January 30, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Chilliwack, Hiking
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The Baby Munday Area is a spectacular hiking area just East of Chilliwack. To reach this incredible alpine wilderness, it is best to plan an overnight hike. The trail is very steep and requires about 720m of elevation gain. Access is from the Foley Lake Forestry Service Road (just off the Chilliwack Lake Road). A good route description can be found in a book called 'Scrambles in SW BC' by Matt Gunn. Once up in the alpine, several peaks can be climbed, including Knight Peak (an intermediate hike), Baby Munday North Peak (moderate scramble), and Stewart Peak (moderate scramble with some exposure).
January 29, 2009 | Field Reports >
Kamloops, Wineries & Vineyards
I took a trip up to the Sun Peaks Ski Resort near Kamloops, BC, and just happened to arrive during their annual Ice Wine Festival.. The festival features the best wines and foods of the Okanagan, the chocolate was pretty good as well!
January 28, 2009 | Field Reports >
Nelson, Skiing & Snowboarding
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I headed up to ski Whitewater Winter Resort located near the heritage town of Nelson, BC. Before I knew it, the sun came out and I was munching powder with locals. This mountain truly rocks!
Whitewater Winter Resort is renowned for its epic powder, stupendous fall-line skiing and awesome scenery. This place is a must see!
January 27, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Fishing
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The Blackwater River truly lives up to its reputation as one of BC's best dry fly rivers. The rainbow trout aren't particularly big but you can expect to catch 20+ fish a day with an average size of 12" - maybe even a 16" fish if you're lucky. The best time to fish is in August but if water levels are low, there's some spectacular fishing in late June/early July just after the river opens. Access is limited to the three river crossings, or through private land if you know the owner. The best way to fish the river is to float it in a pontoon boat or a bigger raft.
January 27, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Mackenzie, Snowmobiling
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Last winter I had the opportunity to try snowmobiling for the first time. A group of us headed to Mackenzie and met up with the fellows from Rocky Mountain Trench Adventures for what would be great day in the backcountry. Our group consisted of a mix of sledding beginners and seasoned pros so after a safety briefing and lesson for us newbies, we headed out on the trail to Morfee Mountain.
Our ultimate destination was an alpine hut near the top of the mountain where we were treated to an amazing lunch. Our guides brought up a full camp stove and delivered a feast of hot soup, samosas, sandwiches, pastries and hot chocolate - perfect food after spending the morning on the trails.
Mackenzie is a great place to snowmobile given the amazing snow conditions and mountainous terrain. They get tons of snow each winter and its easily accessible right from the townsite - Mackenzie has a secure compound where you can park your sled right at the trailhead to Morfee Mountain.
January 26, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Anahim Lake, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
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This past summer my Dad and I had the wonderful opportunity to explore the Rainbow Mountains by horseback, guided by the Dorsey family (Rainbow Mountain Outfitters). Bar none, this was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
I feel fortunate to have travelled extensively throughout my life, having walked the Great Wall of China, climbed inside the pyramids of Giza, and stood on top of Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Australia. I can honestly say that my trip with the Dorsey’s this past summer, rivals any other adventure I have experienced.
The area of Tweedsmuir Park appealed to me largely because of two reasons:
a) Location in the back country, and
b) Opportunity to ride horse back
Having visited many front country parks within BC, I now understand that the back country is truly unique. BC has such an amazing system of front country Parks, that are far more maintained, administered, and visited than the Rainbows in Tweedsmuir, however it was the isolated, natural, bush experience that I wished to visit, and I wasn’t disappointed.
Exploring the Rainbow Mountains by horseback connected us with a part of the province that we likely would never have been able to visit, should hiking have been our only option. Between the wide range of landscapes, large distances to cover, and the limited trail system (which the Dorsey’s do an amazing job of maintaining for the benefit of all Park visitors), horses provided the perfect medium for us as visitors to enjoy this amazing park.
From the moment we arrived at Tanya Lakes (by floatplane from Nimpo Lake which is just outside of Anahim Lake), we were taken in as family by the Dorsey’s. Each member of their team offered us different insight into the park as well as a deep respect for its history and the importance of conservation and protection. The Dorsey’s unique personal history is evident through the stories and the innate knowledge that they shared with us on a daily basis. Simply put, they are in a league of their own. David, Joyce, Leslie, and Aileen created a trip that my dad and I will never forget. I will without a doubt be back to visit both this amazing Park, and the Dorsey’s again, in what I hope is the very near future.
January 26, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Rossland, Dogsledding
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Rossland has the most fabulous new dog sledding experience- Powder Paws! I went out on a picture perfect day today- with 12 dogs pulling the sled up the back of Red Mountain Resort. It was absolutely stunning with a beautiful view out over the neighbouring mountains and a perfect blue sky. The trip started out by having us help out with harnessing up the dogs- I couldn't believe how strong they were. We took two sleds out with 25 dogs for about 45 mins. It was really fun and would be a great trip out for a family or just about anyone- apparently their first client was a 70 year old. They took great care of us- and it was an exciting trip back down the trail. Also pretty interesting as the trail goes up thru the old mining area and past some of the old buildings. This is a fantastic way to spend a day in Rossland.
January 24, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Festivals & Events
A throat-singing performance at the ice-carving festival, "High on Ice" in Fort St John, Northern BC.
January 24, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Festivals & Events
Reporting from Fort St John, Northern BC, on the ice carving festival "High on Ice". This is part 2 of a two-part blog!
January 24, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Festivals & Events
Here's a video about the annual ice carving competition in Fort St John, BC - "High on Ice". This is part 1 of a two-part video.