August 10, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Historic & Heritage Sites
Join me on a tour of the Driftwood Canyon fossil beds in Smithers, BC!
August 10, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince Rupert, Car / Truck / Motorcycle
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I recently found myself with 2 days off of work and no plans, so I decided to take a trip to Prince Rupert. This is only a 4 hour drive from my home in Smithers, and it's one of my favourite highways in the province to travel.
With a cold drink in my cupholder and good tunes in the cd player, I began my trip west on Highway 16. There is rarely a stretch of road that doesn't give you spectacular mountain views, but my favourite spot in particular is the small pullout shortly after the turnoff to Hwy 37 where you can get a great view of the peaks of the Seven Sisters (see photo). Between Terrace and Prince Rupert, the scenery only gets better. The road is squeezed between the Skeena River and towering mountains, so you're never without beautiful scenery - it's so pretty it's almost distracting! The fishing in the Skeena must be great right now because the road was lined the whole way with parked vehicles and whenever you got a clear view of the river you could see fishermen lined up along the banks.
I arrived in Prince Rupert and headed directly down Bill Murray Ave passed Pillsbury House to the nice waterfront access park. I found myself a comfy spot among the big rocks at the water's edge and watched the fishing boats pass by. During a previous visit, I saw an otter come up on shore here but sadly he didn't come see me this time. It was then time to check in to my room at the Crest Hotel and get cleaned up for dinner. I met a friend at the Crest's restaurant and we had dinner on the patio with an awesome view over the water - can't beat great food with a great view! We then decided to head over to Moresby Park, a really nice creekside trail through a cool mossy forest that's right on Moresby Ave in town.
After a comfy night at the Crest Hotel, I woke up early the next morning and had breakfast at Cowpuccino's, a coffee shop in Cow Bay (mmmm apple carrot raisin muffin and caramel latte!). There were a few really cool little shops in Cow Bay to check out as well. After resisting the urge to spend toooo much money, I met again with my friend to hike the Butze Rapids trail. The trail was 5.4 km long with a few short steep hills, but was overall moderately easy and took about 1.5 hours. The trail leads you right to a lookout over the rapids (caused by uneven water levels during tide changes in this narrow area), and we were also able to walk right to the water over a rocky beach from a couple of points along the trail.
The hike had really worked up our appetites, so we had lunch at Breaker's Pub with another great waterfront view before I had to head for home.
There are tons of other fun things to do and see in Prince Rupert - the Northern BC Museum, tours to Pike Island, the Cannery, and lots more - so I've still got lots to do the next time I visit!
August 09, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince Rupert, Whale Watching
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When in Prince Rupert, one of the best things you can possibly do is go whale watching. Seeing the whales out in the ocean free and enjoying life is an amazing experience. Two really great companies that I talked to out there were Seashore Charters and then also Prince Rupert Adventure Tours. They both had incredible friendly staff and were willing to do just about anything to make your experience out on the ocean with them as memorable as possible.
We were able to see many things while out on the boat. The low level clouds and mist on the ocean in the early morning made for some incredible pictures. Shortly after leaving the harbour we spotted a young wolf running along the coast after our boat. Whether he was running with the boat or actually away from us along the coast is uncertain, but it was pretty neat to see. Along with numerous bald eagles, a few porpoises, and a few rocks full of large sea lions, we were very fortunate in seeing many awesome animals while out on the ocean.
I recommend making your Prince Rupert experience very memorable with a Whale Watching tour out on the ocean next time you are out there!
August 09, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince Rupert, Shopping
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When in Prince Rupert, do as the locals do. Visit Cow Bay! While this area will be full of many tourists as well, from which I visited there recently, I noticed that there were many locals as well. From many excellent little shops, restaurants, B&B, coffee shops, and a great harbour view, Cow Bay is a great place for anyone to visit. You know a place is good if it is packed with locals and even tourists alike.
Decorated throughout by many cow patterns, Cow Bay stands up to its name. The dumpsters, street lamps, fire hydants, and even tables and chairs are painted in the cow design. These people here have really adopted a theme and stuck with it. It's a very friendly and exciting place to visit in Prince Rupert.
Some of the places I stopped at in Cow Bay was a little coffee shop called Cowpuccino's. This little coffee shop was packed full when I was there both inside and outside on their little patio. They served great food and drinks to please the hungry patrons in a timely manner.
For anyone looking for some of the best seafood around, Smiles is an excellent option. Serving seafood so fresh and full of flavour, the meal I had here was excellent. I'm a big fan of clam chowder soup and theirs was definitely a good one. Along with so many different options for fresh fish, this is a place not to miss.
Check out Cow Bay for your next visit to Prince Rupert. Better yet, plan a trip and get out there as soon as possible.
August 09, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince Rupert, Museums
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While on a recent visit to Prince Rupert, I made my way to the Museum of Northern BC and had a look around. My first reaction to the place is - Cedar! As soon as you walk in the front doors of an old rustic building, which has been many things since it was first built, the first thing that you notice is an incredible cedar smell. The employees had said that they don't quite notice it anymore from working there so long, but for myself, I couldn't get over how incredible of a smell the wood creates.
Located right on the waterfront in downtown Prince Rupert, this museum is a sight not to miss. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit here and would recommend it to absolutely anyone and everyone, no matter if you are a regular museum type or not. When entering the museum, you experience not only the feeling of being in a First Nations Longhouse, but experience an incredible variety of First Nations history with specific focus on those inhabiting the Northwest Coast of British Columbia. While a large portion of the current collection on display is showing First Nations history, the museum also includes many great exhibits years and years of history covering the inhabitants of Prince Rupert and their history, the expansion of the region through the railway and river systems, but also current pieces and collections of art.
I have nothing but good things to say about the Museum of Northern BC and could easily tell people about so many great positives to visiting the museum for quite some time. Please visit the Museum of Northern BC when you visit Prince Rupert because you will surely not be disappointed; unless of course you don't visit the museum and then you will be disappointed that you missed out.
August 09, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
New Hazelton, Historic & Heritage Sites
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Located in the Village of Hazelton, the First Nations Historical Village - 'Ksan - is an amazing sight to see. The area is home to the Gitxsan and
Wet’suwet’en people and is full of magnificent history of the people and the region. One of these sites that help to maintain history is the Historical Village of 'Ksan.
In my most recent visit to the Hazeltons I made a stop here and was extremely pleased to see what was there. I had read a lot about the area and talked to many people, but visiting the site first hand was definitely an amazing experience. There is so much history there and the stories that we were told about the people, their culture, and the area was incredible!
They also have weekly dance and story-telling performances for people to
enjoy. I unfortunately was not able to catch one of these performances,
but I hope to be back out there again sometime soon to take the tour
again and to catch one of these performances. They have amazing history
there that I suggest everyone learn about no matter who you are or where
in the world you may live.
You don't have to be familiar with the cultures at all as they provide a full tour with detailed information at a very reasonable price. I will continue to recommend 'Ksan to many more people heading that direction as I have nothing but good things to say about my experience there. It was definitely worth the visit!
August 09, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
New Hazelton, Historic & Heritage Sites
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As part of an adventure along Highway 16, I made a stop in the Hazeltons. It was a very neat sight to see with so many different stories told in the designs of the totems. Each totem was completely different and created a different feeling from viewing it.
Many of the totems there were quite old and created a feeling of history to the area. Others were fairly recent looking as their didn't seem to be as aged by the environment. These totems were all so incredibly detailed and I can only imagine what kind of time and care the artists would have had to put into the creation of them. The skill and specifically patience required for carving these must have to be tremendous in order to get them completed.
First Nations history has so many amazing stories that teach of great overcoming of obstacles and learning morals in growing up in life. The elders of these communities have a significant role in passing down the stories from one generation to the next and I believe that each and every culture should not lose their heritage and continue to maintain the learning of their cultures and heritage. Great sites like the Kispiox Totem Field are just one of many ways that these communities must maintain their heritage. These totems were an incredible sight to see and I hope one day I will be fortunate enough to be able to see the process it takes to carve them by these skilled carvers.
August 09, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Vanderhoof, Museums
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When making your way west along Highway 16, I would definitely make a stop in at the Fraser Lake Visitor Centre and Museum. I've always driven straight through Fraser Lake, but this time I decided to stop and I am glad that I did. The staff at the visitor centre are extremely friendly and helpful and their museum was a really great opportunity to see the history of the Village of Fraser Lake and get a background on the region.
There was a great selection of old primary document sources dating back many years, some from the early 1900s and earlier. A great selection of magazines, newspapers, pianos, logging supplies, and this really interesting breathing apparatus (pictured).
Of course what not to forget is what Fraser Lake is most famous for, being the Swan Capital of the World! So if you find yourself in Fraser Lake, make the stop in at the visitor centre and museum and spend some time learning about the past while getting information to plan future adventures!
August 09, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
New Hazelton, Historic & Heritage Sites
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Ksan Village is a First Nations historic village located in Hazelton, BC. The location features several longhouses that were used for traditional ceremonies and events within the First Nations community.
You may take a guided tour of the site by one of many First Nations employees and understand the way that ceremonies are run and the meanings behind many pieces of traditional regalia.
Also featured at the Ksan Village is a gift shop full of handcrafted jewelry and art from several local and Wet'suwet'en First Nations people. On the way out of the site, there is often a market set up where you can purchase many local products including delicious bannock!
I would suggest a trip to Ksan for any individuals traveling west on Highway 16 and if you are interested in learning about the traditional First Nations ceremonies and traditions.
August 09, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Terrace, Fishing
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The drive between Terrace and Prince Rupert, BC is one of the most scenic drives that I have taken! Several trees and wildlife was seen and whether you are taking the drive on a sunny or rainy day, it is amazing!
There is a rest stop that is not very well marked between Terrace and Prince Rupert that is a recommended place for those interested in taking a break to do some fly fishing! I visited the area as the sun was beginning to go down and it was absolutely remarkable scenery! The water was warm enough to wade in and there were several fly fishers in the area.
If you are driving west to Prince Rupert, the area is on the left hand side of the highway and is normally crowded with several cars and trucks parked on the side of the highway. If you are going to stop, ensure that you are pulled far enough off the road for yours and others safety.
Stop in at the Prince George Visitors information center for more information on this fabulous location!!