January 19, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Cross-Country Skiing
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I put my cross-country skis on for the first time this year on a beautiful, sunny Sunday. We went up to Radar Lake to the
Bear Mountain Nordic Ski Trails.
Being a confirmed beginner skier, I have yet to move beyond the beginner trails, but my more accomplished friends tell me that the intermediate and advanced trails are superb.
There are over 20 kilometers (12 miles) of trails and they are kept well groomed by the Nordic Ski Club.
Cross-country skiing is such an awesome cardio workout and lots of fun!
I enjoy the smell of the trees and the sound of the skis and the many wildlife sightings. It's common to see deer, moose, squirrels and an abundance of birds.
It's also great to stop for hot chocolate and lunch at one of the warming huts. The hut on the beginner trail is called the Grizzly Den, where we build a fire and warm up. I haven't been to the other warming huts because they are on more advanced trails.
There are trail maps posted along the trail, but it's recommended to have a paper one for the many intermediate and advanced trails.
January 11, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Festivals & Events
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December 30 was a cold winter day in Dawson Creek, the temperatures plunged to -32 celcius.
Our holiday company had been up for a week and we were all feeling a bit house bound. Our 2 nephews were getting bored and we needed something different to do.
The 3rd annual Christmas Extravaganza was being held at the Lakota Equestrian Center in the new Multiplex.
We have gone every year so far, so decided to brave the cold and check it out. The place was packed! People had come out in droves to watch all the different horse clubs that use the facility put on a demonstration.
The show started with a Grand Entry of Flags, then came the jumping horses, dressage horses, a rodeo drill team, barrel racing, western pleasure horses, team roping, reining, and cow penning.
There was a young woman riding without a bridle, and a young man who had taught his miniature donkey to jump over rails. but the best were the little kids just learning to ride and those on ponies tying goats and riding around obstacles while trying to stay on. What fun!
There are a lot of thriving horse clubs in Dawson Creek and the equestrian center is in constant use. There are 110 indoor stalls and each one is rented all year round.
We will definitely go again next year. If you are visiting over the holidays, I really recommend you check it out. It's free and open to the public. Even if you miss the showcase, a trip to the Lakota Center is a great way to spend an hour or so.
January 05, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Attractions
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One of the prettiest sights in the Peace River Country is hoarfrost in the winter.
It happens when it's really cold and still overnight and there is a lot of moisture in the air. A thick layer of crystals forms on all the trees and when the sun hits the frost, the whole landscape sparkles like diamonds.
Any air movement causes the frost to drift off the trees, and it looks and feels like light snow is falling, even if the skies are clear and blue.
A hoarfrost morning is the perfect time for a walk, stand under a tree and shake it or a drive down a country road lined with trees and bushes.
The thing about this special frost is as mysteriously as it appears; it just as quietly disappears so make sure you take time to enjoy it.