January 23, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Festivals & Events
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Hi,
My name is Katie Perry and I just moved to Dawson Creek from Prince Edward Island, Canada. Since my husband and I have arrived in October there has been lots to see and do. We have taken in a couple movies at the local theatre, went skating on a outdoor rink, went to the casino and tested our luck, went to the Encana Events Centre and used the walking track, and did a little touring around town. Next week we plan to go skiing up on Bear Mountain, take in a free skate at Memorial Arena, and go bowling. There is much more to do here in Dawson Creek than I ever would have guessed.
Katie Perry
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.
January 22, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Gold River, Hiking
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The best way to hike the Nootka Island Trail is to charter a flight with Air Noota from Gold River to Louie Bay Lagoon at the north end of the island and then hike south along the coastline until you reach Yuquot. From there, you can catch the MV Uchuck (old mine sweeper) back to Gold River. The Uchuck stops at Yuquot a couple of times a week. The trail takes about four or five days to hike. Knowledge of tidal timetable is essential since some of the trail is below the high tide mark. This is wilderness area, so first aid and self-rescue skills are recommended.
January 22, 2009 | Field Reports >
Rossland, Skiing & Snowboarding
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I
checked out the 2009 Canadian Open Freeskiing Championships at Red Mountain Resort in Rossland. Some of the best freeskiers from around the world ripped down the face of one of freeskiing's most challenging venues...Mt. Roberts!
These guys and gals went huge, dropping cliffs and entertaining us spectators. The athletes were judged on line choice, fluidity, technique, aggression and control. Make sure you visit Red Mountain Resort next year when this event is going on and watch these guys rip!
January 21, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Golden, River Rafting
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I wanted to share the highlight of our trip to the Kootenay Rockies this summer - our Whitewater Rafting experience on the Kicking Horse River.
We experienced 35 kilometres of rafting, wonderful food and very friendly staff.
They acccommodated our family in that the little ones could ride in the morning with us, we all had the Riverside BBQ lunch, and those of us that met the requirement were able to tackle the bigger rapids the afternoon had to offer.
The Afternoon is where all the excitement was, however the morning was great for the kids in Yoho National Park. We went with Alpine Rafting, and I believe they are the only company that offers this sort of Family Trip. We would like to return