July 23, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
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For a great view of Hudson Bay Mountain in Smithers, take a trail ride on horseback with Mountain View Adventures. It’s a family owned business of experienced riders. Beginner riders can enjoy trail rides ranging from 1 hour to 4 hours, but riders with more experience can enjoy 5-7 hour trail rides, even overnight trips. With a few quick riding commands and tips you’re ready to follow behind the lead riders through a variety of landscapes from tall grass fields, to dense forested areas to wide mountain top ridges. The view is spectacular once you and your trusty stead reach the lookout points along the Bulkly Ranges of the Hazelton Mountains. If you happen to be camping while in the Smithers/Telkwa area, Tyhee Provincial Park is a great place to set up a tent or park an RV, and Mountain View Adventures is conveniently just a ways down the road on Telkwa High Rd. leading towards acres of farmland into the country.
Jen
July 22, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Burns Lake, Sightseeing Tours
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If you’re looking to stretch your legs while driving the west from Prince George on the Yellowhead Highway, take a wander around the Rod Reid Nature Trail in Burns Lake. The short 2.1 km trail circles around the lush marshland pond named Lock Lomond and features several of the areas native birds. There are several interpretive signs along the way that describe some of the natural processes which are taking place at the pond, many of them are visible from the trails two viewing platforms. So put on some comfy shoes and enjoy this relaxing stroll around the pond.
Tasha and Jen
July 19, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Car / Truck / Motorcycle
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One sunny Saturday morning, I had the pleasure to ride the streets of Prince George on little 50cc scooters. With places in the city that rents them from 1 hour to whole weekends (I had rented mine from Advantage Motors), it makes them much more accessible to locals and visitors. Because the engine in the a 50cc scooter is so small, you don't even need a motorcycle license to operate.
Once I had my scooter rented, it allowed me to tour the city streets with advantages that you would never dream of in a car. For example, I was able to park in the smallest of parking spots, closest to the Farmer's Market, whereas if I was in a car I would have to park at least 2 or 3 blocks away. And while a scooter may look like a nightmare to pack you goodies in, it has a surprisingly large amount of cargo room as well as a spot to place your bags at your feet. And while they don't go very fast, it is certainly a blast to have a leisure cruise around and do your Saturday morning errands. Overall, if you have a chance to rent a scooter for a day, it is a highly recommendable way to travel. Your time will fly by and afterwards you'll wish you could spend just a little extra longer.
July 12, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
McBride, River Rafting
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A full day in the Robson valley, on any day of the week, is always a nice break for city folk like myself. Two and a half scenic hours east out of Prince George, past Sugarbowl-Grizzly den and the Ancient Rainforest, the valley floors widen and the hills roll into mountains as you get closer to the BC/Alberta border.
With an unbridled view of Mt. Robson, it is among the thousand-metre peaks over the headwaters of the Fraser River that Mount Robson Rafting begins their whitewater route. A family owned business with roots reaching back to the 1970’s, Mount Robson Rafting offers both scenic float trips for the camera-saavy, and whitewater rafting on the Fraser and Beaver Rivers for the adventurous. While on the Fraser, look forward to Wildcat, Terry Fox and “The Ejector”; just few of the well-known stretches of rapids that will greet and soak you before you drift towards a set of Class V waterfalls. Luckily, a portage route bypasses Rearguard Falls, while you pause and get misted by the falls while guides reset the raft. Float closer to Rearguard Falls and the team’s standby-guide/photographer can get great group photos, and will rip the photos to a CD and have it available at the office before you leave. Continuing downstream, raging torrents roar past gravel bars, eddies and sweepers and you can learn a bit about the local history and geography from your trusty guide. A deep, flat section of water usually invites the wettest and bravest guests for a quick dip as you float to your takeout point near the end of the route.
My time in the Robson Valley was perfect despite scattered thunderstorms looming over the peaks. McBride and area is beautiful, especially in the summer when the valleys are lush with vegetation and wildlife viewing opportunities abound.
July 12, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Hiking
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Even though the Raven Lake Trail in Sugarbowl-Grizzly Den Provincial Park is a bit off the beaten path, it is well worth it in the end. Being only about 90 kilometres from the city (with 16 kilometres being up an old, gravel forestry road) this 10 kilometre round trip is a perfect hike that will both last you the whole day and provide an little bit of a challenge. While the first few kilometres look pretty familiar with it's standard spruce tree composition, as you get higher you will see the change in the forest from sub-alpine to alpine, and than eventually to alpine meadows. Don't be surprised if you run into waist deep snow in the middle of July! After hiking for a couple of hours you will come to majestic Raven Lake, situated at the bottom of a mountain, which is the perfect setting to sit and have lunch at for an hour or so. If you are looking for overnight accomodations, there is a lovely A-frame cabin right on Raven Lake (make sure you bring all of your supplies though) or several tenting pads. Imagine waking up to crisp, mountain air and clear blue sky! If you have room to pack some fishing gear with you, it is worthwhile as Raven Lake is stocked with rainbow trout. When you make it back to your vehicles, you might be a little exhausted. But you will also be exhilarted with being able to find this pristine, mountainous environment fairly close to the city.
Krystin
July 10, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Vernon, Parks
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Kekuli Bay Provincial Park welcomes RVer’s, tenters, and day use visitors. It’s the perfect spot for a beautiful view of Kalamalka Lake against a backdrop of rolling tree covered hills. The park was established in 1990 to expand upon its featured boat launch. Now the park offers 49 campsites each with an array of shade trees, flowering bushes, and an exquisite view of the lake. As night turns into morning, the rising sun can be seen peaking its head above the hill tops for a brilliant wake-up call. Take an early morning stroll throughout the park and you will likely be accompanied by some friendly gophers popping in an out of the tall grass. Kekuli Park is not shy of offering an abundance of activities for all types of outdoor enthusiasts from hiking and cycling, to swimming, canoeing and water skiing to wildlife viewing. No matter the length of your stay, you’re sure to be dazzled!
Jen
July 09, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Tumbler Ridge, Camping
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Just off the wide curves and rollercoaster dips of Highway 29, north of Tumbler Ridge rests peaceful Gwillim Lake. Set amongst the treed foothills of the Rocky Mountains and the ploughed landscapes of the Peace River Country, Gwillim offers family and friends alike a list of amenities including kid’s playground, day-use area, boat launch, fishing, great swimming and snorkeling, hiking and a scenic lookout with excellent mountain views. Other activities like horseback riding and winter recreation often takes place on nearby Elephant Ridge.
The lake lies just north of the continental divide, making it part of the Arctic drainage basin, with populations of grayling, whitefish, trout and burbot swimming beneath the blue waters. Gwillim Lake is great for even a short weekend stay, the campground is open from May 1st- September 28th and campsites are available at a first-come first-served basis. Although the sites are gravel and well-drained, there are grass sections easier for both pegging and sleeping on most sites. Bring your fishing rod, bathing suit and towel and look forward to a relaxing change from the busier campgrounds in the area as there are only 49 sites to choose from!
July 09, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Attractions
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Marked as the geographical center of British Columbia, Hixon is home to the aptly named Hixon Falls. The falls are tucked in behind the tiny town just a short 4km jaunt off Highway 97 . Don't be discouraged by the lack of signage leading you to the right place, just follow Hixon Creek Rd. (east) down a dirt, and at times, winding road until you reach a parking area. From there, follow a narrow path by foot until you hear the resounding echo of falling water. It is not unusual to enjoy the natural beauty of the cascading falls in solitude, for we did not encounter any other visitors along the way. Pack a lunch and sit by the waters edge, even just wander along the shoreline of the fallen water, or simply revel in slendour of the little falls that could.
Jen
July 04, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Hiking
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If you want a quick, couple hour hike, Eskers Provincial Park northwest of Prince George is a beautiful walk that showcases unique landforms and picturesque wetlands. The shorter, 3km walk also doubles as an interpretive trail that gives you information about glacial activity and how it created the landforms of the park. If you are lucky, you might be able to catch a glimpse of some wildlife in the wetlands, whether it is ducks or beavers or even moose. If you have some more time, you can do the 6km Kathie Lake trail, or even spend the time canoeing one of the many lakes that are stocked with fish. What’s the best about Eskers is that it’s only 30 minutes from the city which means that a days worth of adventure is right at your fingertips.
Krystin
July 03, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Theatre & Performing Arts
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The Park Drive-In in Prince George BC privides an evening full of entertainment fun. Being one of only three drive-in movie theaters remaining in British Columbia, a unique experience is found during today's technologically advanced times. As a well-known hot spot of movie-going delight by Prince George residents, the Park Drive-In sees many vehicles lining up at its gates, which is 10km down Cheif Lake Road, during summer weekends.
Two movies are offered a night - the cost of which is less than a ticket to see one blockbuster at any big time movie theater. This weekend on my outing to the Park Drive-In, Night at the Museum: The Battle of the Smithsonian and X-Men: Wolverine were the nightly features. I got quite a few laughs and just as many thrills out of the experience. Not only is old-time movie going fun had at the Park Drive-In, go karts and mini golf are also available and a blast for both kids and adults. Go out early and hit up 10 minutes of go-kart fun and an hour worth of mini-golf and you'll be all ready to curl up with a blanket in the front seat for a couple great movies.
I very much enjoy myself every time I head out to the Drive-In. It's an old-fashioned night of entertainment that I love to partake in, and I encourage anyone from the area or travelling through it to experience it themselves.
Christina