August 09, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Whistler, Ziplining & Bungee Jumping
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When my friend told me we were going to Wild Play in Whistler, I honestly had no idea what she was talking about. As I pressed her for details she told me it was Monkido, an aerial adventure course. Hmmm, sounds intriguing.
We drove the short distance from the village to Cougar Mountain and checked in at the reception. We were suited up in a safety harness and introduced to the group we would be with and our guide, Jono. "Who has ever ziplined before?" he asks. I am one of a few who raises a hand. "Who is afraid of heights?" I am the only one to raise my hand. Uh oh.
We receive our 30 minute lesson that outlines how we will have not one, but two, safety clips and we demonstrate our ability to climb the ladder, not fall off the tree platforms and how to zip across a taut wire between two trees. Seems easy enough.
The adventure course begins easily enough (and low enough) but steadily gets harder and higher until I am giddy with adrenalin and literally hugging the trees on each platform. A friend recently told me that it is important to occasionally remind yourself how good it is to be alive. Check! This adventure is certainly accomplishing that. Each time I think it can't be harder, the next "element" as they call it gets trickier, and higher, although I am not looking down!
I pride myself on completing the entire course while only taking the "chicken route" a few times as recommended by Jono. He has the ability to read our body language and know when to joke with us, when to encourage us and when to zip over and give us a helping hand.
We are thrilled to reach the end and feel an immense sense of accomplishment and a heaviness in every upper body muscle we have (and didn't realize we had). Being up in the trees, overlooking the streams and forests of Cougar Mountain while challenging yourself and having a ton of fun. Jono, I will be back.
Editor's note: Learn more about Wildplay Whistler here.
August 09, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Whistler, Spas & Wellness
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So perhaps being decadent in Whistler is nothing new. But I just experienced one of the newest ways - Scandinave Spa.
For $61 my best friend and I spent over 3 hours lounging in hammocks, soaking in hot tubs, breathing deeply in the eucalyptus steam room and baking in the sauna. The idea of the Scandinave spa is to first warm your body in one of the hot spots (sauna, steam room or hot tub), then cool yourself down quickly in the cool pool or glacier-fed waterfall, then relax for a minimum of 10-15 minutes. Then repeat. And repeat and repeat.
I must admit that I am not one to fully immerse myself in cold water, so other than a foot dip, I skipped that but more than made up for it with the hammocks, magazines and warm solariums with comfy chairs. The sun was shining and the sound of the running water was very peaceful on a glorious August afternoon, but I could also really imagine myself here in the winter recovering from a ski day. Gee, just I am just going to have to come back...
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.