August 04, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Professional & Spectator Sports
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People came from all over Northern BC and brought their dirt bikes to race at the Smithers Moto Cross Track. The track was full of campers and trucks which had families and kids pouring out of the campers excited and ready to race! Kids as young as 4 were out there on little 50cc bikes, they were the cutest to watch. I was the 30 second girl who started all the races and I raced my bike with only one wipeout. Stopping for lunch and grabbing a yummy burger was a very needed break after I used a lot of my energy to ride. I re-fueled my body and then my bike for my next race. Everyone had a great time, and the Smithers track is worth checking out, only 15 minutes east of town with a beautiful mountain view.
August 03, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Water Activity Tours
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Canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, and even sailing are all apart of summer fun in Smithers and with this beautiful August weather beckoning me to the beach, I decided to go for a drive out to Lake Kathlyn. The lake is only 7 minutes west of Smithers, making it the perfect playground for all sorts of water sports. The public beach is one of my favourite places to hangout on a hot day, especially since the lake is fed by a glacial stream and is wonderfully cool with not too many weeds. Lake Kathlyn is also the perfect place to go for a peaceful paddle as motorized boats are prohibited, and the lake offers a picturesque view of Kathlyn Glacier. Since I don’t own a canoe I stopped by Aquabatics to get some information on rentals. I found out that I can rent all the recreational and safety equipment I need with convenient access to the lake. There are plenty of opportunities for both new and experienced paddlers to enjoy the Bulkley Valley from the water. In fact, on August 11-12 Smithers will host our annual TatlowFest. This paddling festival takes place on Tatlow Falls just off Highway 16 east of town and will feature both competitive and recreation paddling, as well as the popular cardboard boat competition. There will also be a sauna, campfire and free camping. Whether you are a passionate paddler or a cautious canoer there are plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy your water recreation in Smithers.
August 02, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Food or Wine
For many that know me... food and travel are common partners in my life. This close relationship was once again revisited at Purden Lake Resort where I discovered a quaint little lodge with fabulous pie and great company!
Purden Lake Resort is located approximatley 63 km east of Prince George on the Yellowhead Highway. Although it had burnt down a couple of years ago, the resort has been re built and is now fully functional. The Purden Lake Resort staff bake and cook a variety of foods including breads, cookies, soups and sandwhiches; however, my favourite treat at Purden Lake Resort is to have a huge piece of their delicious pie.
So whether you are camping at the resort or in the provincial park, or are simply returning from a hike at any of the local trails found in the area.... be sure to stop in at Purden Lake Resort for a slice of pie in the barber's chair (which they do have close to the fire place:)
August 02, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. James, Historic & Heritage Sites
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Ft St James National Hisotric Site is located approximatley 1.5 hours from Prince George along highway 27. Although the drive might be far for some, don't let it discourage you. At the end of Highway 27, you will find a small hidden northern BC gem- the national historical site that was the based of the fur trade industry way back in the day.
After arriving at FSJ National Historical Site and previewing their introduction video, you are able to either do a guided or self guided tour of the site. Your first stop will be the Fur Warhouse. At the Fur Warehouse, if you have young ones (or are young at heart), you can grab a rabbit fur to save for future trading at the Trade Store. From the Fur Warehouse, you'll past the Fish Cache and find yourself in the Men's House. Take a few minutes to enjoy the Men's House and experience the 1890's version of the lazy boy and reflect on the lonely life that many men within the region led. From the Men's House you can head over to the Trade Store where you will have the opportunity to barter over the rabbit pelt and see what kind of deal you can secure with the shopkeeper, see the goods that were available to the region and imagine just how long the journey would be to get all those wonderful goods into the region. Be sure to stop in at the Murray House to say hi to the gals who work there and be sure to enjoy some of their oven fresh cookies! This year, the National Historic Site has also provided the opportunity for taking a traditonal tea as well (although, you should be sure to book ahead of time!).
August 02, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince Rupert, Food or Wine
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While recently making a trip out to Prince Rupert, I did what every person should do when visiting the ocean; I ate fresh seafood right from the ocean. I have been to Prince Rupert on a couple different occasions now, and each and every time I return, I always make sure that I eat at Smiles Seafood Café. Located right down in the harbour on Cow Bay Road, in the Cow Bay shopping area, this neat little place makes eating an adventure and fun for everyone that goes there. It is an amazing little seafood restaurant with little booths that allow you to enjoy an incredible seafood meal surround by the sea, with decorations of fishing nets, fish, old Prince Rupert photos that document life on the sea. By far my favourite place to sit in the restaurant is the back room area where there is a great big window which makes it feel like you are eating right on the boat, looking out a port-hole to the ocean beyond the window. There are so many incredible seafood dishes to choose from, so there is enough to please any seafood lover. If you are anything like me, I get multiple different options to try various types of seafood and eat way too much and leave filled beyond necessary, but extremely content about the amazing meal I just ate. One dish that I get every time I go there is a great big bowl of clam chowder soup! It is so good and so full of amazing seafood flavour! But if you are someone who doesn't enjoy seafood, firstly you are definitely missing out; but secondly, don't worry as there are many other options to choose from off the menu to enjoy while everyone else enjoys their seafood. So gather your group together and make Smiles Seafood Café your first stop for a great seafood meal in Prince Rupert!
August 02, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Mackenzie, Science, Nature or Animals
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Located on Highway 97 North in the Pine Pass of Northern British Columbia, Bijoux Falls roars powerfully like the jewel it is in the Pine Pass. The falls can be located about 30-45 minutes passed the community of Mackenzie and are a nice rest stop off the highway, and a short distance to the falls from the road. These falls are very powerful and the water that runs through this area is tremendous because of the high snow pact in the winter, which melts in the spring and brings down lots of water into the rivers in the surrounding area. Because there was so much snow the last couple winters, the waterfall is that much more powerful to see. Bijoux Falls Park is an excellent stop along the way, sitting halfway between Mackenzie and Chetwynd and can easily be accessed with a short drive from either of these communities. Northern British Columbia seems to have endless waterfalls to discover, and with my desire to find and explore even more and more of them, I'm sure that I will visit many more to come.
August 01, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Food or Wine
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Walking downtown Prince George a few weeks ago I discovered a surprisingly addictive little café called Ohh Chocolat Café. It is surprisingly addictive because I normally frequent little shops like this because I can't afford to keep eating or having a drink out as I'm on a tight budget; but I have found myself back at this particular one multiple times since my first visit despite this. I am not a coffee drinker at all, so I always find myself drinking the hot chocolate where I go. When I arrive at Ohh Chocolat, the first thing I discovered was a hot chocolate called "Mayan Hot Chocolate," and boy was it good! Made from a selection of multiple different spices and chocolate, the Mayan Hot Chocolate is something not to be missed. It is definitely in my Top 5 hot chocolate for sure, if not even higher than that. I found myself drinking it much too quickly and it was gone before I knew it, and left me wanting another. I am also a fan of scones as well, and the ham and cheese scone and then the blueberry scone are two of my favourites that I have had there as well. They are a very good size and full of great flavour. I have had some really great things there so far, to go along with endless chocolates that I have yet to try every one, as there are so many to choose from. Along with many other healthier options like soups, sandwiches, and some great ice cream and gelato (I know this last one isn't that healthy, but it is my guilty pleasure), it is a great location to relax on the patio or inside for an afternoon. Ohh Chocolat Café is definitely one of my favourites in Prince George, and with a name like that, who wouldn't want to return time and time again for so many great and tasty treats!?
August 01, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Historic & Heritage Sites
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Has it really been 70 years since the Alaska Highway was built? I guess it must be since a celebration for the 70th Anniversary of the Alaska Highway is taking place in Fort St. John today. The Western Command Military Vehicle Historical Society are driving the entire Alaska Highway in historic military vehicles! The convoy expects their trip to take the whole month of August with several planned stops in several communities between Dawson Creek (Mile 0) and Fairbanks, Alaska to show off all of their authentic and classic vehicles. Since the military vehicles were on display for several hours this afternoon at the Fort St. John North Peace Museum, I dropped by to see the various vehicles that contributed to various military efforts. After talking to a few people, I was amazed that the vehicles I was seeing with my own eyes assisted in the Vietnam War, the Korean War, and even World War II. I could feel the pride and passion the individual vehicle owner’s had for their motorized piece of history, the military, and for their country. There we many Fort St. John residents taking pictures, asking questions, and taking a temporary seat while pretending to drive an old military vehicle. The owners of the vehicles put in the extra effort while dressing in army green uniforms. They were also very friendly and chatty, which allowed me to ask many questions and learn about their convoy even more. This evening, a banquet complete with 1940’s era music is being put on at the Fort St. John Legion to conclude today’s celebrations. If you’re located along the Alaska Highway, be on the lookout for the Western Command Military Vehicle Convoy! Make sure you find out when and where the group will be stopping by in your community and help celebrate the Alaska Highway’s 70th Anniversary.