August 09, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Quesnel, Hiking
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The town of Quesnel is a worthy stop on any trip through the Cariboo Chilcotin region. With just over 9000 inhabitants the town has everything you need while still offering the appeal of a small community. If you happen to be in the area around the middle of July be sure to catch the Billy Barker Days with live performances, a midway, street market and parade. The Quesnel Museum, located beside the Visitor Centre, is full of historical treasures including the haunted Mandy doll, a scavenger hunt for kids and a detailed history of the industry and development of Quesnel. From Quesnel it is only an hour out to Barkerville and Wells to visit the historic Gold Rush town. Quesnel is also close to Pinnacles Provincial Park to view some hoodoos or a large variety of cycling and hiking trails for the outdoor adventurer. There is a beautiful river trail that encompasses both central and western Quesnel and even features a large pedestrian bridge over the river. If you are looking for something more challenging stop in at the Visitor Centre and ask for a trailbook for the area and choose from a selection of easy to strenuous trails that lead you through the natural settings of the area or to a waterfall or canyon. With great places to eat, stay and visit Quesnel is a must.
Jen S
August 09, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Wells, Kayaking & Canoeing
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The Bowron Lake area is a beautiful stop for outdoor enthusiasts and even for those who want to take in the serene view of the lake and surrounding landscape. Only about a 30 minute drive down a well-maintained dirt road will bring you to Bowron Lake and the start of the world renowned canoe circuit. At Bowron Lake Becker’s Lodge and Bowron Lake Lodge offer rustic cabins and camping a short distance from the lake itself or Bowron Lake Provincial Park offers well-maintained and forested sites a little further down the road. Even if you do not want to undertake the several-day canoe circuit you can rent canoes for the day to do some exploring or use the area as a quick access to hiking or Barkerville and Wells. Or simply lie on the quiet beach and enjoy the sunshine in a mountainous setting.
Jen S
August 08, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Wells, Art Galleries & Artists
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The town of Wells has lots to offer visitors. You can rent a canoe and paddle along the Jack O Clubs Lake located on the West side of Wells just as you enter town. While you are there be sure to stop in at the visitor’s centre for more ideas and brochures on the things to see and do around Wells. The town itself is home to more artists per capita than any other place in the world and the buildings and art galleries prove that. Take the historic artist walk through town to discover all of the art galleries. Eat at one of the great restaurants and be sure to talk with the locals to get a sense of the kindness that Wells is known for as a SuperHost community. Also, take in their museum to see the history of the mining town and area. If you are more interested in the adventure recreation then there are a myriad of hiking trails around the area that are easy to access providing wonderful views and great experiences.
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 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.
August 01, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Wells, Historic & Heritage Sites
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On your way to the artistic community of Wells or the historic town of Barkerville be sure to stop along the way at Cottonwood house. It was an old roadhouse for weary travellers on their way to Barkerville to strike it rich. There is a restaurant on site as well as comfortable bunkhouses for you to stay in which are perfect for large groups. When it is in season, pick up some fresh produce from the gardens that is sold on site. The interpreters lead tours that allow you to explore the buildings and get a feel for what it was like to stay at Cottonwood house. There are many activities that are available to you while you are visiting so be sure to stop in and ask the helpful staff. If you continue towards Wells and you want to see another roadhouse then turn right onto Stanley Rd to the abandoned roadhouse of Stanley which includes a Chinese cemetery.