August 26, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort Nelson, Sightseeing Tours
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On our last day in the Stone Mountain area my friend and I did some adventuring off the highway. We went by quad into what is called Moose Lake to do some fishing. In less then an hour we caught three fish. Just some small Dolly Varden, none the less it was exciting. It was my first catch of the summer! We then ventured on up to a creek he referred to as 'Sheep Creek,' who knows what it's really called. We continued through the rock cut, it was spectacular. Sun shining, water flowing, just an all around gorgeous day.
On the way back out my friend pointed out a very old native grave yard, he said it was a resting place for some people who lived in the Wokpash many years ago. It was hard to even notice it as it was on top of a large hill, and you could really only see a few crosses poking out of the hillside.
We ripped along the trails and creek beds, and in the mid-afternoon came about ten feet away from a deer. It was so neat to be up close, kind of scary but I felt fairly safe on a quad.
I took lots of photos of the beautiful wilderness. Being out in these kind of places is such a nice change of scenery. It's especially nice when the weather is good. Exploring by quad made it even more fun, since it allows you to go some places that would otherwise be difficult.
We ended off our day with dinner at the Toad River Lodge, which has always proved to serve delicious home style meals.
This great adventure was only a couple hours up the highway from town, it still amazes me every time I head up that way the grand "back yard" that is available to me.
August 13, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort Nelson, Sightseeing Tours
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We all have long days, don't we? Whether it be after a long day at work or on the road, we all need to take some time out afterwards to stretch, refresh and recharge!
Well, you will be pleasantly surprised to hear that I found a really great way to do that here in Fort Nelson...and the secret is found in the great outdoors.
What?
What's that you say?
The great outdoors as a way to relax is not a secret? That in fact, exercising outdoors has been scientifically proven to help people unwind?
Ohhh poo.
You know what? It doesn't really matter that it is - or is not - a secret...what really matters is that I found a great place in town to get out there and have fun!
It is called the community walking trail. A beautiful 4.7km trail that winds its way through the trees around the town perimeter and through the downtown core.
Summertime in Fort Nelson often times can be very hot! On one particular week there was sunshine for days, not a cloud in the sky, I had worked my tukas off in the heat and thought to myself "This is it! I need to chill out!"
And I meant this both figuratively and literally.
So at 8 pm, I leashed up the dogs, put some bug spray on my ankles and behind my ears and hit the trail. And boy was that ever the best thing I had done for myself all week!
The sun combed through the tree canopy, filtering ever so slightly onto me and the pups. There was a warm breeze blowing the sweet smell of clovers all around. In essence, it was pure bliss!
The trail was slow, not another soul out there, but I was okay with that! More open road for the three of us! We did almost half of the trail and called it a day. We cut through town and lolly-gagged back home.
We were refreshed yet tuckered out; ready for bed when the sun decided to set. The trail had melted away everything from the long day...everything but the slight scent of bug spray :)
Zzzzz....until next time!
August 01, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort Nelson, Sightseeing Tours
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On Friday, my dad and his friend Tracy were up from Fort St John for a visit. My dad was born here and was excited to see how much it had changed in 15+ years. Firstly, before any adventures began we needed some fuel; we stopped at the Sierra Lounge in the Fort Nelson Hotel. The food was good, service was excellent, and the lounge (opened in February 2011) is beautiful and definably an asset to Fort Nelson's food and beverage industry. We spent the evening cruising around town, through the industrial streets (which I found out my grandfather used to own a few lots and businesses!) We drank our tea and listened to my dad tell stories of his childhood, his pranks, crashes (on his bicycle), and many other stories. I of course being born and raised her myself had more than a few stories to share as well! Later on when the yawns started to stifle our stories and the laughter turned to chuckles we decided we could put off our adventure until the next morning.
Bright and early we met up at the "One" restaurant and had our morning coffees and breakfast. The One is a large restaurant, with good service and good food as well. We hopped into the truck once more and set off! Our first stop of the day was the Visitor Information Centre, my dad thought it was very cool, a new building and another great asset to Fort Nelson's streets. He bought my little sister a t-shirt that said: Someone who loves me bought me this shirt in Fort Nelson, BC. Also he bought a few of Doug Andrew's cards from Alaska Hiway Art.
After that we crossed the highway to the Fort Nelson Heritage Museum where we met up with our tour guide Dallas, he was very helpful and had a lot of information about the Hudson’s Bay House and the Trapper’s Cabin. In the very back of the museums outside exhibits is a portable machine shop with the sign “Derrick’s Machining and Oilfield Repairs,” which I’ll have you know belonged to my grandfather! I found that super cool, he build the shop so it was completely collapsible and could be moved on the back of a big truck, he would set up out on oil field leases and be able to work out of the weather and with ease.
Also in one of the exhibits inside the building there is a Mammoth tusk, which belonged to my dad when he was younger, his mom (my grandma) decided to donate it to the museum. Although he wasn’t happy about it at the time he now says he realizes that instead of just him enjoying it many people are able too! Later on it was dinner time, and our stomachs let us know that very loudly! We sat down to eat at the Outlaw Café, which is located in the Triple ‘G’ Hideaway campground. Food was delicious and it’s a fun and interesting setting, saddles for bar stools, and rifles for door handles! Very cool.
My day in the life of a tourist in Fort Nelson was great! I learned a little bit more about my home town and was pleased to see how many people love to teach about Fort Nelson and its history.