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 23, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. James, Arts, Culture & History Tours
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Fort St. James is a great place to explore the history of our province. I was at the Parks Canada National Historic Site recently and had a fun time poking around the old Fort buildings. It's like stepping back in time to a Hudson's Bay Company outpost in the late 1800s, complete with staff dressed as fur traders and First Nations people of the time. The Fort itself is in a stunning location, perched on top of a bluff overlooking Stuart Lake.
The surrounding community of Fort St. James also offers a lot of things to do. Next time we visit there, we're either going to hike up Mount Pope for some amazing views over Stuart Lake, or take our fishing rods and explore some of the famous lakes in the area.
January 23, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Vanderhoof, Bird Watching
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If you're in Vanderhoof in the fall, be sure to head down to the Nechako River and the bird santuary at Riverside Park. When I was there last October, I was amazed at the number of geese in the sky. I'm used to seeing one or two v-formations of geese getting ready to head south for the winter but I think I counted about 15!! Vanderhoof is on the "Pacific Flyway" and the islands in the middle of the Nechako River are the perfect place for the migrating birds to stop & rest.
January 23, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
McBride, Bird Watching
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If you're visiting or driving through the Robson Valley, take a few minutes and stop at Horseshoe Lake just outside of the McBride townsite. It's a beautifull little lake surrounded by towering mountains. When I was there, it was early fall and the peaks were covered with the first snow of the season. In spring and early summer the lake is a great spot for bird watching and the gazebo and picnic table on the shore provide a perfect vantage point.
January 23, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Mackenzie, Beaches & Swimming
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I had been to Mackenzie quite a few times before stumbling on to what seems like the local's secret - Morfee Lake. Morfee Lake is not as obvious as other area landmarks / recreation sites like the massive Williston Lake or Morfee Mountain that towers over the community, but if you look a bit closer, you'll find it tucked in behind the residential neighbourhoods. The lake is divided in two by a big sandbar and offers both a swimming / paddling area and then an area for motorized boats. There's also a trail network along the shore which is perfect for a lazy afternoon walk. Make your way out to the top of the sandbar and sit and enjoy the amazing scenery of the surrounding mountains.
January 23, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Cross-Country Skiing
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One of my favourite ways to spend a snowy winter afternoon in Prince George is cross country skiing at Otway Nordic Centre. Otway is tucked into the forest, only minutes outside of the city and has miles and miles of trails for all levels of skiers. There's also a biathlon range and it's great to watch the biathletes target shooting. At the end of the day, the new lodge is a good place to warm up. There are some snacks available for purchase at the ticket/rental counter but bring your own flask of hot chocolate to enjoy.
January 23, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Hiking
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Teapot Mountain is a great dayhike an hour's drive north of Prince George on Highway 97. The 'mountain' itself is actually a volcanic plug and juts out of the landscape looking a little like a teapot. For a moderate amount of effort you get an amazing 360 degree view of the area which includes Summit Lake. The trail itself is short (only about 1km long) although somewhat steep - but once you get to the top, the views are worth it.