Tips from Travellers

Alpine Meadows Resort

August 21, 2010 | Tips from Travellers > Clearwater, Accommodation

On family trip in August, stayed at a hidden gem of a resort just south of Clearwater, BC - Alpine Meadows Resort.

Found it on HelloBC and Tripadvisor... stayed in a three bedroom log house. Fantastic end of our BC driving holiday... kids thought this was the highlight of our trip.

It is a bit of drive off the main highway but well worth the time. The two-car ferry at Little Fort was a blast.

Comments (0) | Permalink | Show On Map

Posted by DLM, North Vancouver at 03:53 PM

Wells Grey Park - Helmcken Falls

August 21, 2010 | Tips from Travellers > Clearwater, Attractions

Long time BC resident, but have never travelled in the Wells Grey area until this August.

The waterfalls in the park are fantastic and are worth the drive into the park from the main highway... witness Helmcken Falls.

Took us about two hours in total (ie there and back) from the main highway to view both Helmcken and Dawson Falls. Well worth the side trip.

Editor's Note: Learn more about Wells Grey Provincial Park here.

Comments (0) | Permalink | Show On Map

Posted by DLM, North Vancouver at 03:39 PM

Breakfast in Victoria

August 19, 2010 | Tips from Travellers > Victoria, Dining
Find more information about Victoria - Dining

No other city loves breakfast like Victoria. Where else are the line ups for the breakfast spots longer than the nightclubs?

AVALON
1075 Fort Street
Just a short walk up Fort Street is Avalon, a small, bright cafe that offers inexpensive breakfast with friendly charm. Eggs benedict is a specialty here, but the menu also includes skillets and old stand-bys such as perogies. I wake up thinking about the West Coast Benny more than I probably should.

MO:LE
With its exposed brick walls and rotating display of local art, Mo:Le's interior represents the combination of heritage and culture seen throughout the city. The menu features creative takes on traditional favourites with an emphasis on locally sourced produce and does its part to represent the modern palate of Victoria.

FERRIS' UPSTAIRS
Featuring light breakfasts in addition to bennies, omelettes and scrambles, Ferris' is a great place to sneak some seafood into your breakfast, such as crab, smoked salmon or albacore tuna. High ceilings, exposed brick and plush couches under tall, breezy windows make it a tranquil place to relax after a late night out. I love the broiled grapefruit, the lox bagel or The Weekend Crossword (two words: truffled hollandaise).

BLUE FOX CAFE
919 Fort Street
The Blue Fox is known for its long lines and very generous portions. Lively and cozy inside, sitting elbow to elbow with your neighbour is all part of the experience, and makes it easy to see the best dish to order off the extensive menu. On weekdays, there's consistently great soup as well.

Editor's note: For more ideas on great places to eat in Victoria, click here.

Comments (1) | Permalink | Show On Map

Posted by Rachel Anastasia, at 08:46 AM

Twin Falls/Glacier Gulch near Smithers

August 18, 2010 | Tips from Travellers > Smithers, Hiking
Find more information about Smithers - Hiking

Nestled in the pocket of Hudson Bay Mountain anyone of any age has the chance to gaze upon the "twin" falls that fall directly from Kathlyn Glacier. It's about 15 minutes from the town of Smithers and a 10 minute walk from the forest rec. parking lot. Once at the base of the falls the mist is carried through the valley leaving you cool and calm. It's a great place for a picnic or a nice leisure walk to experience the North in its purest form.

Also for the outdoor enthusiasts, Glacier Gulch recreational hiking trail meets the perfect need for exercise and a great view leading straight to the foot of the glacier. 2 and a half hours and you are in an elevated paradise. You can follow one of the falls all the way to where it begins its flow. Truly amazing!

I went for a picnic this past weekend at the base of the falls and ate a meal with my girlfriend and rested above. 15 minutes away from town and I have something peaceful and serene to look forward to. Isn't that something.

I have done the Glacier Gulch several times this year and it doesn't get old for me. I love the workout and the view motivates me. Pack a lunch and pack an empty water bottle because when you get to the top, the clearest and coldest glacier water is awaiting.

Enjoy a moment of your summer at Twin Falls/Glacier Gulch if you get the chance.

Comments (0) | Permalink | Show On Map

Posted by Askiy Awasis (Earthchild), Smithers at 02:23 PM

Rafting the Kicking Horse River

August 18, 2010 | Tips from Travellers > Golden, River Rafting
Find more information about Golden - River Rafting

We had a sweet time rafting the Kicking Horse River in Golden, BC with Alpine Rafting.

We spent the weekend at their complimentary Riverside Camping and actually saved quite a bit of money on camping fees.

If you are shopping around for rafting trip I would definetly recommend the Kicking Horse because it has the biggest whitewater in BC/Alberta.

Alpine Rafting in Golden really put on a great trip for us and we had a blast. I have included a photo from our weekend of rafting.

Comments (0) | Permalink | Show On Map

Posted by Jake Watson, at 12:34 PM

Watching the Best of the Peace Compete at the Dawson Creek Fall Fair & Exhibition

August 18, 2010 | Tips from Travellers > Dawson Creek, Festivals & Events

We have such a great Fall Fair here in Dawson Creek. I have been going every year since I was a kid. People from all over the world come to make Rodeo Weekend a holiday.

I love to go early on Saturday morning with a fresh cup of coffee, a few bucks in my pocket and fresh batteries in my camera to take in all the exhibits and competitions.

Every type of animal has it's own facility and over the years, it keeps getting better. All the barns are brightly decorated, there are flowers everywhere and so much to see and appreciate about the agriculture that is the backbone of this community.

I spend the whole day walking around talking to people, looking at the exhibits and watching the various shows. I love seeing cows being groomed, heavy horses pulling great skids of weights, llamas wearing halters, dressage in the light horse ring, displays of grains and quilts and jams and sweet peas. It truly is a wonderful fair!

Over the years, the booths have been built to resemble a western town. There is excellent fair food offered by the local service groups and everyone has their favorites.

There is always great country band in the Watering Hole Beer Gardens and it seems that everyone knows how to two-step. Staying to watch the nightly fireworks is the perfect end of a great day of fun and community.

Comments (0) | Permalink | Show On Map

Posted by Mile O Citizen, at 04:46 AM

Victoria Butterfly Gardens

August 16, 2010 | Tips from Travellers > Victoria, Attractions
Find more information about Victoria - Attractions

The Victoria Butterfly Gardens was wonderful, full of vibrant colours and flowers I have never seen before. The butterflys were amazing, every one a different size, a different colour, a different shape. One even landed on my mom. Butterfulys are attracted to bold colours such as blue and bright pink so if you want to have a "pet butterfly" during your stay, you might consider easring some nice colours. One of my favourite parts was the flamingos. I named one Honkers because whenever I tried to take a picture he honked. I am 10.

Comments (0) | Permalink | Show On Map

Posted by Kayla99, New Westminster at 06:42 PM

WildPlay

August 16, 2010 | Tips from Travellers > Victoria, Ziplining & Bungee Jumping
Find more information about Victoria - Ziplining & Bungee Jumping

WildPlay was one of my favorite experiences in Victoria. You have to manoever your way around the tree tops by zip-lining, crawling through tubes & walking on planks. I was very scared at one point but I am 10 so it all evens out. But after that I felt really good about myself. I would recommend it any time. 

Comments (0) | Permalink | Show On Map

Posted by Kayla99, New Westminster at 06:21 PM

Defying Gravity at the Dawson Creek Fall Fair

August 15, 2010 | Tips from Travellers > Dawson Creek, Festivals & Events

Going for a spin with friends on the Tilt-A-Whirl is one thing, but hanging upside down and being whipped around for 5 minutes in a gravity defying machine is quite another.

It's Fall Fair Days in Dawson Creek and it seemed like the whole region and friends from far and wide show up to celebrate.

A big part of the Fair is the Midway. This year, as usual there were bumper-to-bumper line-ups of people of all ages waiting to get on one of the rides for an adrenalin rush. Several of those rides are not for the faint of heart.

I love the way the Ferris Wheel faces to watch the Chuck Wagon races. We were lucky this time and were loaded first on the Wheel so we got extra airtime while they loaded the rest. We watched a Pro Chuck Wagon race thunder around the track from the best seat in the house, high above.

The Midway wouldn't be the same without the smell of cotton candy, loud music that almost drowns out the screams of delight and the sight of people walking around with stuffed toys they won at a game.

I spent my usual amount tossing rings at little floating duckies and even threw a few darts... no luck this time... but there is always next year.

Comments (0) | Permalink | Show On Map

Posted by Mile O Citizen, at 06:09 AM

Huckleberries on Puggins Mountain

August 14, 2010 | Tips from Travellers > Dawson Creek, Farms & Markets

There truly is nothing like a day under the pines, in the fresh air with you family. Even when you live on a farm, it’s a nice break to go berry picking along a quiet country road. I had the chance to do just that on one of my recent days off.

It was the first time that I ever picked huckleberries on Puggins Mountain. For years I’ve heard about how wonderful huckleberries are, bigger then blueberries and easier to pick because they grow on slightly higher bushes. People talk about filling 5 gallon pails in no time at all. That said, you must keep in mind that we are experiencing another drought this year in the Peace, so the berries weren’t as big and plentiful as they might have been.

Although it does take time to clean the berries, the huckleberry pies, muffins, cheesecakes, and summer memories make the effort worthwhile.

Comments (0) | Permalink | Show On Map

Posted by TDC Traveler, Dawson Creek at 04:03 PM