July 31, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Beaches & Swimming
Can you say “heat wave”? In Fort St. John we have had the hottest late July in a long time, so hot in fact, that we have broken temperature records set in the 40s! With this kind of heat locals and travelers alike can do nothing but sweat it out – unless they happen to know all the local hot spots for cooling off.
The most important thing on a hot day is always water, but why just drink it when you can dive in? Downtown Fort St. John is home to the North Peace Leisure Pool which, with two pools and a waterslide, is an excellent indoor stop. I’ve always loved the beachy wave pool and the exhilarating 3m high dive! If you just can’t bear to leave the sun behind but still want to stay in the city, there’s also the Rotary Spray Park. Right behind the Leisure Pool, it is usually frequented by the younger (read: 3-8 yr olds) set but on a sweltering days like today, everyone is welcome (even roguish university students like myself) and the cold blast of water is ridiculously welcome.
If you have a bit more time and ambition, the BC Peace region is also home to a whole raft of great swimming rivers. For those with a 4X4, Copeland’s beach can’t be beat. It’s a great place to swim, hike, skip rocks on the river, and generally just bask in the sun on the sandy shores. Exercise caution on the first hot day of the summer (all the snow in the mountains starts to melt and the river can pull a flash flood out of its back pocket with no notice) but after the snows are melted out of the mountains, a trip out to North Pine and its main attraction (Copeland’s Beach) may be just what the doctor ordered. While north of town already, I find it’s hard to pass up the beaches just east of the Cecil Lake Road Bridge. While much easier to access it is no less appealing for a quick dip on a hot day.
If you head south of Fort St. John the Peace and Kiskatinaw Rivers are great options. I grew up visiting my aunt who lived on the Peace, and though we were warned heavily against leaping into the flow, on hot years when the water is low there are plenty of slower running back waters where it’s safe and fun to cool down and paddle around. The Kiskatinaw is also a great place to swim and, located only about half an hour south of Fort St. John, it’s not too far out of the way. My dad always liked to take the little detour in the summer to drive part of the old highway and swim in the relatively safe if a bit muddy Kiskatinaw.
Now, once you’ve got your fill of swimming you will probably need a snack. There is no question in my mind, after a long hot day on the river or in the pool, only icecream will do! Now if you read my previous blogs you probably know how I feel about icecream and just where exactly I like to go. If, however, you didn’t: Peppermint Patty’s is the coolest icecream joint in town. Check it out!
July 31, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Accommodation
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Opting out of a kind post-wedding accommodation offer of pitching a tent on the bride's property, we decided to take advantage of an enticing online special at the
Delta Ocean Pointe. This turned out to be a brilliant move.
Having stayed at all the big name hotels downtown, I have to say - the
Delta takes the cake. Why? Unique little and big things done thoughtfully: provided sunscreen, mouthwash, binoculars, beautiful blue-bouncy tennis courts, being able to see the
ENTIRE harbour from bed. To wit: Houses of Parliament in all it's nighttime radiant glory, merry little ferries,
whale-watching tours, Empress Hotel, mountains, hot seaplane action.
Also notable: ample opportunity to find free parking, relatively small scale without being creepy, pool area on harbour's edge *see photo*, and let's not forget - a timely note from the manager apologizing for the fire alarm in the night.
That was last weekend, and I'm already looking for a reason to go back!
July 31, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Wells, Historic & Heritage Sites
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Barkerville is a historic gold rush town at the foothills of the Cariboo Mountains in BC. Today, one can walk down the street meandering through museums, general stores, and hotels alongside “characters” from the past who are dressed in 1800’s attire.
When I got to Barkerville, I was happy to find a lot of really great, unexpected things to do –like panning for gold, buying a cold Root Beer at the Confectionary Store and eating ginger beef and chicken balls at the Chinese Restaurant. You can also take guided tours of the town given by the “characters” or go for an authentic stagecoach ride.
A great find was to spend a night at Carol’s Kelly House Bed & Breakfast located right in the Historic Town of Barkerville. With a promise of a fluffy duvet and a homemade breakfast in the morning –how could I turn it down? After a solid night sleep in a comfortable bed, I woke up to women from the “1800s” making me breakfast! Apricot scones were baking in the oven, while preserves, a cheese omelette and fruit salad were ready and waiting on the china-set table.
Check it out… and stay a while.
July 31, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Hudson's Hope, Fishing
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The Peace Country of Northern BC shares a special place in the hearts of many. This country boasts nature's delights: plentiful fields, snow capped mountains, rolling hills, lush forests and sparkling lakes—it is no wonder that this often chilly region is warmly regarded as an excellent travel destination. Hidden in the Peace Country are many unbeatable resorts. One of these resorts is the Williston Lake Resort. Whether you are looking for adventure, quality family time or relaxation, the Williston Lake Resort is the place to vacation.
Situated outside of Hudson’s Hope, the Williston Lake Resort is nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains on the shore of the breathtaking Williston Lake. The Williston Lodge was built in the traditional log cabin style, with each of its logs hewn by hand for a beautifully seamless fit. The lodge is a beautiful work of art that everyone can enjoy and appreciate.
My name is Erin, and recently my co-workers and I got the chance to visit the Williston Lake lodge. As soon as I walked in the door, I loved it! It’s incredibly beautiful and welcoming. The staff was very friendly and we definitely enjoyed our stay! One of my favorite things about the lodge was the sun-drenched balcony that is perfect for relaxing on. It felt like we were on a private island somewhere scenic. The view from the lodge overlooks the lake and it is wonderful.
The location of the Williston Lake Resort is terrific for enjoying activities of both the mountains and the lake. Williston Lake is the largest reservoir in Canada, making the lodge an outstanding stay for the fishing enthusiast. Not only can the summer guest enjoy fishing, there is also hiking, horseback riding, ATV tours and guided wilderness watching. Our guide also told us that it is a good destination for winter travel as well, and there’s tons of fresh powder to ride all winter long. During the winter season there is also snowmobiling, ice fishing, cross-country skiing and wildlife observation. The amount of activities makes for days of family fun, group adventures and individual recreation. Although my group didn’t participate in all the activities, it was a great place to spend an afternoon.
Recreation and relaxation go hand in hand at the Williston Lake Resort, as guests can enjoy the first class food in an intimate environment. Campfires are a common way to wind down after a day at the lodge and are enjoyable for all guests. Not only will the guest enjoy the activities, they will enjoy and appreciate the lodge itself. The Williston Lodge features exquisite décor and charming touches of warmth. Easily becoming the traveler’s home away from home, the Williston Lodge leaves every visitor with the yearning for more. I loved it so much I intend to go back for a second visit and bring my family. The resort is a perfect place to get away and do camping activities while not actually not having to camp.
July 30, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Outdoor Activity Tours
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One of the many pleasures of working at a Visitor Centre is meeting incredible people with a unique story; those who have traveled the world and seen many faces. My name is Erin and I I have been interviewing visitors to Dawson Creek all summer. This is the story of Ian Coates, the Dawson Creek VC staff had the pleasure of meeting on a beautiful July day.
Rarely can an energetic and adventurous man like Ian Coates be found. Coates has been traveling around the world for more than 10 years, and is still riding. Around sixty years old and a native of West Yorkshire, England, Coates has traveled thousands of miles on his trusty Honda African Twin motorcycle. Coates has visited every corner of the world and is currently making his way to Siberia via Alaska. After spending some time traveling Africa, Coates set his sights on Siberia and decided Alaska was the way to get there. As a result of a life on the road, Ian and his wife, Judith, have seen each other only six times in eleven years. Judith plans on flying to Canada to be with Ian while he waits to go to Siberia. Needless to say, Judith’s visit will not only be a sight for sore eyes, but the highlight of Ian’s trip. Ian does not depend on financing or support from others unless it is from those he meets in his travels. With no support vehicle, Ian has to depend on himself and the goodwill of others to get him through tough times. Beginning in 1999, Coates decided to tour the world, but did not set a date for when he wanted this feat accomplished. It seems as though Ian is perfectly content being a world traveler for now. Those who are curious to know how Ian’s travels are going can see many of his adventures on YouTube and Google.
Good luck, Ian, and happy trails to you!
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 30, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Quesnel, Accommodation
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After a 20 minute car ride off the beaten track from the heart of Quesnal we arrived at Pine Meadows Guest Ranch. Here we were greeted with our host Wiley a hospitable, good humored lady she spend the rest of the afternoon showing us around and getting us acquainted with the variety of animals (llamas, cows, horses, sheep, pigs, chickens) she raises on her vast acreage.
The next day we awoke after a good nights’ sleep to the sounds of roosters crowing and the smell of a hearty breakfast sizzling on the grill. Wiley served up a 100 mile breakfast consisting of a variety of exotic, high quality meats from llama, lamb, pork, the finest green egg omelet in town and the most delicious locally crafted amaretto, Grand Maurier honey to grace our toast.
July 29, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Hudson's Hope, Beaches & Swimming
With the heat wave making its way up the province, I decided to find a calm piece of water in which I could relax beside and enjoy the summer warmth. I wanted a bit of adventure along the way so I decided to head towards Hudson’s Hope from Fort St. John to experience Dinosaur Lake, formed by the Peace Canyon Dam (located adjacent to the W.A.C. Bennett Dam). The drive to Hudson’s Hope along highway 29 is beautiful, the numerous wildlife sightings are great along the highway but my favorite aspect of highway 29 is the many pull-offs where you have an amazing view of the Peace River, the valley where the river sits and of course the amazing landscape with rolling mountains. One aspect that I find jaw dropping is how the highway has been repaved numerous times in different sections due to the land shifting and the highway slipping away. In some viewpoints you can see sections of the old highway just eerily vanishing into a side of a mountain. The appeal of Dinosaur Lake is the calm, cool water where it’s a great place to spend an afternoon with a good book or some music and a gossip magazine. At Dinosaur Lake there is a small campground with a handful of camping sites that have views of the water and mountains.
A great place for a quick dip or a lazy afternoon with your feet in the water!