July 30, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Mount Robson, Camping
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Last weekend a friend and I were fortunate enough to get a site in the Robson Meadows Campground in Mt. Robson Provincial Park. Robson Meadows includes all the normal amenities as other provincial parks along with a few bonus'. Wildlife frequent the lush forested sites and often appear alongside the roadways, which is ideal for close-up snapshots of the busy-tailed ungulates. In addition, interesting interpretive programs occur inside the park on afternoons and evenings from Thursday to Monday. We attended such programs as "Horny Goat and the Antlers" and "Plants of the Park", which were entertaining to say the least. Kids and adults alike will definitely enjoy themselves while staying at the Robson Meadows Campground.
July 30, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Valemount, Parks
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Even though July is not the optimal time to see salmon running, a friend and I decided to take a stop at George Hicks Regional Park in Valemount. The little park offers a viewing platform and a little trail for visitors to come and see Chinook Salmon that begin their journey in Vancouver and make their way up the Fraser River and eventually to Swift Creek where the park sits on to spawn. If your not there at the right time of year to see the salmon run it is still a nice place to sit and have a picnic spot, especially in the hot weather. There are even some interpretive signs that will give information about the salmon and then journey that they take. George Hicks is a great spot to visit all summer long.
Krystin
July 30, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Mount Robson, Camping
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Last weekend, a friend and I were fortunate enough to get a spot at the Robson Meadows Campground in Mt. Robson Provincial Park. Robson Meadows is the larger of the two campgrounds nearest the mountain and Visitor Info Center, and also the most popular. The spiral shaped campground includes all the normal provinical park amenitites along with a few bonus'. Deer and other wildlife frequent the lush forested sites, often appearing directly alongside the roadway, which is ideal for quick close-up snapshots of the bushy-tailed ungulates. In addition to fantastic photo opportunities, Robson Meadows also provides interesting interpretive programs during afternoons and evenings thursday to monday, right inside the park. We attended programs such as "Horny Goat and the Antlers" and "Plants of the Park", which were entertaining to say the least. Both kids and adults alike will enjoy their stay in Robson Meadows Campgound.
July 29, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
McBride, Shopping
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Anyone passing through the Robson Valley should make a stop in McBride BC at the Whistle Stop Gallery. It’s located inside the Heritage Railway station along with the Visitor Info Center. The gallery boasts artwork and craftsmanship from over 50 valley artists. So if you’re looking for that unique gift for someone who has everything or just a memento to take home with you, Whistle Stop is the place to go. I stopped in with a friend last weekend and admired the large amount of beautiful handcrafted products for sale. It’s a gorgeous atmosphere even if you’re not interested in making a purchase.
July 29, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Mount Robson, Hiking
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Overlander Falls, only one of the many featured inside the boundaries of Mt. Robson Provincial Park may be one of the most popular. Located along the yellowhead just 14km East of the HWY 5 & 16 Junction it is perhaps the best rest stop in the area during scorching hot summer months. On a recent trip to the area, myself and a friend discovered Overlander Falls on our quest to find a cool place out of the heat. On 30+ summer days the cool breeze and light spray from the waterfall produces the ultimate relaxing spot. The falls themselves lie down a small five minute walk from the road, which is perfect for a quick escape from the heat. We were very thankful we came upon them during our trip and suggest anyone passing through the area have a quick peek at this beautiful and refreshing waterfall.
July 28, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Valemount, Bird Watching
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A friend and I took the afternoon to walk around the Starratt Marsh just south of Valemount one hot and sunny afternoon. While we were there at the worst possible time to take advantage of the incredible bird watching opportunities that the marsh boasts, the scenery is still breathtaking. If you climb up one of the watchtowers, you will have a spectacular view of the Monashee Mountains south of the village. Should you arrive at the right at time, it is a bird watchers paradise with such birds as the Yellow-Headed Blackbird, the Sora and the Northren Harrier all using this provincially important resting and nesting area. Even if you are not a hardcore birder and would just like to have a relaxing stroll, the 6km loop around marsh is an easy walk that will provide some wonderful views.
Krystin
July 28, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
McBride, Sightseeing Tours
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If you have a little extra time on your way to Jasper, take the detour down the Dunster Road. It takes you across the quaint Dunster Flower Bridge which spans the Fraser River. The single lane bridge is decorated with flowers painted by the locals and it makes the beautiful scenery driving across the bridge even better. Continue down the road and you will come to the community of Dunster itself. You will pass the Dunster Fine Arts School, which is decorated with funky paintings, and the Dunster General Store. If you continue, you will drive along the Fraser River through expansive fields and meadows with mountains looming in the background and past remnants of old homestead. This will take you to the junction of Highway 16 and 5 and you can continue on your travels. While it may not be the more popular route, the Dunster Road will allow you to travel through rural BC and see things that many people unknowingly pass-by.
Krystin
July 26, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Wells, Camping
While on a trip to the Wells and Barkerville area I had the pleasure of staying at the Cariboo Joy RV Park in Wells. We were pleased with Joy’s friendly greeting and her personal tour of the campground in order to find a site that best suited us. The full service RV park is located a short walking distance to the multitude of art galleries in Wells and only a few minute drive from the historic town of Barkerville. The sites were very private with many trees and were beautifully maintained. The campground also had a unique flare with colourful umbrellas and covered picnic areas to relax under. If you had forgotten a piece of equipment at home or just wanted to hang around the campsite a variety of supplies and games were available for rent. Campers can also take part in a true gold rush activity by goldpanning on an actual gold claim or even partake in some ballroom dancing lessons from the wonderful Aussie hostess.
Jen S
July 26, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Quesnel, Beaches & Swimming
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Located about 12km north of Quesnel, Ten Mile Lake provides easy access to the multitude of attractions that the area has to offer. Being only an hour from Barkerville and only about 15 minutes from Quesnel the lake is the perfect place to spend the day. Just off of highway 97 the provincial park offers an array of campsites and a large well-maintained day-use area with a small beach, picnic tables, changerooms and a playground. Or if you prefer there is a beaver pond interpretive trail through the forest and an amphitheatre for interpretive presentations about the area. There is also a series of other trails around the lake that turn into cross-country ski trails in the winter. I was impressed by the peaceful setting of the lake which is perfect for boating, fishing or lying on the beach in the sun.
Jen S
July 24, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Sightseeing Tours
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If you find yourself with nothing to do at 1:00pm on a weekday in Prince George then make your way down to the Bob Harkins branch of the Prince George Public Library. At the front desk you will find a tour guide waiting to take you out on a historic downtown walking tour. Complete with great knowledge and stories about Prince George’s past, the tour passes through the downtown admiring the old buildings that make up Prince George’s history. The guide is prepared with lots of stories from pioneers and answers for any questions that you can come up with. Enjoy your walk through time with the Downtown Historic Walking Tour.
Colin