July 08, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Campbell River, Attractions
Find more information about Campbell River - Attractions
View a larger image on flickr.com
How can you not want to stop in for a look when it's only a 15 min walk to see a great view like this at Elk Falls Park near Campbell River. When you get out of your car in the upper parking lot you can feel the energy from this 25 meter water fall. Dont be fooled in to thinking that you have seen it all once you make it to the falls there is much to see. The trail system in the park is well marked and is set up so you can do as much or as little as you like but the full hike should take around 3 1/2 hours. The shorter route i took was only around an hour. The route i followed passes the main falls before a nice walk along the river as you walk up to a smaller falls and a great area for a lunch.
July 08, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
100 Mile House, Spas & Wellness
View a larger image on flickr.com
I had the chance to spend a couple days at the Hill’s Health Ranch at 108 Mile House enjoying the variety of services (fitness classes, yummy cuisine, pool/hot tub, spa treatments etc) they provide.
The most relaxing experience was pre-soaking in the hot tub for half an hour then getting a Heated River Stone Massage. I felt absolute euphoria and months of built up stress melt away. The essential oils and heated stones enabled my muscles to relax on a deeper level compared to a conventional massage and sent me into a state of bliss. I’ve never felt so calm and grounded after a massage.
July 08, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Quesnel, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
View a larger image on flickr.com
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 08, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Burns Lake, Sightseeing Tours
View a larger image on flickr.com
After driving for hours one needs to get out and stretch their legs a little bit, I know, I was also the one who posted the information about loving driving around. I found that Burns Lake has just the trails for needing to have a stretch break. With a quick stop into the Burns Lake Visitor Information Centre/Chamber of Commerce one can get the brochure, or just verbal information, about the Eveneshen and Rod Reid Nature Trails. A traveler could walk these trails seperately or together, however long a walk they need.
The Eveneshen Trail is 1.3km and is mostly an uphill stretch that goes along a mini creek. The Rod Reid on the other hand is a 2.1km flat walk that borders the Loch Lomond pond that is also known as Beaver pond for it once housed a large beaver den that is still visible. Taken together the trails offer a nice unity of uphill exercise and then a flat retreat and then a down hill walk back. Seperately they offer quick exercises. The Rod Reid Trail also has informative signs about local wildlife and plantlife as well as viewing platforms and several benches for those needing a brief rest.
July 08, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Burns Lake, Outdoor Activity Tours
View a larger image on flickr.com
Burns Lake is the northern gateway to the untamed wilderness of Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, accessible by floatplane fron Burns Lake, jet-boat from Ootsa landing, or by foot or horseback via the Alexander Mackenzie Trail. Most of the huge, unpopulated norther half of the Tweedsmuir is encircled by the lakes that comprise the Nechako Reservior. Wilderness guides are available for horseback, canoe and backpack trips through the region. I traveled to the Tweedmuir park by boat with the Rotary Trek. It was such an amazing trip and I would love to do it again. We climbed uo Chikamen Mountain and swam in Surel falls. It is an excperience that can only happen there and it is so wonderful! Every part of the park is amazing and definately worth the trip!
July 08, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Car / Truck / Motorcycle
View a larger image on flickr.com
BIG BIG BEAR!!!
Weighing 975 pounds and eleven feet in height, ranchers in the Hungary hill area had complained for many years about the live stock going missing. Everyone knew the culprit was a grizzly bear though how large the bear was, was a huge shock to locals and officers.
The Grizzly bear is on a display at the Houston BC local visitor information center just on highway 16. With a salmon in his mouth (we all know what the bear likes to eat). The bear had been shot by Control officers who work for the BC cattleman's association, about 17km west of Houston on Hungary hill. The bear age is to be beileved somewhere between 18-22 and the father of a similar bear on display at the Smithers airport.
To gain a full apprecaiation for the size and how powerful the bear looks, stop in Houston BC at the Visitor Information centre and have a close-up of the bear.
July 08, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Festivals & Events
The wet weather didn’t dampen the spirits of anyone in Pouce Coupe last week for their annual Canada Day celebration.
Hundreds of people streamed from the village’s Canada Day parade (complete with classic cars, dressed-up pooches and resplendently-dressed horses) to Pouce Park for games, musical entertainment, and the biggest BBQ in the Peace region.
There was plenty to do and see; including a train taking children on rides around the park, a large inflatable jungle gym, vendors selling jewelry and giving away flags, stickers and washable tattoos, and a face-painting booth. Music featured local artists and a variety of songs, and when the weather did take a turn for the worst, some chose to brave it and huddle under tents while some opted for cover in their vehicles. The rain finally passed, the sun prevailed, and so did the fun!
July 08, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Anahim Lake, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
The Itcha Ilgachuz mountains are absolutely spectacular! Especially when you travel on horseback. I went on a Pack Trip last weekend based out of Escott Bay Resort on Anahim Lake. We took three riding horses and four pack horses up to camp which we got set up for the summer. The trail really was good, I've seen it a lot worse this time of year. Except for a couple of the swamps and creeks we had to cross it was very nice and dry.
It took a good part of the day to get up to the camp and once everything was set up we cooked some chili over the campfire.
The next day we got a chance to go for a beautiful ride up high into the alpine. It was the most gorgeous day and besides getting to see the most incredible scenery we were lucky enough to come across a large herd of caribou! It was absolutely beautiful. We watched them for quite a while, not trying to disturb them, but it was them coming closer to us. They really are very curious animals and didn't mind us there at all.
What is so special about the Itcha Ilgachuz Provincial Park is that there is no road access at all, except for hiking/ horse trails. So you're definitely off the beaten paths, just like a lot of places in the West Chilcotin backcountry.
It was a great trip, hopefully will get a chance to get up into those mountains again this summer!
July 07, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
100 Mile House, Golf
View a larger image on flickr.com
Tin Cup Greens Golf Course in the Cariboo is located just 13 km from 70 Mile House towards Green Lake on Bonaparte Rd.
Tin Cup Greens is a par 3-9 hole family owned course in beautiful ranch country. The setting is rustic but the course is well cared for. You can camp or stay in a cabin right on the fairway! Golf for as low as $15.
July 07, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Williams Lake, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
Stampede time in Williams Lake, absolutely spectacular!
The 83rd Williams Lake Stampede was held last weekend and the whole town was celebrating the rodeo. Besides some great rodeo fun with lots and lots of action I had to attend one of the pancake breakfasts which is an absolute must! What I really enjoy is that almost every store and business in town is decorating with the stampede theme, besides seeing cowboy hats where ever you look! Had a great time and will for sure watch it again next year, although I won't even have to wait quite as long as Williams Lake is hosting the Canadian High School Rodeo Finals this August.