt hat and holding a bottle of Irish Whiskey. (So what if he's three?)
The Trade Store and Office was a hit with Jacob, where he got to trade his fur (after haggling with the staff) for a "gold" chocolate coin.
We got to feed the chickens and the cat at the Officer's House, swung on the swing, and played pioneer games out on the lawn with another one of the staff.
Lastly, we built the walls of a house with the ingenious "Piece on Piece" playhouse. A cool drink in the shady house rounded out our afternoon.
We ended up spending over three hours on the site, and Jacob was happy every minute of it! For us grownups, the setting was simply beautiful, the history was interesting, and we'd definitely go again!
November 28, 2008 | Tips from Travellers >
Terrace, Festivals & Events
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We went to Terrace, my husband's hometown, for "Riverboat Days" this summer. Although I was somewhat skeptical of how big of a festival it would be, I was happy to go anyway because Terrace is lush and beautiful, with lots of outdoor stuff to do.
Riverboat Days is a really well organised 9 day festival. It definitely had a kind of old-time, northern vibe going on - I went to the "Happy Gang" pancake breakfast, and ended up sitting next to community matriarch, Betty Campbell. Dressed in her loveliest dress, she was ready to take her place on the parade float as the "2008 Riverboat Days Queen". The breakfast was packed, but everyone made room, rescued spilling juice from excited children, and talked to whoever sat nearby.
The parade was over an hour long, and included the Nisga'a dancers in traditional regalia, fire trucks (I had my 3 year old with me, so that was a hit!), some pretty talented bands, and Vancouver 2010 Olympic mascots Miga, Quatchi and Sumi.
The same day, we checked out the farmers market (mmm.... pakoras), went to the Kitsumkalum Salmon barbeque, and later watched Chilliwack perform in the park!
Another day, we went to Kitselas Canyon National Historic Site, (15km from Terrace) and watched four new Crest Poles - Wolf, Eagle, Raven and Killerwhate - being raised. Then, more salmon from the bbq! It was a crazy hot day, so on the way back, we stopped in at Kleanza Creek Provincial Park, and plunged into the ice-cold stream to cool down.
There was more to do as part of the festival and in the Terrace area, but I'll save that for another entry!
November 28, 2008 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Gardens
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When I moved to the north 4 years ago, I had no idea how beautiful the wildflowers are here in the early summer. When my husband, son and I went for a drive on a Sunday afternoon in late June, we saw THOUSANDS of wildflowers, and even sat and watched (and photographed) a cow moose.
We also went to Goodsir Nature Park, about 30km north of Prince George, and wandered around on the trails. The whole place has been built by one man, Jim Good, who has been collecting plant samples from all over Canada. In addition to seeing the typical wildflowers - lupines, indian paintbrush and columbine - there are some more unususal species. I hadn't seen a chocolate lily before. There is also an old homestead cabin on the grounds. Take your camera, water and a snack with you if you go, as we ended up spending about 3 hours there. Admission is by donation.
This picture is actually taken in a ditch, at the side of Highway 97. (June 22, 2008)