July 14, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort Langley, Arts, Culture & History Tours
You gotta check out some hidden gems in the Fort Langley area. On Saturday we packed a cooler, rented a car and headed into the Fort Langley area to discover some hidden gems. What we found was diverse, enjoyable and very tasty!
What we explored:
1. Township 7 Winery- try the Syrah paired with the "dark chocolate with salt and pepper" that they sell. Amazing!
2. Domaine de Chamberton Winery- can't go wrong with the Bacchus - their signature wine. You can sample up to 3 wines. So, take a friend and sample 6!
3. Vista D'oro Farms and Winery - meet the resident cat and read all the labels of the fabulous preserves, cheeses, spices and wines they sell! In high demand is the walnut wine.
4. JS Farms Specialty Turkey Store- yes, a turkey store. It surprised us too--- a whole store dedicated to EVERYTHING turkey. Always ask the woman loading up on one product what the scoop is all about-- she revealed that the mediterranean turkey sausages are awesome! You can buy turkey groceries and then eat your hot turkey sandwich on the deli's patio.
5. Krause Berry Farm- an annual favourite mine-- the true destination of this trip! Load up on berries (upick if you want), pickled asparagus, veggies -- then go to the farm porch and order a strawberry smoothie and a blueberry shortcake. Two favourites that are made with from the berries in the field.
Hidden gems were everywhere and a two hour jaunt easily turned into an enjoyable July day exploring for almost 6 hours! WELL WORTH IT!
July 14, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Festivals & Events
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On July 1st the Tourism Dawson Creek staff celebrated Canada’s Birthday by making our way to Pouce Coupe to attend the Annual Canada Day Parade. The Dawson Creek Visitor Centre and the Dawson Creek Art Gallery spent weeks painting and decorating an Olympic themed float to celebrate the 2010 Olympic Games coming to Vancouver, BC. On the float were skiers, snowboarders, and hockey players which landed us a third place ribbon. After the parade ended there were many festivities taking place in Pouce Coupe Park which included games, entertainment for all ages, BBQ and fireworks that evening. The staff was unable to attend because we all had to return to work. We didn’t let missing the festivities get in the way of celebrating Canada Day. The Visitor Centre had BBQ hotdogs, cupcakes, Canada trivia, and gave out pins, and tattoos. Then on July 4th we celebrated Independence Day with our American Tourists with cake, hotdogs and trivia. Fun was had by all.
July 14, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
100 Mile House, Historic & Heritage Sites
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We really liked the quaint rest stop located in the quiet village of Lone Butte—right on hwy 24 (the fishing highway). Just a few restaurants, a general store (with a gas station), an art gallery and a few other amenities make up this charming log village, just southeast of 100 Mile House. We saw the historic water tower beside the railroad; as well the playground for our kids was a nice break. The ancient, volcanic butte was an incredible geographic feature that was only about a ½ a kilometre away. Best when viewed at sunset. Great rest stop!
July 14, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Accommodation
This past weekend, my husband and I stayed at the Granaries on Bear Mountain B&B, Dawson Creek, for our anniversary. It was our third time there and it was fantastic as always.
They have turned old granary bins into a relaxing retreat. There are three buildings: a round one for the dining room with french doors surrounding the one side; one rectangular one is the bathroom with a big, two-person jet tub; and the third is a cozy bedroom. They are all connected by a stone courtyard.
And, the whole thing is perched on the edge of a pond that the owners built - but you would never know, it looks completely natural. It's great for bird watching and adds to the relaxing feel.
Have I mentioned the food yet? We booked a romantic 3-course dinner that featured sausage, cranberry, and apricot stuffed pork tenderloin - the breakfasts are out of this world! I will have to hit the gym pretty hard this week.
They have also built trails and paths all over the property that you can take a leisurly stroll on and there is a giant chess set that works well with an afternoon glass of wine.
I can't wait to go again! It is such a lovely retreat that I don't have to travel far from home to find.
July 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
100 Mile House, Attractions
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Hello!! We found a gem while passing through 100 Mile House we found its Centennial Park and were surprised by its size. It has a waterfall, playground, tennis court, expansive picnic area, and so much more to explore while hiking. It is a great place to stretch your legs or to spend a whole afternoon exploring the many trails.
July 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Festivals & Events
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Cars! Cars! Cars!
Today was day 2 of my excellent adventure visiting friendly and scenic Dawson Creek B.C.
It also happened to be the big show day for the Mile Zero Summer Car Cruise Shine and Show Event where a huge variety of cars are all spiffied, polished and showing off all up and down all along the streets in Dawson Creek's charming downtown core.
I sipped coffee and admired the yellow beauty of the expanse of Canola fields in sight from my hotel at the Super 8 on Alaska Way before strolling my way over to check out the action downtown.
The Summer Cruise Event is really an annual event in July not to be missed, even for the somewhat reluctant car enthusiast such as myself! I amazed myself by spending about 4 hours perusing up and down the quaint streets snapping pictures of cars, engines, soaking up the atmosphere and chatting with the friendly folks, many of whom were folks whom I'd met the previous day around town. There were folks of all ages ranging from stroller age right up to those who may have been strolling down memory lane. There were folks dressed from conservatively to the not-so-much conservative crowd. What great blending of people and such a fun atmosphere all happening right under the absolutely stunning hanging baskets and nifty metal cut outs which feature local images which are attached to the light posts that line the streets.
What a gem the show was - the smell of barbecue fare as well as great music wafting through the air and the people filled sunny streets lined with astounding and fascinating examples of the hard work and just plain pure love that has been poured in to these vehicles.
Once again, an event not to be missed. Maybe you'll get a chance one day to come and experience the super town and if you plan it right, take in this annual event.
July 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Campbell River, Beaches & Swimming
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If you're from around Campbell River you already know this spot, But for people traveling or the odd person who just doesn't about Stories Beach - come and relax with the view. A camp fire and hotdogs are always good ways to put a smile on anyone's face and when it comes with a great sand beach and a view like this you feel like staying for a while for sure.
July 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Outdoor Activity Tours
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On Sunday July 12, I made my way across the bumpy road to the longest wooden curved bridge in North America. It is located off of Highway 97N between Fort St John and Dawson Creek, close to the Farmington Store. I was surprised by the amount of motor homes and fifth wheels that were parked on the road, right beside Kiskatinaw Provincial Park. The owners of the vehicles were actually walking across the bridge rather then driving. So I followed suite and parked my truck. Once I got onto the bridge, I understood why people were walking. The scenery was beautiful out there! It was a gorgeous day to begin with but it is nice and quaint out there. The wooden bridge is definitely something that you can’t just drive over and keep on trekking along the highway. There is more then enough room for travelers to pull over, get out and enjoy the scenery as well as the structure of the Kiskatinaw wooden curved bridge.
July 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Festivals & Events
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Being a Canadian resident for all my life, I have never had the opportunity to experience a Canada Day parade. When I found out that the City of Fort St. John has a parade each year on this special day, my body was roaring with excitement. What would this parade entail??? The only parade I have ever experienced in the past was followed by Santa riding a sleigh.
The parade was everything I had hoped for and more. The pride exhibited by the numerous individuals who came out on a cold, rainy day to watch the parade absolutely amazed me. There were residents of all ages waving Canadian flags with excitement. Children and adults had Canadian flags tattooed to their faces and most people wore red and white.
The floats were all very well done. Several exhibited different cultures which I really enjoyed as it reinforced the fact that our country is one big salad bowl. I felt sorry for some of the dancers who danced their way through the parade shoeless in the rain; however they continued to smile and enjoy themselves. I think it was wonderful that there were several live animals, mainly horses, marching as well, which made the event even more festive.
The parade was followed by several booths of activities. I have been told that usually the events are outside however due to the poor weather, they were forced to be in the arena. It didn’t faze the individuals, as they continued to enjoy themselves. There was tons of food, live music, and an enormous Canadian flag made entirely of cupcakes, which, of course, was my favourite part! All in all, the day was an enormous success. I definitely enjoyed my first ever Canada Day Parade!
July 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Surfing & Watersports
Yesterday, July 12th, my family and I went to Swan Lake, BC, about half an hour from Dawson Creek, BC. It was an absolutely gorgeous day outside, and we spent the evening tubing and waterskiing on this glorious lake. The provincial campground here is fantastic, with friendly neighbors, a boat launch, a beach, great fishing, and for a great price (only $15 a night!). We roasted hot dogs over the campfire, and had a truly rich outdoors experience.
This lake is a favourite of locals, and once you’re there, you can see why; it’s large size and crystal surface make a great location for water sports. I would also definitely recommend the fishing, as you can catch Northern Pike, Walleye, and Perch at Swan Lake.
If you want to see some Northern wildlife, Swan Lake is a fantastic place to go. In the few times I have been to Swan Lake, I have seen endangered bald eagles, ducks, loons, beavers, deer, frogs, squirrels, and hummingbirds. Just yesterday I must have seen about 5 loons and 3 or 4 hummingbirds. There are lots of other birds that can be seen on the lake, including woodpeckers and even swans at certain times of the year!
There is also a fantastic bed and breakfast, the Rising Moon B &B, located on Swan Lake. They have awesome amenities, including queen sized feather beds, cable TV, a hot tub and much more! They also have an abundance of activities available, such as pontoon boats, paddle boats, fishing, and wildlife spotting.
I absolutely love Swan Lake, and I can’t speak highly enough about it. You’ll just have to see it for yourself!