June 08, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Attractions
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On Kitseguekla Lake Road in Smithers I stepped into a fairy tale when at kilometre nine I found an architectural dream... a shoe house. Toby Walsh built this magnificent structure several years ago and each year welcomes around 600 people who pop by to take their picture next to his home. I was amazed when I looked up on the roof and found gigantic shoelace that tied it all together. I googled shoehouses when I got home and I only found two more out there in cyberspace so this is a pretty unique experience. Everyone on the fam tour on June 6 was pretty impressed.
June 08, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Aboriginal Experiences
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Hi, I'm Alpine Alice... making my way through the many amazing sites here in the Bulkley Valley around Smithers. On Wednesday, June 6, during a local Fam Tour, organized by the Visitor Centre, I made it to the Moricetown Multiplex and Interpretive Centre. I was greeted by museum attendant, Lillian, who was eager to show me around. I saw many aborigional artifacts, old photots, crafts, historical information and a signature piece: a replica of a traditional fish trap. I loved the spectacular view from the deck overlooking the Moricetown Canyon where many of the locals fish. I enjoyed learning of our Wet'suwet'en culture in our area so if you want to enjoy this type of experience come to our area and visit Smithers and take a day trip to Moricetown.
June 08, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Food or Wine
After returning home from university, I was surprised to find out Nancy O's- a local restaurant gem that opened while I was away. Nancy O's make all of their food with local products, fresh and hand made daily. Though I am a fan of locally produced food paired with a local beer/wine, I was even more impressed with the night life that Nancy O's provide.
Since returning, I have visited Nancy O's on a regular basis and have always been impressed with the variety of local and regional musicians that the restaurant brings in. The music ranges from blues- to rock folky and everything in between. In addition to the great food and music, the people at Nancy O's could not be better and truely provide a unique Northern BC experience with prompt service.
June 06, 2012 | Tips from Us >
Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands, Beaches & Swimming
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As the 2012 summer season begins, we thought we should spruce up the salt water aquarium at the Queen Charlotte Visitor Centre with some new critters from the ocean!
Some staff went on a hunting and gathering expedition for different intertidal sea life at Miller Creek beach, about 20 minutes away from the village of Skidegate. When the tide was low they found tonnes of different coloured bat stars, a small sea cucumber, and a massive variation of species of nudibranchs (or sea slugs)! They brought a few of each back to the Visitor Centre in a bucket filled with salt water and now they make home in the tank! We've got clown nudibranchs, which are my absolute favourite, as seen in the picture!
You can see lots of this sea life in Burnaby Narrows down in the Gwaii Haanas National Park, but if you can't make it there, you can always check out Miller Creek or our tank! Maybe we'll be feeding the critters when you arrive at the centre! It's always neat to watch the decorator crabs and the sculpin snatch up the clam meat we feed them!
June 02, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Parks
A recent venture north of Prince George led to a discovery of a well hidden gem and opportunity- the opportunity to see vegetation and plants from all of Canada's provinces and territories at Good Sir Nature Park, operated by Jim Good.
Jim Good was a forest ranger many, many years ago whose hobby is Canadian plants and wildlife and the photography of them. Over the years, Mr. Good has developed his 160 acres of land into a private park that allow for locals and tourists to explore the trees, plants and vegetation of Canada. In addition to exploring the gardens he has (i.e. the Botanical Garden's, the Arctic garden, etc), Mr. Good provides camp sites with pre-cut firewood, use of his cabin and a spot for a RV; all of this is just based on donations provided by guests.
Hopefully, if you are lucky, you will meet up with Mr. Good who provides stories and walking tours throughout his propery, open up his interpretive centre for you and who will welcome you with open arms.
Good Sir Nature Park is a park for the whole family to enjoy!
May 29, 2012 | Tips from Us >
Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands, Beaches & Swimming
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We may be known for our wet climate, but we do still have beautiful sunny days! A few of us recently went out to jungle beach for a hotdog roast. It isn't quite warm enough yet for swimming, especially with the wind. However, in mid-July and August, more local families will be headed there for beach days! We spent the afternoon walking along the beach, wandering amongst the driftwood logs, and enjoying our hotdogs near the shelter and outhouses provided. Quite recently someone built a small lookout post at the entrance to the beach, as you can see in the picture!
According to the Katherine Dalzell book "The Queen Charlotte Islands of Places and Names: Book 2", Jungle Beach is the local name for the picnic site located at Halibut Bight. It is noted that Mr. Mackenzie, a taxi driver in 1930, promoted the area for picnics in order to promote trips there and help his business. During the stormy winter months, driftwood logs are deposited near the entrace of the beach, in a "jungle-like" fashion.
From swimming to beachcombing, or just looking for a place to have a picnic with the family, Jungle Beach is a favourite spot for locals and tourists to hangout in the summer sun!
May 28, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Parks
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For the last week I have been spending a lot of time getting to know Prince George, a city I grew up in but never took full advantage of. Cycling, walking, and generally enjoying the scenery has been an incredible experience. Hiking through Forests for the World, the birch leaves rustled in the wind of a coming cloud front. Sitting on the dock at Shane Lake, a dog paddled through the yellow bulrushes as a family fished. Driving out to Eskers Provincial Park near Ness Lake, shade from old trees dappled the fields as I rounded another corner. Do you see beauty in scenes like these? If you do, look away from your computer screen for a few moments. Take a step outside, and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. It doesn't matter if the sun is shining or if it is dark and raining like it is as I type this. I took a step outside, and I am better for every step I take in the outdoors of Prince George. Come on. Why not take a step or two?
May 27, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Accommodation
I was fortunate enough to be taken on a tour of the wonderful Coast Inn of the North Hotel on Thursday and having lived in Prince George my whole life I have very rarely seen any of the hotel's numerous features. I was very surprised with what the hotel had to offer. From Luxury jacuzzi rooms to more economical minded comfort rooms, the Coast Inn offers 155 rooms that suit every guests needs. Within the hotel there are also several conveniences that provide a unique experience for each visitor as well as three dining options. I've only been able to have dinner at one of these options and have to say that the Shogun is an amazing place to enjoy Japanese cuisine.
May 24, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Food or Wine
Recently I had dinner at the Shogun located in Coast Inn of the North. The staff at the restaurant were superb and had seen to our needs without intruding in on our evening. The sushi was freshed and amazing and my friends enjoyed their bento boxes immensely. After dinner was served, we were treated to a show by the chef where he demonstrated traditional Japanese drumming. I would recommend Shogun to anyone travelling through Prince George with a craving for sushi!
May 23, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Arts, Culture & History Tours
The tourism PG staff and I enjoyed our time out at Huble Homestead, Monday May 21st, while the weather was permitted. It was a busy day at the homestead as it was Seebach days! In celebration of this event there were numerous activities and sights to see such as the new exhibit, Edward Seebach's cabin. We were also able to enjoy blackpowder gun firing, sheep shearing and even pancakes and burgers for lunch. You can catch us out there again Sunday May 27th at the Sheep and Wool fair!