August 09, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Chilliwack, River Rafting
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"Remember, this is a voluntary activity with inherent risk". As the guide tells me this I start wondering what I have signed myself up for. This is supposed to be an afternoon activity to celebrate a birthday - inject a little adventure into our lives. Well, it worked.
We joined Chilliwack River Rafting for an afternoon on the water. We donned our wet suits and our helmets and jumped aboard the school bus for a short drive to the riverside. After a safety talk we joined our amazing guide Andrea and began floating down the river. She taught us some commands which we took a while to perfect (some of us really struggling knowing our left from our right!). Once we hit our stride however, we were careening through the rapids celebrating each successful run with a round of high-fives. The smiles on the face of the 12-year old boy in the back of our boat made it all worth it!
It was another reminder about why I love living in BC: with just a short ride from my in-laws home in Chilliwack (about 90 minutes from Vancouver) I find myself on a beautiful river surrounded by mountains - holding on for dear life.
Who could ask for anything more?
Editor's note: Learn more about river rafting in Chilliwack here.
August 08, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
New Hazelton, Sightseeing Tours
On a warm August night, two friends and I wandered down to
the confluence of the Skeena and Bulkley Rivers to take in the scenery and go
for a quick evening walk. The evening was filled with lots of laughter as we
explored the cottonwood chairs, and skipped smooth river rocks across a still
pool of backwater.
The confluence of the Skeena and Bulkley rivers can be
accessed from the ‘Ksan historical museum and village parking lot (‘Ksan is
located 7km from New Hazelton along Hwy 62). One can wander down to the very
point where the large rivers join and watch the swirling waters as the rivers
mingle and blend into one.
The trail leading down to the point is lined with
several intriguing chairs cut out of recently fallen cottonwood trees. There
are also several trails that branch off the trail, which originally leaves the
parking lot. These trails allow you to loop through the bush and return via an
alternate route or even lengthen your walk through the forest.
Once you leave
the forest you will walk along smooth river rock until you encounter the
rushing waters of the rivers. From the point you will enjoy spectacular views
of the Roche De Boule Mountain Range as well as the riverbanks, and flood
plains - known as Anderson Flats Provincial Park.
August 08, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
New Hazelton, Hiking
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On a warm August day, two climbing partners and I climbed
Hagwilget Peak. Hagwilget Peak is the northern most peak on the Roche De Boule
mountain range. This majestic mountain towers over the Hazeltons and its rugged
shape is often regarded as a symbol for the Hazeltons.
Hagwilget Peak Trail is
suited for experienced hikers and climbers. You must be physically fit and not
afraid of heights, and you must also be prepared for quick weather changes.
At
3.3 kms on Station Creek trail there is a tree marked with flagging tape, at
this point you will turn right and follow a path down to a creek. Once you have
crossed the creek you will follow a flagged trail, which is worn through the
forest; however, it is not very well worn above tree line, up to the mountain
peak.
After the creek, there is not another water source for the remainder of
the hike; therefore, it is a good idea to carry plenty of water with you. If
you do use the creek water, it is a good idea to treat it.
Sections of the
trail are a moderate to difficult scramble and there are also a couple sections
that you will need to be able to pull yourself up. You must follow the flagging
tape above timberline; otherwise, you may find yourself in a difficult
situation.
On top of the mountain, there is a flagpole and a guest book – be
sure to sign it and read the local Gitxsan legend about the Mountain Goats of
Temlaham! Climbing Hagwilget Peak provides a sense of great accomplishment,
especially when you return to the valley floor and gaze upon its towering
beauty.
Editor's notes: Learn more about
hiking in the New Hazelton area.
August 08, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Kitimat, Sightseeing Tours
In Kitimat we have multiple walking tours, in this video I show you a short clip of Kildala. The interpretive sign system for heritage walkways and circle tours of Kitimat celebrate this community's historical and cultural beginnings.
August 08, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Festivals & Events
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Every year we go to the
Kiskatenaw Fall Fair. Tucked away on a country road just off the Hart Highway about a half hour west of Dawson Creek, this old time community fair is a reminder of simpler times.
There is none of the glitz and glimmer found at large exhibitions, this country fair is like down-home cooking.
There is a barn filled with local handcrafts and preserves, a few rows of prize farm animals and 2 days of horse shows.
We always go on the Saturday for the heavy horses pulls. I love to see those huge animals showing what they were raised to do. They skid heavy logs through obstacle courses just like they skidded logs out of the forest when horses did logging. The teams also compete to see who can pull the heaviest loads. It truly is teamwork at it's finest.
The food is home cooked, generous and very affordable. The admission price to the fair is by donation and the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming.
The fair is held at the beginning of August every year and is well attended by locals and visitors alike.
August 07, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Historic & Heritage Sites
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Driftwood Canyon Provincial Park (otherwise known as the fossil beds) are a great local attraction to the Smithers area. Located right before Babine Mountain Provincial Park, it is a good place to bring a picnic and sit by the creek, and go enjoy some archeological history.
Fossils were found in this area approximately 50 years ago, and ever since have been excavated by professionals from museums and universities from all over the country. Their are a few species are indigenous to the Bulkley Valley of plants, fish and bugs from 50 million years ago. Note: no fossils are allowed to leave the park.
Recently, BC Parks upgraded the park with $200,000, with now a new bridge, information signs, new benches and upgrading to the trail among most of the improvements.
Definitely a good place to go with your family on a nice day.
August 07, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Farms & Markets
Every saturday morning from 8am to 12pm, residents (and non-residents) make their way down to the Smithers farmer's market on the corner of Highway 16 and Main street. There, you can buy freshly baked bread, buy a steaming chai, creatively inspired jewelly and fresh produce (among many other things) while listening to music from our local musicians. From May until late September, people can get their fill of local goods. The farmer's market is one of my favorite things to do on a saturday, and a good way to start your weekend. The farmer's market is a Smithers tradtion- if you're looking to meet some great Smithers locals, and stock up on local goods, stop by.
August 07, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Shopping
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If anyone is planning a trip for Smithers, one of the places must (and are bound to) see is our Main Street. One of the things I love about Smithers is it’s commitment to our downtown, and the attitude people have to supporting local businesses. I think the residents of Smithers also appreciate how much the local businesses have available for us, and their commitment to helping create a diverse community.
Our downtown has an alpine theme, so all of the buildings have a sort of quaint European look to them. We have a wide range of stores and boutiques that offer everything from gifts and clothing to computers and a few of our fabulous restaurants. Even if you have no plans to spend any money, just doing a “mainer” (walking up and down all of main street) is a nice way to spend an hour or two. Also, you can’t miss our famous Alpenhorn man statue at the beginning of Main Street by the highway.
August 07, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Wildlife Tours
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The other day, I went for a great hike on Hudson Bay Mountain. I hiked all the way up to Crater Lake (a glacial lake on the mountain) where there was alpine meadows right next to left-over snow from winter. It took me an hour to get to the top, where I jumped in the frigid lake to cool off.
Not expecting to see any animals other than the usual marmot (which I did see), coming down from the mountain I saw a buck by the parking lot! Even though I have grown up in Smithers my whole lie, seeing wildlife never ceases to amaze me, so excitedly I grabbed my camera and took some pictures.
I hope when other people go hiking to Crater Lake, they have the same luck and see some animals as well! You may see mountain goats, whisky jack birds in the fall who will eat right out of your hand, and a whole lot of snowboarders and skiers in the winter!
Editor's note: Learn more about hiking near Smithers here.
August 07, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Historic & Heritage Sites
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If you’re interested in beautiful art work, native history, and a great drive, then Kitwancool is the place to stop.
From Kitwanga, it is about a 30 minute drive to this small community, where some of the best (and oldest) totem poles you can find anywhere stand. I’ve seen quite a few totem poles in my day, and these ones take the cake. Beautifully carved, and in such a breath-taking area, this is definitely worth a stop off of your trip to go see.