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!!
August 09, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Historic & Heritage Sites
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Located in Moricetown, BC - approximately 30 kilometers west of Smithers, is another hidden BC gem! As you drive on the highway, you will come across the Bulkley River where several First Nations fisherman will be setup for the day. Above the river, you will see a small wood building, otherwise known as Moricetown Museum. This museum outlines the past and present of First Nations fishing on the Bulkley River and how the area became one of the most desirable salmon fishing locations in the area. The museum also has a section set off for the gift shop, featuring First Nations jewelery from the Wet'suwet'en nation.
There is also a campground on the same grounds as the museum that is accessible for any vehicle type.
I suggest this as a stop for all ages and travelers passing through or spending the evening in Moricetown. Admission is by donation and it is great to support such a fabulous collection of archives!
August 09, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Sightseeing Tours
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Just east of Smithers, there lays a turn off point to one of British Columbia's many recreation sites, Twin Falls. The waterfalls are first accessible by driving 6 kilometers up a dirt road (can be driven by any vehicle type) and there is a parking lot located close to a viewpoint and a viewing platform. If you wish to get a closer view of the falls, the hike gets steeper, although it is very rewarding from the higher point, as water sprays mists. You either have to walk through some of the water to access a higher point, or you have to climb over a steep rock. It is very possible for those of average hiking ability to get over the rocks, but I suggest stopping at the viewing platform with those hiking with children.
In the recreation site, there are also overnight camping spots and picnic tables available for use! Contact the BC Visitors Information Centers for more information about this great feature!
August 09, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince Rupert, Dining
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One of the most upbeat places to go to if you are only spending a short period of time in Prince Rupert is the Cow Bay tourism area. Cow Bay is outfitted with picnic tables, cafes, restaurants and unique local shops.
While in Cow Bay, I visited two restaurants - Smiles and Cowpaccinos. Both are local eateries and I suggest Smiles for families and individuals that are looking to experience fresh seafood in a variety of choices! The meal portions were great and the service was friendly!
Cowpaccinos is more of a cafe feel with snacks and warm and cold drinks being served. There is wireless internet at Cowpaccinos, as well as tables on the inside and outside to access the web.
Cow Bay is a must see for visitors of all ages and from every origin of travel!
August 09, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Fishing
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Located approximately 30 kilometers west of Smithers, BC lays one of the most amazing shows I have seen in Northern BC.
The community known as Moricetown is home to several First Nations people and you will often be able to see them fishing in the Bulkley River using gaffs and nets to catch salmon. Watching the process is absolutely amazing and each fisherman will catch approximately 100 fish per day!
The area that is set up for fishing has been cemented in to only allow water flow coming through one main channel, where the fisherman position themselves throughout the day. In this channel, the water flows so quickly that it creates a waterfall effect and occasionally, you can even see the fish being carried down the fast flow of water!
This is a free activity to watch and it is a great way to get a glance at First Nations history in the Northwestern BC region. The fisherman are more than happy to explain the process and show you some of the daily catches! A must stop for everyone in the family!
August 09, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince Rupert, Whale Watching
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As the fog lifted off the Pacific Ocean on the coast of Prince Rupert, BC, a charter from Seashore Charters set sail to find orca whales and humpback whales!
Prince Rupert is one of the most recommended places to go for whale watching, as many will migrate to the areas of water around Prince Rupert. On most occasions, you will be lucky enough to catch glimpse of a whale breaching or even a tail come out of the great depths of the ocean.
On the tour that we joined, along the coastline briefly after taking off, a wolf appeared and ran along the shore as the charter boat moved along with it. We also got the chance to see a porpoise in the water and a rock packed full of sea lions! The guides are very knowledgeable and will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about the animals or the areas they tend to call home.
I recommend a whale watching tour with any of the companies in Prince Rupert for any ages and international travelers to get a great view of one of many locations on the British Columbia shore line!
August 09, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince Rupert, Historic & Heritage Sites
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Northwestern BC has endless amounts of hidden gems!! One of them is the North Pacific Cannery located in Port Edward, BC. The cannery is located along the coastline and reaches out to you as if you are a part of the cannery while it was in full fledged operation in the 1900's.
The first building we walked into was one of the main canning buildings. At the front, there was a long, flat and raised slab of wood resembling a stage. This is the area where the whole fish first entered into the lengthy and strenuous canning process. Throughout the building, several other stations are shown including the cutting of the fish and the area where the final steps occur! In order to preserve some of this equipment, some of it has been painted to ensure that it can be enjoyed by future visitors.
The cannery is not only a place to immerse yourself into coastal BC history (and a large part of commercial fishing in BC), but to begin understanding the working lives of many Chinese, Japanese and First Nations people - these three nationalities being the main employees at the canneries.
I suggest a visit/guided tour to the North Pacific Cannery for people of all ages and especially for international visitors so you can get a close up of one of the main industries and its growth and development over the past century.
August 08, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. James, Historic & Heritage Sites
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Hi Fellow Travellers: I recently visited this
amazing place and had forgotten how beautiful Stuart Lake is. I had not been here since elementary school days. Watching the raising of the flags and singing to the national anthem was moving. Archery and guessing the birds was a hoot! It was great to speak with the elder, Mrs. Prince in the fish-drying building. She is very knowledgeable, as were everyone on site. I especially got a kick out of listening and watching the short play at the end in the fur storage building. Very funny! I even had my pic taken in their version of a lazy-boy recliner. In total, I spent about 4 hours there and also enjoyed a great meal and baked goods (baked in wood stove). Excellent way to end my tour of the oldest original wooden fur trade buildings in Canada. I can't wait to visit again! Next time I am bringing my mother (also an elder) as she will get a huge kick out of the fur storage, she makes parkas and is a licensed furrier after all!
August 07, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Outdoor Activity Tours
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This is something that I have wanted to do since the day I came to Dawson Creek, that was to get up and see the Wind Turbines (British Columbia’s first commercial wind facility). When you are coming into Dawson Creek you cannot miss the turbines lined up on the west side of the highway. There are 34 of them, and each one will produce enough energy to power 1000 homes. From the highway these turbines seem small but when up close the power of these giants is absolutely amazing and exhilarating.
I stopped at the Visitor information center in Dawson Creek and the counselors there were helpful and gave me directions as well as an informative pamphlet of the ‘Bear Mountain Wind Park’. It takes about 20 minutes to get there. Be sure to take a lunch because there are many places that are great viewpoints (picture taking) and picnic areas. There is some good hiking up there from turbine 0 to 25 is a distance of about 8km along the Rim Rocks hiking trail. Great look out on turbine #18 too!
Did I mention the size of the turbines and the power? These guys are 78 meters tall and weigh over 215 tonnes each. The blades on the turbines are 41 meters in length and weigh approximately 7 tonnes. You really have to be there to experience the marvel of these machines.
Whether visiting Dawson Creek or a resident, if you have not taken a ½ a day to explore ‘Bear Mountain Wind Park’ be sure to do it. It is something that has to be seen and experienced up close and personal.