August 11, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
New Hazelton, Attractions
Hagwilget Suspension Bridge, located in Hazelton, is an astounding 262 feet (80 meters) above the water. It is a must see while you are visiting the Hazeltons! I hope none of you are afraid of heights because it is the only way one can get from New Hazelton to the Communities of Two Mile, Hazelton, and the Kispiox Valley. Make sure while you are visiting the Bridge that you get out and walk across, it is a great view of the Hagwilget Canyon and on a clear day it is an even better view of Mount Roche De Boule! The Bridge's height causes a dizzying-vertigo effect that even those without a fear of heights will most definately feel! Have no fear, even though this bridge has been around since 1931, Hagwilget Bridge is reguarly maintained and Loaded Logging trucks and Several School Buses full of students drive across everyday! After crossing the bridge you can continue walking the Eagle Down Trail and treat yourself to some more spectacular views of the river and surrounding mountains including the famous Seven Sisters! The Eagle Down Trail runs along HWY 62 and links New Hazelton and Hazelton together! Make sure you watch out for interpretive signs along the trail that will tell you stories about Hazelton's past and about the geological formations that you will see along the path. Stop by the Hazelton Area Visitor Information Centre in New Hazelton for more information and pictures of the Bridge, the wooden Bridges of the past, and of the Eagle Down Trail!
August 11, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
New Hazelton, River Rafting
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Ali Howard is swimming every inch of the 610km long Skeena River. She has so far swam through class four waters and when she completes her swim she will have spent 28 days on the Skeena River. She is taking on this incredible adventure all in hopes of raising awareness about the sacred headwaters of the Skeena river and to connect the communities that live along the River. The communities along the Skeena River have, for the past few years, been battling Royal Dutch Shell’s attempts to develop coalbed methane extraction in the headwaters of the Skeena River, in the Klappan Valley. On August 3, people from the Hazeltons and surrounding towns gathered to greet Ali, her support team, and many locals who joined her in the river as she swam ashore at ‘Ksan. Those who joined her came by various modes of transportation including canoes, kayaks, rafts, traditional First Nations war canoes and some even swam! The evening was filled with a lively celebration with live music, a traditional Gitksan feast, and the ‘Ksan First Nations dancers performed!
(In the photo: Ali is the Swimmer in the Middle, the Kayaker is part of her support team and the canoe on the left is a traditional First Nations war canoe!)
August 11, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
New Hazelton, Museums
On a quiet Saturday morning Katrina, Caroline, and I made a video blog showcasing our friendly, log cabin style, Visitor’s Centre! If you are in the Hazelton Area, or are planning a trip to Hazelton, Contact us or stop by the Visitor’s Centre! Our friendly, enthusiastic counsellors will help you with any questions that you may have about Hazelton and the surrounding area! We have tips and ideas for your adventure in the Hazeltons, that only locals know about! The Visitor’s Centre is located on the junction of highway 16 and 62 in New Hazelton, we’re the log building with the unique historic statues on our lawn! See you soon!
August 11, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
New Hazelton, Hiking
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Throughout the Hazelton area there are several hikes that will take you to many scenic locations! Two hikes that are relatively short, easy, and very accessible are the Look Out Trail and the Waterfall Trail. On a hot sunny July day, Katrina and I decided that it seemed like a good day for a hike! We set out to explore the Look Out Trail and Waterfall Trail, two trails that as kids we would play hide and go seek in the bushes that surround the trails. As we took a trip down memory lane we realized just how beautiful these two simple trails are that both of us live less than a kilometer away from. We made a short video blog in hopes of capturing it’s beauty to share with you! All of us at the Hazelton Area Visitor Information Centre invite you to come to Hazelton, visit our trails, and if you need a map stop by the Visitor’s Centre and we will be more than happy to show you some great hiking trails!
August 11, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
New Hazelton, Attractions
On August 1, 2009 the New Hazelton Skate Park committee, Locals, Visitors, Skate boarders and Bmxers from around northern BC and even the local MLA, and Mayors, gathered to celebrate the Grand Opening of the New Hazelton Skate Park. It turned out to be a great, hot, sunny day with tons of smiling faces and incredible tricks! There were tons of prizes, a pool party in the bowl, back flips and great music! I put together a brief video of some of the days bmxing and skate boarding highlights to share with you! Enjoy! And if the video inspires you to skate board or BMX in New Hazelton, stop by the Visitor's Centre and we’ll give you directions on how to get to the park!
August 10, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Lytton, River Rafting
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Last weekend we headed into the Fraser Canyon for our Camping and White Water adventure. It was so hot all over BC we wanted to enjoy some cool down time for the weekend. So I went onto google and searched all about rafting in BC. There was alot of options and places to see. We had already been up to whistler this year so we decided on Rafting up in Lytton BC. There is 4 rafting resorts in Canyon Country British Columbia and 6 rivers to choose from. We rafted the Thompson River with a local company. It was an excellent experience, the resort we stayed at also had rock repelling, mountain biking, Frisbee golf and full resort amenities, We were also lucky we reserved early and we got to stay inside a Tee Pee for the weekend. Other interesting accommodations were also available. On Sunday we stopped at a few places on the return trip like Siska Native Art Museum, Tuckkwiowhum Native Village in Boston Bar, Hell's Gate Airtram, Alexandra Bridge and at the Othello Tunnels in Hope BC. The weekend was excellent and we would recommend a similar weekend getaway like it! The Canyon is really close to the city of Vancouver. Harrison Hot Springs can also easily be Incorporated into your weekend getaway. We might do it again on the September long weekend so we can do the Coast Mountain Circle Tour that goes on a giant circle through Whistler, Lillooet, The Fraser Canyon and back to Vancouver. We will be stopping in Lytton for BC River Festival that is going on for that weekend.
August 10, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Sooke, Kayaking & Canoeing
They’re All Around Us!
Who knew when I woke up on this Thursday morning that it was going to be an extraordinary day that would produce a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
It was a beautiful afternoon with calm seas; so, Allan from West Coast Outdoor Adventure Rentals and I decided to take the Hobie kayaks for a spin. Heading out towards Secretary Island just off Sooke, BC in the Juan de Fuca Strait, we got word there was a large pod of Orcas close by. We were so excited to receive this news and at the prospect of seeing killer whales; we were immediately intrigued. As luck would have it, the whales were just as intrigued by us.
We could see the whales were swimming near Otter Point, about a mile and a half from where we drifted and bobbed about like buoys in our kayaks. We could just make out the black specks of dorsal fins on the horizon. The killer whales were hugging the shoreline, so we were completely amazed at the events that would take place over the next 30 minutes.
Even though we were in the open, usually turbulent, waters of the Juan de Fuca Strait, we were in a flood tide so paddling was smooth—effortless. We held our position and the whales got closer, and closer. The entire pod was heading our way. The pod got a little closer, then a lot closer. Then they were all around us! And under us! And beside us!
A mother and her calf gave us an unbelievable experience; if I hadn’t caught the scene on video, I would never have believed it. I can wholeheartedly say that this was one of the most stunning, thrilling (and scary!) events of my life. Mother and baby swam straight towards us, and dove directly in front of the bow of my kayak. I could see them both swimming under my kayak and then disappear into the depths. Not knowing where or when then would emerge, I sat in anticipation. And then, they surfaced directly in front of my kayak.
Wow. Unbelievable! They were all around us. Don’t believe me? Think I’m exaggerating? This is no fisherman’s tall tale, and I have the video to prove it. Join me on my adventure and watch this astonishing recount.
August 10, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Kelowna, Breweries, Distilleries & Cideries
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The Kelowna area is known for its many fine wineries, but for those who prefer their liquids to be of the barley, hops and malt variety, take note: Tree Brewing has a cold one (or six) waiting just for you.
A stop at Tree Brewing wasn’t part of our original Kelowna plan, but we spotted a sign so we hung a left and checked it out.
Their chilly beer cooler room was stocked with a fine selection and served as a welcome break from the sweltering Kelowna heat (I’m a coastal wimp and melt in anything above 25°C). Beer samples were available to help parched visitors make up their mind about what to purchase.
As nice as it was in the cooler room, my favorite part of the visit was actually on the outside of the building: huge hops vines scaled the white bricks, all the way to the roof. Hops, one of the crucial elements of a fine brew, are known for growing very tall – and very quickly.
The Tree Brewing staff told us that hops could grow about one foot per day, and the vines out front reached the roof of the building in just three weeks! Very cool to see beer ingredients in their raw form.
August 09, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Victoria, Golf
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The Family Golf Day at Arbutus Ridge set an attendance record this year. A great video of the event was put together, check it out. There was a golf clinic, tee shirt/hat gift, hot dogs, ice cream, golf clinic, skills competition, 9 holes of golf and snacks and prizes afterwards. This is an annual event that happens every June. I was there this year and will be back next year with the kids! I felt compelled to share the video as it was such a good time. Thank you Arbutus Ridge for the day and putting the video together!
August 09, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Burnaby, Beaches & Swimming
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You think that a swimming pool located in a park would be calming and tranquil, maybe with the sound of wild birds singing in the background. Well, this one is located in a park that is located within a city. While sun bathing I was charmed by the sound of an ever honking car alarm, and the sound of the band warming up at the Stadium next door getting ready for the game, and the hustle of traffic a block away.
That being said, there is something amazing about being at an outdoor pool in Metro Vancouver. Maybe because it is only hot enough to sunbathe for about two months a year, it occurs as a real treat.
The pool is probably the busiest outdoor pool in Burnaby and is definitely the largest. It is a little dated but this doesn’t distract from a great experience. Less of a family pool compared to the Macpherson outdoor pool but kids are definitely welcome.
As the pool is skirted by a large deck many people set up their towel stations and stay there for the day, tanning. If you are intending staying a while bring something comfortable to sit / lay on as there are no deck chairs to be rented.
Enjoy one of many outdoor pools in Metro Vancouver this summer while the sun is still shining.