August 11, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
New Hazelton, Attractions
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After the temperature drops in Hazelton and it’s far too cold to even dream of swimming, locals can often be seen heading out to Ross Lake Provincial Park. During the winter months Ross Lake, the lake that four months earlier was our retreat on hot humid days, is commonly used for several activities including Cross Country Skiing, skating, hockey, ice fishing, and snowmobiling.
Countless times over the years, the temperature has dropped far below freezing before the snow gets a chance to fly. On these days the lake is as flat as glass and locals flock to the lake to skate and play hockey. This usually occurs in December when the weather is cool and crisp. With Roche de Boule as a backdrop to the lake, not only is the lake a source for hours of fun, but the views of the mountain are incredibly clear.
August 11, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
New Hazelton, Golf
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The Kispiox Valley, located near Hazelton, is home to the annual Kispiox Valley Rodeo, the legendary Kispiox Valley Music Festival, world renowned steelhead and salmon fishing, spectacular scenery, and a golf course?
Last night, I had my very first golfing experience at a golf course in the Kispiox Valley called Mossy Acres. Mossy Acres is nestled beside the Kispiox River with breath taking 360 degree views of mountains, glaciers, and an abundance of cotton wood trees.
My friend and I arrived at the relaxed golf course, signed the guest book, placed our $5 each in the Tupperware bin and Tee’d off! We played the nine holes and I thoroughly enjoyed my first golfing experience and I must say I think I’m hooked.
There was no better place for me to learn how to play golf as for the first 6 holes we had the course to ourselves and I could swing and miss the golf ball without being too much of an embarrassment to my golfing mentor. Between the stunning scenery and the utter fun of the game, I cannot wait for my next Mossy Acres golfing adventure!
Mossy Acres is located in the Kispiox Valley, past the rodeo grounds, across 17 mile bridge, and 5 minutes down poplar park road. Look for the sign, it will be on your right!
August 11, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
New Hazelton, Festivals & Events
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Every second week of August the Village of Hazelton celebrates Pioneer Day! As a result of gold being found in the Omenica in 1860 and the abundance of trapping in the area, Hazelton was founded in a response to the demand for access from the coast to inland BC. Hazelton was the furthest a sternwheeler could travel on the Skeena River.
The pioneer days in Hazelton were a bustling time, the bars were open three hundred and sixty five days a year, twenty four hours a day, and you would pour your own drinks! Mail and emergency supplies were brought in by dog sleds and pack horses when the steamers couldn’t get up the river and often mail only came twice during the entire winter season!
Although life is no longer like this in Hazelton, the locals love to celebrate our towns’ pioneer roots each August. Among the buildings of “old” Hazelton, which have been maintained in a 1890 vintage style, you will find locals participating in iron chef competitions, apple bobbing, riding on horse wagons, dressed up like pioneers, and watching the parade, as well as dancing up a storm Saturday night at the pioneer dance. Pioneer Day in is always the second Saturday of August – be sure to drop by Hazelton and travel back in time with pioneer days!
August 11, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Skiing & Snowboarding
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Last February as my university studies began to weigh heavily upon my shoulders and dreary wet weather in Victoria had me chilled to the bone, I anxiously jumped on a plane home dreaming about the legendary powder, the incredible groomed runs, and the steeps of the double black diamonds on
Hudson Bay Mountain in Smithers.
I spent the week of my reading break soaking up the mountain sunshine, shredding the powder, and carving the groomers on the ski hill. Upon my return to Victoria, my friends compared their tans from Hawaii, while I excitedly showed off my goggle tan from Hudson Bay Mountain.
Over the years, I have realized how incredibly lucky I am to have grown up with a great ski hill that has predictable snow, often in the form of champagne powder, within an hours drive of New Hazelton. If you are ever in Northwest BC during the winter definitely check out Hudson Bay Mountain near Smithers for your ski or snowboard fix!
August 11, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Dining
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When I lived in the city, I got hooked on Wor Wonton Soup and thought a move to a northern community would mean the end of that. What a great surprise to learn that Dawson Creek has excellent Vietnamese Food.
Tucked away in a small corner of a mini-mall is the Noodle Hut, one of our favorite local restaurants in town (1405 102nd Ave).
The first thing you notice about this little treasure is how small it is and how busy it is. But don't let size fool you. This is a top-drawer restaurant and it's been a part of the community for many years.
The menu is authentic Vietnamese and absolutely delicious. It's licensed and has great service. It's also a favorite take-out in town.
I wish I could vouch for every dish on the menu, but I am so in love with the Wor Wonton Soup and Spring Rolls, I don't seem to order anything else. My friends do and they all have their favorites as well. The portions are very generous and the prices are very reasonable.
Maybe next time I'll order something else... then again... maybe not...
Editor's note: Learn more about some places to dine in Dawson Creek here.
August 11, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
New Hazelton, Hiking
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When we were hiking on the northwest ridge
of Blunt Mountain we were absolutely amazed to find a huge array of mountain wild flowers clustered in an approximately 25 meter radius.
Many of the
wildflowers were growing straight out of the rocky dry ground, making their
beauty even more spectacular as the fight they obviously faced to survive at
1700 meters was incredible.
The flower’s beauty was so breathtaking that we put
our hike on hold and took pictures. I hope you enjoy this brief glimpse of
the wildflowers we encountered while hiking last weekend!
August 10, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
New Hazelton, Sightseeing Tours
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One warm sunny evening, my friends and I went on an adventure to the Bulkley Canyon Gate. For years, I have heard stories about the Bulkley Canyon Gate and its mystical captivating features; however, despite a couple of previous attempts I had never seen “the gate” before last week.
The Bulkley Canyon Gate consists of three pillars of sandstone, which protrude out into the river to form “the gate”. It is an interesting, fascinating, and unique geological formation, which the Bulkley River rushes through.
In the past when I had tried to access the gate it was from the south side near Ross Lake Provincial Park; however, from there one only sees a small portion of the rock wall across the river as over the years the trees have grown and blocked the view. The North side of the Bulkley Canyon Gate can only be accessed by a guided ATV tour from Triple Creek Ranch.
Fortunately, my friends and I were offered a tour and we excitedly jumped at the opportunity. The four of us hopped on ATVs and popped our helmets on our heads and anxiously anticipated not only seeing, but also standing on the gate. Our guide, Ron Fowler, led us through a beautiful forested area, we passed by a swamp that is frequented by moose and bears, we also passed over a couple of small streams. While we were passing over one of the streams Ron pointed out that an indistinguishable animal had just passed through the stream before us as his wet tracks were visible on the dirt path.
After about 30 minutes of ATVing, we parked the ATVs and began our short trek through the forest to the edge of the canyon. We were met with surprise and awe as we walked out onto the gate with the sun beginning to set and beautifully lighting up the canyon and the thick, resistant layers of sandstone that protrude into the river to form “the gate”.
It was an unforgettable adventure and if you are interested in unusual geological landscapes or merely love the thrill of standing in a place where a limited number of people have stood before you, definitely check out the guided ATV tour to the Bulkley Gate!
August 10, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Chetwynd, Snowmobiling
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I will never forget my first time snowmobiling near Powder King southwest of Chetwynd. The snow was amazing and the terrain was unbelievable.
My friends and I spent a wonderful day riding well-marked trails and exploring open meadows and bowls. Just before we headed down the mountain for home, a good friend snapped this photo. What a perfect day in the mountains!
Editor's note: Learn more about snowmobiling near Chetwynd here.
August 10, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Chetwynd, Attractions
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On a recent trip from Chetwynd to Prince George, I finally had the time to take the detour into Mackenzie and see the sights there. Was I surprised to see this massive piece of machinery right at the entrance to the town!
I asked around and learned that the tree crushers were used to prepare the reservoir that is now Williston Lake, before the W.A.C. Bennett Dam was built. I sure would like to try driving it!
August 10, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Chetwynd, Boating & Sailing
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Summer weekends are the time for catching some sun and relaxing by the water for most people. When you've got three year old boys, however, weekends are the time to find fun stuff to do!
Last weekend, we headed out with the extended family to nearby Moberly Lake, where we spent a wonderful day boating and tubing.
I even got the chance to take a "time out" for myself and spend a peaceful half hour floating in the breeze on the tube while the boys watched the big boys go kneeboarding!
Editor's note: Learn more about boating in Moberly Lake and other areas near Chetwynd here.