July 23, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince Rupert, Attractions
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During my day in Prince Rupert, the final day of my northwest BC road trip, I had a wonderful time exploring the neat little area of Cow Bay. In the morning, I stopped in at Cowpuccino's, a cute and eclectic cafe complete with cow photos from around the world. I enjoyed a latte and a delicious banana raspberry muffin, and spent some time admiring the photographs and unique decor. I was surprised and impressed to learn that all of their desserts and pastries are made from scratch in just the small kitchen behind the bar. I would love to go back and try one of their homemade pies! It was a misty morning in Prince Rupert but that didn't stop me from checking out all the little shops and galleries that fill the area. I also took some time to explore the sunken gardens close by, which would have been a beautiful spot to sit and enjoy a coffee on a drier day. For lunch, I stopped in at the famous Cow Bay Cafe to enjoy some more homemade creations. I decided on dilled salmon and halibut chowder with salad and house made bread, which was tasty and comforting on the rainy day. This seaside community is an awesome place to spend the day but make sure you bring your raincoat so you can brave the rain like the locals!
July 23, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Chetwynd, Camping
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Fireweed & Dragonflies, my favorite time of year, especially to spend it on a lake. And nothing is better than spending it on Gwillim. It is picturesque with the expansive trees & views of the mountains, all while being able to swim in these water (not that cold!). The species of fish is just as expansive, and you can either boat, canoe, kayak or fish off shore - all of which we've had success.
These are some of my favorite sites, not only the ones that back up onto the lake, but all the sites are large enough but better yet have plenty of trees & foliage between them for greater privacy.
The Park rangers are quite lovely, pleasant & helpful - a joyous change from most of the tough nuts we have encountered. Be wared though, they do crack down on parties after 11 & no fireworks allowed on site.
This trip, we had a lovely sunset which then turned into an amazing thunderstorm - with lightly that lit up the entire sky - it was a wonderful show to watch over the lake. The next day it rained lightly throughout most of the day, which resulted in a great many hands of crib! I truly enjoy the sound of rain on the roof of the holiday trailer & the awning, of which i got to finish reading my book under later in the afternoon.
The next day was absolutely beautiful, so we took the dog for a walk along the trail that goes around the side of the lake from the beach. We meandering through the pines along the shore, and settled on a nice little rocky patch do do some casting, while soaking up some rays. It was the perfect end to a perfect weekend!
July 22, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Theatre & Performing Arts
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Last night I decided to go with a friend to the drive-in movie theatre just west of Prince George. I know. It hardly sounds like blog-worthy material. Bear with me though, because there is something to be gained from knowing that there is a drive-in here. Firstly, the Park Drive-in Theatre in Prince George is, according to their website, one of only three remaining in the province. It is also one of the most northerly in the world. The rarity of such a treat may be lost on younger people who automatically associate watching a movie in a car with a built in media centre, but for those who are old enough to know who Ziggy Stardust is, it may come as a surprise. Indeed, the day where drive-in theatres were packed every weekend with old cars filled with teens eager to see the latest Dirty Harry installment is long gone, killed by cheap video rentals and movie channels and, more recently, internet video downloads. So why did I even bother going last night, when it would be easier to stay home?
1. Sitting on the couch is boring and people do that too much anyway.
2. It is cheap entertainment, with $9 getting you a double feature where at a regular theatre it would cost more for a single movie.
3. Your car can hold significantly more snacks than you could ever sneak into the regular theatre, and you don't have to fight for cup holders.
4. You can adjust the volume on your car radio yourself rather than having your ears bleeding after a loud action scene, or being frustrated because you can't hear the actors talking.
5. The screen is approximately 263 thousand times larger than any flat screen TV you could afford or fit into your house.
6. you can laugh and make as many inane comments as you want, because nobody can hear you through the glass.
If you have not yet been to the drive-in, you really don't know what you are missing. Go see the latest sci-fi, or laugh your way through the most recent animated comedy. Just remember to start the engine every once in a while, or your battery will go flat like ours did and you will need to get a jump!
July 22, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Attractions
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This past weekend I had the chance to take in a free movie in Centennial Park. A large electronic screen showing “Up” and “The Big Miracle” attracted hundreds of people to the downtown park as the sun was setting. People of all ages brought lawn chairs, blow up mattresses, blankets, and snacks to the park to enjoy the two feature films on a warm Friday night. Not only did I enjoy the family-friendly movies, I loved that I was breathing fresh air instead of sitting in an over air conditioned building. Plus, it was also a bonus that there was not an admission charge and popcorn was provided by donation! Watch out for the next Movie in the Park that is playing in August for a full, free evening of entertainment.
July 20, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Attractions
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One of my favorite ways to tour the Bulkley Valley is via the Glacier View Circle route, this loop takes about an hour to drive and has both paved and gravel sections as it runs along the scenic Telkwa High Road and a portion of Highway 16. As I did the drive today I enjoyed picturesque views of Kathlyn Glacier, rolling farms and points of interest. One of the best stops on the trip is Driftwood Provincial Park. Here I found a bridge and a nice easy walking trail to the fossil beds, and although visitors to the park may not remove fossils, I learned lots about the area’s cultural and geological history. The entire tour includes 9 sites of interest and a brochure that I picked up at the Smithers Visitor Center conveniently laid out each of these locations. I would definitely recommend doing the tour either early in the morning or late in the evening if you hope to see wildlife, especially late in July and into August when black bears frequent the berry bushes along the road.
July 19, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Armstrong, Farmers' Markets
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What a great opportunity to buy local food in a small community and knowing all the producers personally
July 18, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
New Hazelton, Attractions
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On our way up to Prince Rupert from Smithers, we stopped to explore yet another community I had never seen before - the village of Old Hazleton. Driving into town, not knowing what to expect, I was completely surprised and delighted by how beautiful and unique it was! Historic Hazelton is filled with heritage buildings dating back to 1900, which now house cute cafes, shops and much more. We stopped in at the Historic BC Cafe to grab a coffee to go and then went exploring in the old town. Walking down to the water, we took a peak in the S.S. Hazelton, a 90 foot steam powered sternwheeler replica that houses a beautiful art gallery and gift shop. In the neighbouring Polly Sargent Park, we stopped to admire the Skeena River and check out artifacts from Hazelton's steamboat days. As we headed back into town, I was overcome by the breathtaking views of the mountains surrounding the historic town. Old Hazelton is truly a unique northern attraction and I can't wait for the next time I have a chance to spend some time there to explore everything is has to offer!
July 18, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince Rupert, Dining
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We've reached our final destination on our northwest BC adventure - the beautiful city of Prince Rupert! After checking into the Crest Hotel and settling into our ocean view room, we set out to explore Cow Bay to find a spot to grab some dinner. We decided on Breaker's Pub, a place we had heard was known for great food and awesome wildlife sightings. We grabbed a table by the window, overlooking the ocean and surrounding mountains, and it was not long until we spotted our first bald eagle! Throughout the evening, we saw several more eagles, a hawk and even a seal playing in the water - they weren't kidding about the wildlife! For dinner I had some delicious panko breaded halibut and chips, and I was thoroughly impressed by the service and the overall experience of the evening. Then on our way back to the hotel, we walked right by a deer! My first evening in Prince Rupert was definitely a good one, with excellent food, stunning wildlife and great company. I can't wait to see what I'll discover in Prince Rupert tomorrow!
July 18, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince Rupert, Cultural, Community or Seasonal
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Last month I had the great fortune of visitng Prince Rupert for the annual festival of Seafest! This years festival was very important for more reasons than one, but was incredible in so many ways. This was the first year that I had ever attended Seafest, but from my first visit I would say that I would be intersted in returning again in future years.
This years version of Seafest was also the 50th Anniversary of the Canadian Coast Guard. Because of this, the Coast Guard played a significant role and their half-century anniversary celebrated. From a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, street hockey games, a scavenger hunt in the streets for free vouchers and coupons for local establishments, incredible sea and air races and competitions on the Sunday, an amazing parade to open up the weekend, and tremendous live music all weekend long...just to name a few of the amazing activities that took place over the weekend.
Saturday was an incredible day for weather, and from talking to various locals and others that had been to other Seafest festivals in the past had told me that this weather was a strange but welcome surprise. But then the Sunday came along and it didn't stop raining all day, so that brought back a little regularity for numerous returnees of the festival. I had been to Prince Rupert a couple times before, and on all prior occasions it had always been sunny and nice, so this rain was the surprise and differ from normal for me.
Seafest helped re-engage my love for the ocean and wish that I lived closer sometimes. Prince Rupert plays such a significant role on the west coast and with the 50th anniversay of the coast guard also being celebrated, helped someone like myself see the importance of the coast guard to the massive shipping and fishing industry that operates out of their port. All of the celebrations over the weekend made someone like myself that much more aware that while it was a fun and incredible festival, the people involved in the jobs, which the festival celebrated, and their location on the west coast made the meaning of the festival that much better. I feel from experiencing this festival, that each community should have a festival celebrating the industries that are important and support them, while also bringing friends and family together to have a good time; which is something I feel Seafest did a great job of accomplishing.
The whole weekend was a big celebration for the Canadian Forces, the Canadian Coast Guard, and Prince Ruperts very important and strategic position it maintains on the Pacific west coast. It was a great weekend, with some really amazing weather, that I am sure to return to again sometime in the near future!
July 17, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Attractions
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This week I was able to embark on a totally new experience. By signing up at the Houston Visitor Center I was able to go on a mill tour later that day. I got to put on all the equipment a regular mill employee wears (not including the steel toed shoes) and tour throughout the entire mill. Starting outside we saw as the logs were prepped and sent into the sawmill. We then went into the sawmill ourselves and had some of our questions answered by mill employees. From the sawmill we then got to see the planer. From the planer we saw as the lumber was packaged and placed on train cars. The whole trip was very informative and loud.
It was very nice to have the chance to see what goes on in a mill setting. I had many opportunities to stop and take a picture and just watch as the lumber was being split and sorted. The fact that the Visitor Center offers two tours three days a week was great as well. The tour was able to suit my schedule.
If you are looking to explore somewhere new, make sure to take the opportunity to explore Canfor Mill. As one of the few areas that allow mill tours to operate, it is truly a must see attraction.