February 17, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Cross-Country Skiing
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There is something very special about a morning walk during the winter months here in Dawson Creek.
The other day, I bundled up and set out for a walk just as the sun was rising in the east sky. It promised to be yet another bright blue-sky day and I was struck by the beauty and peacefulness that surrounded me.
Have you ever walked through a forest when the hoar frost crystals cover every branch and every needle? When the air is so clear it crackles, sounds carry for miles... and your boots crunch with each step? It's magical isn't it?
I was delighted to meet a cross-country skier who obviously had the same morning inclination to fill up with the fresh crisp Peace Country air. She stopped for a few minutes and told me that Dawson Creek is a wonderful community for cross-country skiing.
"We have miles of groomed trails and a very active ski club." In typical Dawson Creek friendly fashion, she told me her name and invited me to contact her if I would like to try my hand or should I say feet at skiing.
If you happen to come here during the winter, make sure you bring your mittens and be ready to refreshed with a winter wonderland wander... there's lots to do here... winter family fun for all!
For this Mile O Citizen, I just might take up cross-country skiing...
February 16, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Sightseeing Tours
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Let's face it, here in the Peace River Country, we don't fool around when it comes to winter. We are a hardy lot and we know how to thrive in our northern climate.
Ask anyone who lives here and they will say that with an adventurous spirit, some planning, a positive attitude and a sense of humor, winter is an enjoyable season.
Have you been here in the winter? Did you get around OK? Did anyone give you some basic advice on how to prepare your self and your vehicle?
Here are 5 Down to Earth Travel Tips:1. Make sure your vehicle is winterized. Make sure you have a block heater and extension cord, ice scraper etc. There's nothing like the satisfaction of turning the key on a cold winter morning and being rewarded with an easy start. You'll also want winter antifreeze and good winter tires.
2. Make sure you keep a cell phone, extra warm clothes, a blanket and a flashlight etc in your vehicle. It's like insurance... you hope you never need it, but it gives you peace of mind. We all do this.
3. Drive smart. If you aren't familiar with winter driving conditions... adopt a slower is better attitude. Take your time and keep your distance.
4. Keep your gas tank filled. Winter is not the time to be living on the edge with a near empty tank.
5. Please watch for wildlife. Our moose are really big and really plentiful. Our deer are really big and really plentiful too. We like them and we want to keep them safe. You should know they have a tendency to hang around the roads when the snow is deep in the bush.
For this Mile O Citizen, winter is an adventure and being prepared makes it fun!
February 15, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Sightseeing Tours
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Just ask anyone who lives here now or has lived here in the past what comes to mind first when they think of the Peace River Country and sure-as-shootin' they will bring up our incredible big blue skies, sunshine, clean air and Northern Lights.
Nestled in a lovely valley, we are so spoiled with our panoramic view above and our easy access to complete solitude a couple of minutes out of the city.
Have you gone for a walk in the country on a clear Peace Country night? With every star vying for your attention? With the full moon lighting the fields for miles and miles? With the Northern Lights dancing in brilliant colors above?
Have you ever just stood in the silence... away from all sounds of humanity and listened?
I did a couple of nights ago... and I heard some crashing in the bush way off in the west... it was probably a moose moving about... I heard the coyotes yipping and I heard... silence... no motors, no sounds...
The next time you come to Dawson Creek, make sure you take a night drive out into the country, park and go for moonlight walk...
For this Mile O Citizen this is heaven here on earth...
February 14, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Richmond, Dining
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On the way to the Olympic OZone venue in Richmond, my husband and I decided to celebrate Chinese New Year with authentic dim sum. Just over the Fraser River from Vancouver and a hop away from the airport, Richmond's large Asian community offers some of the best Chinese food this side of Beijing.
On a reliable recommendation we plumped for the Continental Seafood Restaurant (11700 Cambie Road) and were soon seated in a huge banquet hall among hundreds of extended families welcoming in
the Year of the Tiger and catching the Games on flatscreen TVs.
Smartly uniformed staff wheeled trolleys laden with steaming delicacies for diners to pick. We loaded up on char siu buns filled with barbequed pork, choi sum greens, sticky rice and prawn dumplings, washed down with jasmine tea. Somehow we still found room for sweet egg buns - just as tasty as the ones I used to eat growing up in Hong Kong. Gung hay fat Choy indeed!
February 14, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Revelstoke, Snowmobiling
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Welcome to my office. I work as backcountry snowmobile guide in Revy. Just another hard day at the office.
February 13, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Victoria, Accommodation
Stayed for a couple of weeks at Craigmyle B&B in January in their kitchenette suite.
What a treat! I felt so much more relaxed than at a hotel or other cheap accommodations around the city.
The rate was very economical for short or long term stays. The amenites were all there and the room was recently updated.
And breakfast was huge and really tasty.
Plus, it is right next to the historic Craigdarroch Castle, which I could see right from my room.
It was my best B&B experience in ages.
Thanks Jimmy and Kathy!
February 12, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Golden, River Rafting
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Rafting does get any better than on the Kicking Horse River in Golden BC. A full daytrip with class II-IV whitewater. This river is sure to satisfy the biggest thrill seekers, and the families looking for a fun adventure. Don't forget about the riverside STEAK bbq lunch half way through the trip!
February 12, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Accommodation
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My favourite hotel is the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Center on Burrard Street. It has a really nice club concierge lounge with a spectacular Pacific Ocean view. The hotel is within walking distance of Vancouver's best restaurants, the comedy club and top galleries.
Vancouver, YVR airport is warning passengers to arrive for flights 4 hours prior to departure, to navigate the check-in and security process. Hopefully this will give you time to relax near your gate, being able to escape the airport stress by relaxing in a lounge with refreshment is a must! Athletes and passengers travelling in various capacities may be entitled to Maple Leaf Lounge access.
February 11, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Campbell River, Kayaking & Canoeing
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There are probably lots of ways to thrill a group of 50 something women but one way for sure is take them on a holiday to the Vancouver Island area and go kayaking with Spirit of the West Adventures.
Last summer I took 5 friends on a 2 week holiday to explore and to kayak in some of the most beautiful scenery on earth. 3 of the 5 ladies had never been on the water before but are now starting to pester me to arrange another trip. 2 came home and bought their own sea kayaks!
The trips organized by this company have it all, no matter what your skill or thrill level. Something for everyone. We saw humpback whales, orcas, eagles, bears, sea lions, porpoise, rainforest, intertidal life etc. etc. The gourmet food was to die for and even if we had never left the shore there was lots to see and do.
The guides are extremely knowledgeable and go out of their way to accommodate everyone and make them feel special. They think of everything even down to hot water bottles to go with the glass of wine if muscles might protest a bit!
You'll never have a shower like the one at base camp, hot water, privacy and views worth a million dollars. It was too good to end. Check out the trips offered by this very well respected and popular company. You won't be sorry, they have their reputation for a reason!
February 09, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Rossland, Snowmobiling
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Had a fabulous trip with Rob from High Mountain Adventures last week. There were 7 of us with 6 sleds. After some convincing I actually drove my own... not something that I ever thought I would want to do – but had a fabulous time.
We went to an area just outside of Rossland which is allocated for snowmobiling. The trails were beautiful with a mix of groomed wide trails (for roaring along really fast) and tighter trails thru the trees. The day that we went the visibility was pretty good and we went up to the summit and could see way over to the next valley.
Rob took great care of us, ensuring we were safe and had a lovely snack packed for the view point. He also does full day tours which include lunch in a cabin.
For someone who really enjoys non-motorised sports I was shocked at how much fun I had...