June 24, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Sightseeing Tours
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During our local Fam Tour on June 6, we enjoyed the road less traveled. The Telkwa High road is a back road with amazing views; it was once our area's old wagon road, and it stretches from Moricetown to Telkwa. We started our back road adventure in Moricetown, the site of the oldest Wet'suwet'en settlement in the Bulkley Valley. As we passed the Moricetown Canyon I watched the roaring river flow over the many jagged rocks below. I kept an eye out for any of the plethora of animals in the area as we drove on, because there is a good chance of seeing wildlife on the Telkwa High Road... and, sure enough, we spotted a bear! Past country bakeries and farms, I continued to enjoy these backroad wonders. Towards the end of our tour we turned onto a dirt road up to the Driftwood Canyon Provincial Park, a world-renowned fossil bed and the site of the world's earliest known salmonid fossil. We continued on our way past the beautiful Tyhee Lake Provincial campgrounds and swimming area, which lead us onto the highway in Telkwa, where we were on our way back to our Alpine themed town of Smithers. The Circle Tour, as it is known, led us from Moricetown to Telkwa, then back to our hometown, a simple trip turned into a wonder, because it's not the destination, but rather the journey to it, that is the real adventure. Stop staring at the yellow line and enjoy the road less traveled!
June 24, 2012 | Tips from Us >
Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands, Wildlife Tours
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It was a beautiful day yesterday, with a high of 18 degrees nearing lunch! Perfect weather for the annual Hosptial Day celebration! Since 1908, islanders gather in Queen Charlotte City to host an event that raises funds for equipment that the government won't pay for for the island hospitals! It began yesterday with a parade, followed by food booths, activities, live music and more! The night ended with a country-themed adult dance, packed full of happy people and more live music!I had a smokey and piece of chocolate cheesecake for lunch...delicious!
The celebration is located at the ball park and community hall in Queen Charlotte City, oceanfront. I was hanging out, eating some cotton candy, when I spotted these eagles (see picture) on the beach! While I'm a little bit too old for potato sack races and tug-of-war, I won't ever be too old or too young to watch the wildlife of Haida Gwaii!
So keep your eyes and ears open...you never know when an animal will show up at any moment! Whether you're in the backroads driving and spot a black bear and cubs, or down in Gwaii Haanas National Park on a four day boat tour and spot a pod of orcas or white-sided dolphins, you will surely realize just how close to nature we all are here.
June 24, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Fishing
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Last night was so far the most enjoyable evening I have had so far this summer. The sun was still shining, the sky was a soft blue with few clouds, and the mosquitoes were at bay. This made for a spectacular, relaxing night of fishing at Chuck’s Puddle. I was determined to catch my first fish of the year so I scouted out the perfect fishing spot at a secluded area away from the boat launch and other fishermen. My excitement and purpose shown through as I took far more time than required to choose my fishing rod and lucky fish hook that actually smelled like a fish to be sure to provide me with a BIG catch. Since I haven’t been fishing in years, it was nice to have my boyfriend along to re-teach me the trick of the trade. It all came back to me quickly as it only took me a few tries before I could cast beyond the immediate weeds. Being out at Charlie Lake provided me with a sense of calmness and peacefulness that my daily life rarely offers.
After an hour of countless casts, finally a fish was on the line! Unfortunately, it was not my bait that had lured in a Jackfish. As you can see in the picture, my boyfriend was the lucky one, or as he likes to tell me, the one with the fishing skills. I snapped a few pictures and then the fish was released back into the lake since they apparently aren’t the tastiest of fish. By the time 10 o’clock approached, the sun had set behind the trees so we decided to pack up our gear and head home. I kept telling myself “just one more cast and you’ll get one” but I finally granted the fish victory for the night. Don’t worry though, I’ll be back to get my desired Walleye, or even better, the rare Yellow Perch.
June 22, 2012 | Tips from Us >
Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands, Shopping
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In downtown Queen Charlotte City, there are quite a few shops that have some pretty neat stuff! I went with my friend to Funk It Gallery and Morgan's Store. Morgan's Store used to be owned by the same people, but situated elsewhere. They've now combined the two into one location!
Funk It showcases local artwork, furniture, jewellery, and more! It's a great place to venture to if you're looking for souvenirs or other items. Morgan's Store is a used clothing store. Clothes are brought back to life and sold at affordable prices, and there are some really fun pieces! In the photo to the left, my friend and I tried on our favourite pieces...something out of the ordinary!
Downstairs from Funk It is Queen B's Cafe. After you're done shopping, or just browsing as we were, you can head downstairs for lattes, italian sodas, bread pudding and more! They have great lunches varying daily from black bean enchiladas to artichoke, spinach, and prawn pesto pizzas! The cafe has a very warm and relaxed feel to it. All of July there is a 'Chasing the Light photography' art show featured in Queen B's and Funk it, so be sure to check it out! My friend and I sat down for some warm bread pudding, topped with whipped cream, and two italian sodas. It really helps when the staff at Funk It and Morgan's and Queen B's are all so fun and inviting! What a great day!
June 22, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Boating & Sailing
British Columbia has approximately 34 kazillion lakes. That's right. I did my research. Even on Wikipedia, there are 312 pages for BC lakes, and those are only the big and well known ones warranting articles. But when was the last time you headed out onto one of these lakes? Has it been a while? I just went out a few days ago, and paddled around in my grandfather's ancient aluminum boat with a friend. We packed some snacks, put on the oar locks, and rowed across Ness Lake to tie up to a tree and drift while enjoying the breeze. It was fantastic, and reminded me how much we need to stop and enjoy little pleasures like a nice day or a cool breeze. Borrow a canoe or find an inflatable dinghy, and remind yourself too. No matter where you are in BC, I guarantee one of those 34 kazillion lakes is close by.
June 21, 2012 | Tips from Us >
Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands, Kayaking & Canoeing
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Summer solstice has arrived and we can officially call it summer now! What better way to enjoy the waters here on a calm day then to launch a canoe or kayak.
The photo on the left is of the most common area in Queen Charlotte City where kayaks and canoes are launched. Located right next to Spruce Point Lodge on the beach, this area allows for tourists and locals to hop in and explore the inlet. With many islands littered throughout, you can stop and have lunch, dinner or enjoy that sunset at any of the beaches!
I went out on a small river kayak that my parents own with my friend yesterday. It was quite calm and it was very light rain, so I was able to just throw on a sweater. We kayaked around Robertson Island, and landed on the beach there near a couple of tourists. They were planning a trip further down Skidegate Channel, out to the west coast. My friend, being very knowledgable about kayaking and the dangers of the area, gave them pointers and showed them where open cabins were located. I was able to tell them the 7 day forecast that we print daily at the Visitor Centre!
We spent the rest of the afternoon travelling to different beaches. Most were the same, but the further we got, the more isolated we were. It really was a great experience! We were able to sit and watch the sunset when we got back onto Robertson Island, with a little bit of daylight left to allow us to paddle back to the launch!
I highly recommend kayaking on Haida Gwaii if you can. If you have no vehicle to transport kayaks, this launch is great! The kayaks can be rented right there and carried easily to the beach. Happy kayaking!
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 >
Revelstoke, Parks
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We love visiting Blanket Creek Provincial Park, South of Revelstoke. I had trouble choosing a category, since it could be hiking, camping, bird watching, bear watching, nature tours, swimming, as well as Parks.
The picnic area at Blanket Creek is beside a small lake, which would be perfect for swimming. Above the beach the picnic tables are on a grassy area full of gopher holes. The gophers pop up and may join your picnic! A short hike takes you to the lake on the Columbia River, where there are beautiful views of the mountains. Another hike leads to Sutherland Falls, a dramatic falls dropping into the creek which runs to the Columbia. It was on the steep bluff across the creek that we saw a bear this Spring.
There is also a very nice camping area, for both seasonal and overnight campers.
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!