August 07, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Festivals & Events
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Today from 9:30 to 11:00am the Dawson Creek Visitor Center staff participated in the Dawson Creek Fall Fair Parade. It was a blast! Yes, we were super hot, but all the kids and cheering people made it very fun. The Visitor Center staff and the Art Gallery staff, next door, teamed up and the product was an amazing float that earned us 2nd place! The theme was ‘aliens and tourists’ celebrating 51 years of Dawson Creek with Area 51. The Art Gallery has been working hard for months to prepare the float and costumes. They had green paper mache faces and silver body suits. As for the Visitor Center staff we went home, raided our closes and found shorts, Hawaiian shirts, hats, cameras, socks and sandals. My legs are now very tired from the fourteen odd blocks we walked. But the 2nd place ribbon looks great!
The parade consisted of many horses, some people were riding English but most rode western. There were the most adorable little kids atop some horses, and one miniature horse was even on a float. The floats ranged from small to large tracker-trailers. Many were representing businesses in town while the rest were for clubs in the area, some coming from as far as Beaverlodge, Alberta. Not far in front of our float there were two rodeo trick riders, dressed in pink and standing atop their horses for much if the parade. There was even a chuck wagon on a low-bed being pulled in the parade. All of the clubs, businesses, and local people put tremendous amounts of effort into our small town parade!
August 07, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Chilliwack, Hiking
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We arrived at the Foley Forest Service Road,28km down the Chilliwack Lake Road and started the 15km drive up to the Mount Cheam trailhead. We passed a number of ATV’s and dirt bikes on the lower section of the climb.
Not long into the drive it became apparent why a 4x4 is recommended on this road. The forest service road is decommissioned and the frequent and fairly deep ditches and uneven surface mean that having a vehicle with a decent height clearance is important if you want to make it all of the way up to the trailhead. The ascent gets fairly steep in places as well as narrow. There are definitely a few points you don’t want to meet a vehicle coming the other way! If you want to break the journey up, there are a number of good lookout points to grab some photos. Do this on the way up if the weather is good as by the time you are on your way down, conditions could change.
About 4km before the trailhead we passed a few SUV’s (probably not 4WD) parked just off the road and this is the point where your 4WD will become very useful. Ironically the last km of the drive is comparatively smooth and in fair condition, compared to what you have encountered before. There is a parking area at the trailhead.
This is the first time I had climbed Mount Cheam and the first difference I immediately noticed was the absence of a forest canopy. The terrain was very open and from the outset we could see the climb which lay ahead. The first section of the hike from the trailhead lead us up a steadily climbing winding gravel path which crossed a few streams. It’s not long before you are rewarded with your first views of snow covered Mount Baker.
Not too long into the hike, we encounter our first large area of snow to traverse, the first of several which would add at least 20 minutes to our hike. After the gravel path and snow fields, we reached the first meadow and saw the first signs of beautiful wild flowers you only tend to see at this altitude. Still at the this point there hadn’t been too many steep climbs, though this is the first point at which the trail narrows to the point at which it is one person at a time!
Gradually the meadow opens up and the climb becomes steadily steeper. Before the final push we are treated to views of both Jones Lake from the first of several cliff edges we encounter and Cultus Lake can also be seen in the distance. This is also the first point at which it is evident that our day of blue skies and hot weather is quickly changing. Thin cloud is starting to roll in below us and temperatures start to fall surprisingly quickly. The first change we encounter on the final push is wind, lots of it and whilst refreshing at first to counter the sweat we have worked up it soon becomes irritating as we all become very cold and realise that we have not come prepared for the changes in weather we are encountering. Having left 30 degrees and blue sky on the ground it is difficult to believe we are now struggling to stay warm.
As we reach the plateau it provides superb views of the valley on a clear day, which unfortunately this day no longer is! A memorable and exhilarating hike meaning I now look at Mount Cheam with a renewed respect.
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 05, 2009 | Field Reports >
Whistler, Ziplining & Bungee Jumping
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Tourism British Columbia Field Reporter Chris Wheeler joins the
Olympic skier "Snow Leopard" for some summertime activities in
Whistler, BC. Along with the Snow Leopard's family, they canoe Alta
lake, mountain bike the valley trails, and end the day Zip Trekking! This was an action packed day... and I tell you, it's not easy trying to keep up with a Snow Leopard!
The
Snow Leopard will serve as Ghana's one-man ski team in the 2010 Winter
Olympics in Vancouver, Canada and will be back in Whistler to compete!
August 04, 2009 | Field Reports >
Whistler, Skiing & Snowboarding
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Ghanaian Olympic Skier "Snow Leopard" visits the year-round
destination Whistler, BC this summer. He joins Tourism British Columbia
Field Reporter Chris Wheeler and checks out Blackcomb Glacier and the
PEAK 2 PEAK alpine experience! Kwame Nkrumah-Acheampong, a skier who
has been nicknamed the snow leopard, will serve as Ghana's one-man ski
team in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada. The Snow Leopard
and his family had a great time in Whistler doing summer activities!
Make sure to look for this guy ripping down the slopes in 2010 in his
snow leopard spotted suit!
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.