August 12, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Science, Nature or Animals
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I finally attempted to find Buck Falls again. My first attempt was a failure; I ended up taking a wrong turn, I got frustrated and ended up going home without seeing the falls. This time I asked around to find the correct path. After turning on to Buck Flats off of Highway 16, I traveled all the way to the fork in the road. From here there is a sign directing you left to the falls. Drive another 3.5km, and stay left. That was where I made my mistake on my first attempt. The road to the falls instructs you to use a radio to call up, but it isn't necessary to get to the falls. Seeing that sign the first time is what caused me to question if I was going in the right direction. If I had of stayed on the road until you get to the bridge I would have found the falls. The trail itself is found on the left side of the road just on the far side of the bridge. The trail leads right down to the water in a few areas and provides great vantage points to see the river. I loved the view, but I was too nervous to travel too deep into the forest. I saw the first two falls and could see the top of the third, but I didn't go and look for the rest. The rushing water was so peaceful to listen to and the area was beautiful and peaceful. Now that I know how to get to the falls I plan on returning but this time I'll bring more people.
August 11, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Arts, Culture & History Tours
I am inviting you to come with me on a sped up version of the Houston Art Walking Tour. The tour takes roughly 30 minutes to complete. Starting at the Houston sign in front of the Visitor Center and ending just across the street from the Visitor Center, the art walking tour is an easy sight seeing adventure to go on. For a complete description of all the attractions seen, please come visit us at the Houston Visitor Center.
August 11, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Cultural, Community or Seasonal
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Geocaching is a growing activity in the Peace Region with more and more caches being registered and more geocachers coming to seek them out every day. For those of you who have never heard of geocaching it is a free real-world outdoor treasure hunt. Players try to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using a smartphone or GPS and can then share their experiences online.
Geocaching in the Peace Region is relatively new, but in Dawson Creek there are plenty of places to explore and pick up a few smiley faces. Each geocache location is a unique representation of the extraordinary nature of the Peace Region and of Dawson Creek’s distinctive history. There are geocaches of every level in Dawson Creek. For beginners there are some that are just on the side of the road or right by local businesses. For the more experienced geocacher there are caches that require more of a hike and some powers of deduction. These geocaches can also vary based on fitness level, while some are wheel chair accessible others require walks in the wilderness.
Geocaching is a great way to get to know any region and spend some time in the great outdoors. Whether you’re on vacation with the family or if you’re flying solo and just want some fresh air geocaching is the way to go. With new caches popping up in Dawson Creek all the time you’ll be hard pressed to keep up with all the amazing stories that arise with each find.
Go on an adventure with geocaching!
August 11, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Cultural, Community or Seasonal
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It is Fall Fair week in Dawson Creek, which means it’s time to trade in sandals for boots, khakis for a pair of Wrangler jeans and to put on a cowboy hat. It’s time to embrace the spirit of the west and become a cowgirl/boy for the week. Some might feel a little hesitant about this kind of environment, but everyone from the Peace Region knows that we’re all here to have a good time and try some new experiences.
The first step to becoming a cowgirl/boy for the week is the clothes. Try on your first pair of cowboy boots (they even come in pink, or flaming red!), maybe look around at the fair booths where you might find the right cowboy hat just waiting to be tried on. To complete the outfit, you can never go wrong with a pair of Wrangler jeans. Once you’ve got your get up on you may find that infamous western swagger coming naturally. There’s something about wearing a cowboy hat and or boots that just feels right. Don’t be surprised if you suddenly develop a strong southern accent as well!
Now that you’re properly outfitted why not take in some of the livestock exhibits and familiarize yourself with the famous livestock of the west. Cattle, llamas, sheep, goats and of course horses are all at the fair so you can not only admire them but also learn more about what they’re used for on ranches and their importance to the Peace Region.
Now that you’ve learned all about the horses it’s time to try riding one! If you go down to the Agriplex at the EnCana centre near the Fair Grounds in Dawson Creek they’ll be happy to talk to you about trail rides as well as riding inside the track for beginners. Learning how to ride a horse is an exciting experience and this is definitely the week to try it! Once you’ve tried it yourself you’ll definitely be able to appreciate the riders in the Pro Rodeo happening in the grandstands every afternoon. Barrel racing, calf tying and bronco and bull riding are just a few of the exciting events featured in pro rodeo. They’re speed, agility and horsemanship will leave you with your jaw on the floor.
Fall Fair week is always a fun time for the community in Dawson Creek where we can all come together to celebrate western culture. It is one of the best times of the year to try something new and will leave you with fond memories of “that one time” you got to be a cowgirl/boy for a week.
August 11, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Historic & Heritage Sites
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I went and explored the historic buildings in Houston the other day. The most prominent features of this historic walk are the first school house and first church built in Houston. While the historic walk is a work in progress, it is already very interesting. On weekdays during the summer anyone can tour through the first church and truly step into the past.
The Houston Visitor Center offered information on the first school house constructed. Apparently the school house has been standing since 1916! The school house is one room with no washroom or running water; it was heated by a wood space heater. The school was used until 1954 as a school and as a meeting area for council members.
I was able to find information about the church as well. The church was the Church of St. Clement and it too was originally constructed in 1916. Originally it was used as a Mission House, but was later rebuilt as a Church of St. Clement in 1953. When the church became too small for the growing Houston population, a new church was built and the old church was retired.
It amazes me how well the old buildings are preserved. Along the walk as well you can see some old fire equipment along with other miscellaneous things. Taking in all the historic buildings and things really helped me connect with the town I was raised in.
August 11, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Duncan, Kayaking & Canoeing
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Cowichan Bay is a beautiful fishing village on Vancouver Island that is centered in a region that offers so much to see and do.
One of the more popular options are the guided kayaking tours offered by Cowichan Bay Kayaks. Oceanfront Suites at Cowichan Bay had a discussion with Huw Jones, the owner, recently in a web video series produced to showcase the region.
August 11, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Fishing
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For Father's Day this year I went with my dad to Irrigation (Dunalter) Lake to see if the fish were biting. Usually we are never disappointed and this trip was no exception. In the three hours we were out on the lake we caught and released five rainbow trout. The lake, which is so close to Houston, is my favorite spot to enjoy peaceful fishing. With electric motors only allowed on the lake, few people go to Irrigation Lake to fish. Everyone is missing out though; you are enveloped by the quiet, pristine surroundings during the spring and early summer. While fishing I love watching the eagles catch fish and loons move so gracefully around the lake. As the summer continues the fish tend to dive deeper and bite less often due to the heat.
The heat does have an upside though. People are drawn to Irrigation Lake in the summer, but they aren't fishing they are swimming.
Irrigation Lake is one of the most popular swimming areas in the summer when the weather turns hot. With a small beached area and picnic spots all around, the spot is very well-liked. Irrigation Lake still offers more for people to enjoy though! Walking trails start on either side of the parking lot and take you almost all around the lake. Also with campfire pits, it is a relaxing area to enjoy your evening.
Though I enjoy cooling down at Irrigation Lake this summer, I cannot wait for fall to come. When the weather starts cooling down again the fish will be biting once more and that's my favorite thing about Irrigation Lake.
August 11, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Water Activity Tours
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The Bulkley River follows highway 16 for more than 160 km, and there are numerous locations where the river is accessible and which offer excellent fishing for both resident and see-run sport species. A few of my favorite spots are accessible right in town or close by. The spot I went to just the other day is located at the end of Main Street and has an incredible view. Although I didn't do any fishing on this river trip, the fishing in the Bulkley River can be great; besides rainbow trout and dolly varden, the Bulkley also offers outstanding fishing for steelhead, chinook salmon, and coho salmon. I enjoyed the view and the sound of the water flowing by, then took a short walk on a trail nearby to enjoy more sights and sounds of nature. If you come to Smithers, a trip to the river is a great way to spend some time fishing, swimming, having a picnic, or just enjoying the scenery.
August 11, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Attractions
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Staring at the big grizzly bear outside of the Houston Visitor Center gives me, and everyone else who witnesses it, an idea of the enormous power found in the wild. I can't help but feel in awe of this 11 foot tall brute, and know the sheer terror that must have gone through the people who saw it when it was still alive. The phantom bear lived on Hungry Hill, feeding off the livestock owned by local ranchers. The bear was caught in 2005, when it was finally discovered by a predator control officer. After the bear was caught he was estimated to be 18-22 years old. Taking a picture of the phantom bear of Hungry Hill was very difficult. The glass surrounding the bear causes reflections so you need to be cautious when taking a picture or you'll end up with unwanted artifacts in the image. I was lucky enough to take a decent picture of the bear, but I probably looked pretty silly trying to take it at the perfect angle. In order to truly value the power, beauty, and magnificence of the 975 pound bear I encourage everyone to stop and check him out.
August 10, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Hiking
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The walking trails located along Buck Creek is so easy to get to, I've spent the majority of my summers on it. We always take our dogs down to the trail as well because there are different pull outs that lead to the river. The dogs love to wade out into the slow moving current to cool off during the warm summer months and I'm no exceptions. The cool water feels great during the summer and because it is lower and slower moving it is easy to wander through. The trail offers more than just an easy place to cool off. In previous years we could walk down the Creek and watch beavers build their dams. Even though the trail is located right in town you can usually expect to see some wildlife. The Buck Creek Dike trail can also be a long walk. I've walked along the entire trail before, it reaches from behind Supervalu all the way to the motor cross track. The trail is very secluded in areas and always close to nature. The Buck Creek Dike has just been upgraded as well in these last couple of years. New benches have been placed all along the trail making it more relaxing. This easy walking trail is one of my favorite areas to visit in Houston.