August 21, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Clearwater, Accommodation
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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.
August 21, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Clearwater, Attractions
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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.
August 20, 2010 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Accommodation
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I had the opportunity to stay the night at the
Queen Victoria in downtown Victoria. This older property is super convenietly located across the street from the Royal BC Museum and I would definetly recommend it. The room I was in was spacious and had not one, but two, balconies....a bit of a rarity in hotels. The hotel was busy with tour groups, but as a single traveller, I enjoyed the buzz that they brought. Had dinner and breakfast in the hotel's acclaimed Samuel's Restaurant which has been turning out yummy food for over 30 years. Great service, great view, great food. All in all, a very pleasant stay.
August 19, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Victoria, Dining
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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:LEWith 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' UPSTAIRSFeaturing 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 CAFE919 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.
August 18, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Hiking
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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.
August 18, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Golden, River Rafting
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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.
August 18, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Festivals & Events
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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.
August 17, 2010 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Gardens
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As a former tour guide, I have had the opportunity to visit Victoria's
Butchart Gardens many many times as an escort to groups. This trip however was with my 10 year old daughter who had never been. She loved it and I saw it through a young person's amazed eyes. The real treat for me was going on the boat tour that departs from the foot of the Japanese Gardens. This 45-minute tour (on an electric boat) takes passengers on a trip around the periphery of the Gardens to where the property's original cement plant was located. The scenery was stunning and our captain told us area and Butchart family history. Can't remember exactly what we paid (think it was around $30 for both of us) but it was well worth it and highly recommended. It also provides a nice break from the heat on a hot day, and the crowds on a busy one! Thank you Butchart Team for a great product offering!
August 16, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Victoria, Attractions
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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.
August 16, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Victoria, Ziplining & Bungee Jumping
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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.