August 07, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Biking
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When your idea of a mountain adventure involves two wheels, a full-face helmet and the adrenaline rush of a perfectly executed jump, then Hudson Bay Mountain and the Bluff trail network in Smithers is the perfect place for you to explore. It took me only 30 minutes to drive to the top of the hill, and just past the Hudson Bay Ski Lodge I spotted the Pay Dirt and Piper’s Down trail heads. Pay Dirt is one of the only machine made trails on this hill, meaning it is wide and flowy—perfect for a beginner who wants to avoid the jumps, or for an experienced rider who wants an exhilarating yet smooth descent. Further past the Ski Lodge is the Piper’s Down Trail, which is one of the hill’s most challenging runs. The trail is named after a Piper’s plane, that crashed into the hill years ago, and that the trail’s builders decided to incorporated into one of the run’s many jumps. This trail will also be the location of the annual Piper’s Cross event, hosted by the Children of the Bluff (COB) this coming weekend. The event is a timed race, with plenty of fun for both competitors and spectators. Beyond these two trails there is a whole network of lower elevation mountain biking trails on the Bluff just overlooking Smithers. These trials are well known for their varied degrees of difficulty, including drops, log rides, boardwalks and other challenging elements. New to the mountain? No problem! The Smithers visitor center is equipped with trail maps and bike rental information. Now it’s time for me to put a little mud on my bike.
August 06, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Attractions
Watch the video to get a glimpse of one the many outdoor attractions in Fort St. John. On a daily basis, the natural beauty of the Peace Valley attracts many local residents and tourists. Doesn't this video make you want to come see the gorgeous, panoramic view of the Peace River for yourself?
August 06, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Food or Wine
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The long awaited return of The Keg Steakhouse and Bar to Prince George could not have come soon enough! After being closed for 2.5 years and nearly five million dollars spent on renovations, The Keg is back and busier than ever. I have been there on a couple occasions now, and each time I leave wanting to return soon for another amazing meal with friends and family. The food has been so good and the atmosphere even better. Just from being there on the occasions I have, I have met some really amazing people and made some great friends with some of the people that work there. It is a very relaxed restaurant for a nice casual-to-fine dining style meal, and then the lounge is busier and has the music, food, and drink going later into the evening. It is one of the best hang out spots in town now and I often go there with friends.
When it comes to the food, there are so many amazing steak options to choose from including sirloins, filet mignons, new york, and an incredible 20oz rib eye steak. To go along with an incredible selection of seafood from crab cakes, king crab, lobster, scallops, and shrimp options of various different styles and sauces.
The new decorations and layout of the restaurant is a little bit to get used to as it seems like a big maze. There are many sharp corners which surprise many people as they go throughout the restaurant. They have some separate party rooms which can be reserved for larger groups and celebrations, which I've seen wedding parties, birthday, and anniversaries celebrated when I was there. It is a great restaurant in Prince George for any occasion.
Maybe I'll see you tonight, at The Keg Steakhouse & Bar!
August 05, 2012 | Tips from Us >
Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands, Hiking
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The new sea walk was installed during the time I was off in university...and I've just been too busy to walk the new route to work!
The other day I managed to spare an extra 10 minutes to take the sea walk to work and now I've fallen in love! It wraps around the Queen Charlotte Community Hall, childrens park, and baseball diamond, and on the opposite side is just a great view of the ocean! Sometimes there will be boats passing by, even some friendly kayakers.
I passed by some mother's pushing strollers, families finished playing in the park, and locals walking their dogs. This new route allows for the quick discovery of the 2012 Haida Gwaii Mural, painted by a graffitti artist, with the assistance of other local artists! Check out the video attached - I did a quick video of it for everyone to see! It's painted on the concrete slabs right outside the public library - they have wifi internet access there if you need it!
Along this route, you'll also find 2 of the signs that are a part of the QC Heritage Walking Tour. One provides information about the old Sawmill equipment you can see on the beach during the walk, and the other provides information on the street that extends further and what it looked like years ago! For more info on the walking tour, you can buy the supplemental book at the Visitor Centre for $3.95 plus tax - I have one, it's super helpful. It shows exactly where each post is located so I don't have to run around looking for them!
So if you're just going on a stroll through town during the day, or evening, the sea walk is a great addition! Much nicer views than walking adjacent to the grocery store, and lots to explore as well!
August 04, 2012 | Tips from Us >
Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands, Science, Nature or Animals
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What a gorgeous day here on Haida Gwaii!
Many locals are taking advantag of the sun and are headed to the beach for some swimming. Others, such as my friend Sarah and I, decided to stick close to home. We grabbed an ice cream and headed for Spirit Square, located in downtown Queen Charlotte City.
Spirit Square is newly built, and is a place to hangout on a sunny day for both tourists and locals! It's located right next to the QC Visitor Centre if you need washrooms or questions answered! There are giant concrete slabs that you can lounge on, picnic tables for lunch with your family, and a gazebo where there are performances during special events! Even the water fountain has an area that fills up for water for your pet! Don't forget to stay hydrated in the summer heat!
As we tanned in our shorts on the concrete slabs, lots of people passed by us to walk with their families or pets through the small garden. It's a very central area, with a great view of the ocean. When we finished our ice cream cones, we climbed down the rocks to the beach infront and put our feet in the water. If it wasn't so central, we probably would have swam around! The best beaches for that are located outside of Queen Charlotte City and Skidegate, however, so we saved it for another day!
The beautiful garden and awesome view of the ocean will make for a great spot to head to if you're munching on treats like us, or if you're looking for a lunch venue! I had a caesar salad with prawns from Howler's Bistro today as well and mmmmm! Grab one of those and head to Spirit Square's picnic tables!
August 04, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Beaches & Swimming
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Tyhee Lake Provincial Park is situated in the beautiful Bulkley River Valley.....in Telkwa where the two rivers meet. There is a comforatable grassy field to relax on, right before the sandy beach which decends into the glistening water. As I enjoy the sun I looked to the west, and saw the Telkwa and Bulkley Ranges of the Hazelton Mountians. Looking to the east is the beautiful Babine Range of the Skeena Mountians. We decided to take a walk on the many trails that connect the campsite to the lake, this is through a forest consisting primarily of trembling aspen. One of these trails lead us to the viewing platform, located near the boat launch, and provides a lookout over a marsh that harbours numerous species of birds, mammals, small reptiles and fish. The present name, Tyhee, means fish in the native Gitxsan language; there are native cutthroat and stocked rainbow trout which a licence is required to fish. With so much to do I never get board at Tyhee Lake, it is one of my favorite summer time destinations. Kids can enjoy the adventure playground in the day use area, many people enjoy conoeing, and a boat launch allows for water skiing and boating activities adjacent to the swimming area. Although Tyhee Lake is fun during summer, it can be great for winter time fun as well; popualar winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, skating and ice fishing. Come check out this popular beach and dip your toes in the refreshing water.
August 04, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Professional & Spectator Sports
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People came from all over Northern BC and brought their dirt bikes to race at the Smithers Moto Cross Track. The track was full of campers and trucks which had families and kids pouring out of the campers excited and ready to race! Kids as young as 4 were out there on little 50cc bikes, they were the cutest to watch. I was the 30 second girl who started all the races and I raced my bike with only one wipeout. Stopping for lunch and grabbing a yummy burger was a very needed break after I used a lot of my energy to ride. I re-fueled my body and then my bike for my next race. Everyone had a great time, and the Smithers track is worth checking out, only 15 minutes east of town with a beautiful mountain view.
August 03, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Water Activity Tours
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Canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, and even sailing are all apart of summer fun in Smithers and with this beautiful August weather beckoning me to the beach, I decided to go for a drive out to Lake Kathlyn. The lake is only 7 minutes west of Smithers, making it the perfect playground for all sorts of water sports. The public beach is one of my favourite places to hangout on a hot day, especially since the lake is fed by a glacial stream and is wonderfully cool with not too many weeds. Lake Kathlyn is also the perfect place to go for a peaceful paddle as motorized boats are prohibited, and the lake offers a picturesque view of Kathlyn Glacier. Since I don’t own a canoe I stopped by Aquabatics to get some information on rentals. I found out that I can rent all the recreational and safety equipment I need with convenient access to the lake. There are plenty of opportunities for both new and experienced paddlers to enjoy the Bulkley Valley from the water. In fact, on August 11-12 Smithers will host our annual TatlowFest. This paddling festival takes place on Tatlow Falls just off Highway 16 east of town and will feature both competitive and recreation paddling, as well as the popular cardboard boat competition. There will also be a sauna, campfire and free camping. Whether you are a passionate paddler or a cautious canoer there are plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy your water recreation in Smithers.
August 02, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Food or Wine
For many that know me... food and travel are common partners in my life. This close relationship was once again revisited at Purden Lake Resort where I discovered a quaint little lodge with fabulous pie and great company!
Purden Lake Resort is located approximatley 63 km east of Prince George on the Yellowhead Highway. Although it had burnt down a couple of years ago, the resort has been re built and is now fully functional. The Purden Lake Resort staff bake and cook a variety of foods including breads, cookies, soups and sandwhiches; however, my favourite treat at Purden Lake Resort is to have a huge piece of their delicious pie.
So whether you are camping at the resort or in the provincial park, or are simply returning from a hike at any of the local trails found in the area.... be sure to stop in at Purden Lake Resort for a slice of pie in the barber's chair (which they do have close to the fire place:)
August 02, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. James, Historic & Heritage Sites
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Ft St James National Hisotric Site is located approximatley 1.5 hours from Prince George along highway 27. Although the drive might be far for some, don't let it discourage you. At the end of Highway 27, you will find a small hidden northern BC gem- the national historical site that was the based of the fur trade industry way back in the day.
After arriving at FSJ National Historical Site and previewing their introduction video, you are able to either do a guided or self guided tour of the site. Your first stop will be the Fur Warhouse. At the Fur Warehouse, if you have young ones (or are young at heart), you can grab a rabbit fur to save for future trading at the Trade Store. From the Fur Warehouse, you'll past the Fish Cache and find yourself in the Men's House. Take a few minutes to enjoy the Men's House and experience the 1890's version of the lazy boy and reflect on the lonely life that many men within the region led. From the Men's House you can head over to the Trade Store where you will have the opportunity to barter over the rabbit pelt and see what kind of deal you can secure with the shopkeeper, see the goods that were available to the region and imagine just how long the journey would be to get all those wonderful goods into the region. Be sure to stop in at the Murray House to say hi to the gals who work there and be sure to enjoy some of their oven fresh cookies! This year, the National Historic Site has also provided the opportunity for taking a traditonal tea as well (although, you should be sure to book ahead of time!).