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August 12, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Mount Robson, Hiking
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For anyone out there that loves a great hike, then I would seriously recommend hiking Mount Robson just on the border of British Columbia and Alberta. This great hike can be done by the easier of beginner hikers all the way to the well advanced. The first section of the trail up to Kinny Lake is quite easy and wheelchair accessible so that anyone can do it. Because it is always open to the elements though, the trails can sometimes get a bit dirty and muddy and make wheelchair travel a bit more difficult, but not impossible. Beyond Kinny Lake, the trail goes all the way up the mountain to the top to Berg Lake, some amazing cakes, and of course a giant glacier. The well advanced hikers can make it all the way up to the top and back down to the bottom again in one day, but for those more willing to take their time, you can camp at various locations along the way up the mountain at many different campsites. There are some incredible waterfalls along the way at Emperor Falls, and some amazing scenery as well. Some of the scenery I swear could be used to film a dinosaur or Jurassic Park movie. Mount Robson is the highest mountain in the Rocky Mountains and I definitely recommend this hike to anyone out there, either a nice day hike or a couple day hike to the top.
August 12, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
New Hazelton, Attractions
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Located in the Hazeltons, the Hagwilget Suspension Bridge crosses a huge canyon over the Bulkley River. This single lane bridge is a spectacular sight for anyone lucky enough to see it. It connects you to the Gitksan-Wet’suwet’en traditional territory and is on the way towards ‘Ksan and the nearby Gitksan village of Kispiox where their famous Totem Field is located. The This magnificent structure is one of many single-lane bridges in the area, but this one is by far the most spectacular one and it is a must to see. If you are on your way to ‘Ksan or the Kispiox Totem Field then make sure you add this bridge to your list. Get out of your car and take some pictures, and for the brave ones, go stand in the middle of the bridge when cars are crossing over. The bridge will shake with the vibrations of the cars and will definitely get your stomach turning a bit when you look down at the fast flowing Bulkley River below.
August 12, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Fishing
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While making a stop along Highway 16 in Moricetown, I would seriously recommend a stop at Morice Canyon. While here you can see firsthand some fishing done with the traditional First Nations gaff. The gaff is a long wooden pole with a large curved fish hook on the end of it. They fish by thrusting the long hook into the water and spear the salmon coming downstream for the spawning and loop it around on the hook. This traditional style is not done as often anymore because from talking to a few fishermen, they said that they could struggle for quite a few minutes with the salmon and it end up getting away. The salmon would then be too injured to survive the attack of the gaff and would die downstream. We also saw many of these fishermen instead fishing with the great big huge nets. They never kept all of the fish they caught because they have more than enough to feed their families. Sometimes they were catching in excess of one hundred a day amongst all of them, but had no need to keep all of those fish and would release most of them. It was really awesome to watch and I recommend going right down near water level to get a much better look at the action taking place!
August 12, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Attractions
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When you find yourself in Smithers next, I recommend that you make the stop to visit the beautiful Twin Falls located just outside of downtown Smithers. It is a nice easy hike into the park where the falls are located and then from there you must prepare to be amazed! The two falls, thus the name of them, are both magnificent in their own right but yet totally different from the other. They are both really tall waterfalls but one of them (pictured) has a much higher flow of water coming from it. You can hike up and stand right below the falls and get completely soaked from the spray from them. We were absolutely soaked from all the spray, but since it was a beautiful warm day it was easy to get dry again by just stepping away from the falls and back into the sun. It’s a really nice hike up towards the falls across many rocks and the slow areas of the river from the waterfall, or you can stick to the path that they have there. Any level of experienced hikers can do the trail and probably enjoy it just as much as I did. Get out there and experience the magnificence that is Twin Falls!
August 12, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince Rupert, Historic & Heritage Sites
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The North Pacific Cannery in Port Edward should definitely be a must see stop on any travellers list while travelling in the Prince Rupert area. Located just a short distance outside of Prince Rupert, Port Edward is a beautiful little area with a lot of history. The cannery, which was shut down in 1980, holds a significant piece of history for the area. Fully operational during the 1900s, the cannery supplied jobs to many Chinese, Japanese and First Nations peoples, who lived in company housing right on the site with their families. In the 1950s the cannery took down two buildings and then built three brand new ones along with four great big cylinders used for fish oil extraction. The cannery housed a very substantial assembly line where the fish would come in, be clean and bones removed, gone through blades to cut them to pieces, and then eventually making their way to the final stage where they would be placed into tins and sealed for shipment. The fishing industry was a significant enterprise back then, and while it is still today in that region, the cannery was shut down. The workers would definitely have had to deal with a very strong fish smell from living and working in that area for so long. Many of the buildings today have not been as well preserved and are falling apart in some areas, but the current employees of the National Historic Site are working hard to maintain what they have remaining and to do repairs on the current site. Next time you find yourself in this area, definitely check out this National Historic Site of Canada - the North Pacific Cannery!
August 12, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Festivals & Events
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This annual event is always something that I look forward to, and yet again this year is the same. The Prince George Exhibition (PGX) happens every year for the last 99 years and they still continue to put on some great entertainment. From the heavy horse pull, tractor pull, logger sports, fireman challenge, bull riding, heritage lane, home arts and horticulture, 4H competitions, live music, daily performances, great food from the food court, and of course all of the rides, the PGX continues to be a thrill for thousands of people every single year. There are many other fairs, exhibitions, and rodeos throughout the year, some a lot bigger and some a lot smaller, but the PGX always seems to provide great entertainment at a reasonable price. Where else can you go with your friends and family for five full days and have fun doing and seeing different things everyday? Most places of entertainment close up early but the PGX goes late all the time and even later on the weekends. All you have to do is pay one flat rate and you can come and go as many times throughout the day as you please. One of my favourite parts about the fair definitely is the bull riding and the rodeo clowns. The PGX always provides great entertainment and fun for everyone of all ages. Next year is the 100th Anniversary of the PGX and I can only expect an even bigger and better show than they have ever done before!
August 12, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince Rupert, Accommodation
A great harbour view, comfortable rooms and free cookies!!!
The Coast Inn Prince Rupert is one of many hotels in Prince Rupert, BC. It is in a location within walking distance to several businesses, restaurants and tourist attractions. There are several different room options and the staff are very friendly! There is a restaurant on site as well as fitness facilities and room service options. The rooms are quiet and the beds are very comfortable.
For more information on this hotel in Prince Rupert, refer to the British Columbia Approved Accommodation Guide or drop in to see one of several Visitor Information Counsellors at any BC Visitors Information Center.
August 12, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Tumbler Ridge, Hiking
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Tepee Falls is one of many waterfalls near Tumbler Ridge. As a friend and I were driving home (to Tumbler Ridge) from Dawson Creek we decided to stop at the pullout and hike the 6km long trail. After walking up a set of stairs, we followed the trail through an old cutblock and into the forest. It was a fairly calm afternoon and we were definitely glad we brought insect repellent! There were quite a few boardwalks along the trail, and other spots where we had to skirt around the wet ground caused by the recent rain. After continuing through the forest I noticed more light coming between the trees and we could soon hear the rushing water of Tepee Creek.
We headed towards the middle viewpoint first. After climbing down a staircase we were rewarded with an amazing side view of Tepee Falls. The trail to the upper viewpoint led us to a steep drop and another impressive view, this time of the lip of the falls. The final viewpoint we stopped at before returning gave us a panoramic look at the Murray River Valley. It made me wish we had time to stop and hike the Murray Canyon Overlook trail before heading home... next time!
August 12, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Accommodation
If you find yourself in Smithers and you are looking for an accommodation, the Stork Nest Inn is a great place to stay. The Inn holds its reputation for being "serious about sleep" and closes its doors at midnight to ensure that the premises is quiet for those that are staying overnight. The Inn is located on Main Street and is within close walking distance to several local businesses and restaurants. There is also a grocery store and convenience store located close to the accommodation.
For more information on this accommodation in Smithers, please refer to the British Columbia Approved Accommodation Guide, or speak to a Visitor Information Counsellor at a BC Visitors Information Center.
August 12, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
New Hazelton, Accommodation
If you find yourself in New Hazelton and looking for an accommodation, there is a small family run business called Robbers Roost Motel. The rooms are very clean and there is room for those that are looking for longer term tenancy, or just a short stay. The prices are reasonable and I recommend the place for families or individuals. It is within close walking distance to the main area of town where there are convenience stores and restaurants, as well as the Hazelton Visitors Information Center. Hazelton is a great place to take a break from the driving and take in the incredible scenery and local attractions.