August 05, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Valemount, Museums
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On a recent exploration of the Robson Valley area, I stopped in at the Valemount Museum. For a town with a population of a little over 1,000 residents their museum is very thorough. There were many displays throughout various rooms, in the reconstructed train station building. An interesting addition that really caught my eye was the model train which runs extensively throughout the rail exhibit room and even into and out of the washroom! A real no longer working train car sits just outside the building which adds interest to the exterior landscape. If you find yourself in the Valemount area, stop into their newly built visitor’s center (which is also a magnificent building and definitely worth the stop) to get directions to the museum, as it is quite a ways into town. TIP - At the Valemount visitor's center ask about the Golden Raven program, it promotes cultural experiences in the Fraser-Fort George Regional District, and inside the brochure there is a free admission coupon for the Museum, as well as coupons for seven other cultural attractions in the region that are also well worth checking out.
Christina
August 05, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
McBride, Sightseeing Tours
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If you happen to find yourself in McBride for an afternoon, make sure you take the time to find all of the whimsically painted fire hydrants that line the street of McBride. These hydrants were painted in 2007 by a local student who turned her summer project into multiple works of art. While walking the streets you will find such characters as Oscar the Grouch, Bob the Builder and Buzz Lightyear. These hydrants and more charm to the already charming town of McBride.
Krystin
August 05, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Mount Robson, Accommodation
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If you're looking for a place to lay down your head in the Robson Valley area and prefer smaller crowds than what can be found in most provincial parks - Tete Jaune Lodge is a great choice. Multiple different sleeping accommodations are available, including; tent and RV spots, tepees and cabins, as well as a backpacker’s hostel. The premises also include a superb restaurant called, The Riverside Cafe - aptly named as the lodge site sits directly alongside the Fraser River. Two weeks ago I stayed at the Tete Jaune Lodge while exploring the Valemount and Mt. Robson areas. It is perfectly placed between the two as well as nearby many great area hikes. Located right next door is the Stellar Descents Rafting company, and I highly suggest booking a trip while you're in the area.
August 05, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Theatre & Performing Arts
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My husband, 16 year old daughter and I are big fans of improv and had heard about TheatreSports “Laugh It Off" at the New Revue Stage on Granville Island. We’d wanted to check it out for some time so decided to make a night of it after a family reunion dinner at Sandbar Restaurant. They had a lot to live up to since we’re fans of “Whose Line is it Anyways”, but it definitely met the mark. We were extremely impressed and the talent was comparable to that of the tv show. In fact, it almost seemed that it was scripted, but of course that wasn’t the case. They involved the audience in coming up with ideas for the skits which made it even more fun. I’m in awe of these guys (and gals) for being able to think on their feet and come up with great lines and ideas so quick. I don’t know how they do it, but it’s impressive and certainly entertaining.
The show was reasonably priced and tickets could be purchased at the door. I was surprised that there were a number of empty seats. The theatre is licensed so you can enjoy a glass of wine while watching the show. Shows are normally Friday and Saturday nights at 9:30 pm, but they also have other similar improv performances to choose from. We’ll definitely be going again.
August 05, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Beaches & Swimming
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A student sees a long weekend as a time to take full advantage of the many freedoms he or she is denied throughout the school year; a time of avoiding essays (and finishing them hurriedly the night before they're due), listening to the token boring professor, and of course, sirviving on nothing.
All of these miseries seemed distant to me as my stepbrother Landon and I made the 30 minute drive to West Lake on Saturday to enjoy the sun, water, and let the dogs explore the dog-friendly part of the provincial park. Half hour out of town, the campground is totally equipped for a great day at the beach: sandy beaches for families, a shower station, volleyball net, and on-leash dog lakefront walking trail.
The water was the greatest surprise. The lake was shallow, freshly stocked with fish (many of which lazily swam near our feet) and perfect for swimming. My swimmer-self awoke instantly and I paddled away into the depths, diving under the water and brushing up on my swimming skills! Our lunch, leftovers from the BBQ the night before, was another great addition to the day; we had our own picnic bench and beach access to enjoy our burgers (and tofu burger respectively) and other goodies.
We tanned, napped, and took one last dip before we got ready to go. This is one place I will definitely want to visit again before it's time to hit the books.
August 04, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Invermere, Hiking
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Further to my earlier
blog about heli-hiking in the Bugaboos, we've finally pieced together a video of sorts and posted it to YouTube. Enjoy.
August 04, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Golden, Biking
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No other Bike Park in BC is growing at the rate of Kicking Horse. New features and trail improvements go up weekly and word is getting out. Rider numbers have grown 100% in the last two years, and are on target for another 50% growth in 2009! That's pretty impressive for a recession. But there are still almost no line-ups. This mountain is so huge that riders are spread out and rarely interfere with "flow". With two more months left in the season, come see what all the fuss is about.
August 04, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Theatre & Performing Arts
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My two little cousins dance for Judy Russell’s Enchainement School of Dance, so when I told my mother I was coming to Prince George to visit for the long weekend last Tuesday, she bought an additional ticket and she, myself and her friend Paula were off to the Prince George Playhouse to see The Who’s TOMMY: A Rock Opera.
It was a different experience than the ones I have had in the past (the cousins weren’t in this one, and there were only several familiar faces), this one was a musical, not simply a generous helping of exquisitely performed dances I was used to, but it was a great example of diversity, both in the performance format and the performers themselves. The technical aspects of the musical were incredible: the musicians were flawless, the entire company was well-synchronized and the effects at the beginning for the overture made it seem like watching a movie.
Having extensive experience in theatre myself, I was pleased to see such a smooth transition from dance to musical, and had a great time watching the performance. Watching a Judy Russell performance is one of the little treats I love about going home, and the original twist on the weekend was a welcome change of pace.
August 03, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Wells, Dining
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While staying in the Wells/Barkerville area the Bear’s Paw Dinner Café located at the southern end of Wells is a worthy stop whether it’s for a quick coffee or a full meal. Sit outside on their covered patio and take in the quiet ambiance of Wells or sit inside and watch a slideshow of photos on the multitude of recreational opportunities that are available in the area. The café is often the host to live music performances and sells unique gifts and artwork from the area. The friendly staff and owners of the quaint restaurant are long-time residents of the area and can answer any questions or provide suggestions to help enhance your trip. The food is delicious, unique and homemade and definitely worth going back for seconds.
Jen S
August 01, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Wells, Historic & Heritage Sites
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Leave yourself lots of time to explore Barkerville. There are many things to do in this historic town none of which will make you feel cheated. For example you can walk up to many of the buildings and read information on what they housed. You can go into the St. Saviour’s Anglican Church and take in a service. Go to the candy stores and stock up on the snacks that Barkerville offers. Enjoy a delicious lunch at the Goldfield Bakery where the Fat Johns are fresh and very tasty. If you are feeling thirsty then stop in one of the many saloons to enjoy a refreshing root beer or any other beverage of choice. Make your way to Chinatown to eat at the Lung Duck Tong Restaurant. There are a couple of things that you can not miss when you are in Barkerville: the courthouse sessions in Richfield and a live performance at the Theatre Royal. Richfield is just over 1 km from Barkerville which you can either walk and read the interpretive signs along the way or take a horse and carriage ride. Leave yourself time to get to Richfield as you do not want to show up late. Once you are there enjoy the session as you get a view into the history of law and justice in the area. The shows at Theatre Royal are amazing to see. They run sixteen shows a week and up to three different shows in a day. The actors are incredibly talented with a wide range of skills; don’t be surprised if you find yourself participating in some of the routines as you feel the energy from the entertainers. Enjoy Barkerville for the entire day and you will certainly not be disappointed. If you are interested in staying for more than a day, there are three bed and breakfasts on site each giving you a feel for life in Barkerville.