July 07, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Art Galleries & Artists
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I guess it must be living in one of the most breathtaking places in the world that allows our province's artists to create some absolutely incredible art. It seems that everywhere I visit in the province, one of the activities that occupies a great deal of my time is poking around at pottery or glass studios & art galleries, watching artists create masterpieces on street corners, carvers transform hunks of rough wood into intricate pieces...you get the picture. I can't always purchase the art I see on my travels but I have over the years managed to treat myself and now I have the odd bit on my 'travel wall' or on my bookshelf to remind me how fortunate I am to live here. But sometimes I can't buy direct from the artist in the community where I see them and that is why I delighted in stumbling across Side Street Studio in Victoria, a great art gallery that showcases all sorts of BC art... from glass and wood, pottery and jewellery and more. It is well worth a visit next time you are in Victoria...especially if, like me, you failed to pick up the dream piece you saw created while you were out exploring BC.
July 07, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Gardens
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Fort St John is a city of many parks; we have everything from open fields, to children’s playgrounds to lush gardens. My personal favourite are the gardens.
Just beside the local Visitor Centre (near the North Peace Leisure Pool) there is a lovely raised square garden. Cut into quarters by paths and playing host to eight separate benches (each in its own nook of foliage), this garden is one of my favourite places to eat lunch and take refuge from the busy environment that I work in. I usually sit on the bench underneath a white lilac bush and often am accompanied by various other locals each having staked out his or her own favourite bench in the sun or shade.
The garden is in bloom all summer and is carefully maintained meaning that no matter when you are in Fort St John, so long as the ground is snow free (late April-early October), there will be charming growing things to keep you company as you find solace in the Centennial Park Garden.
July 07, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Chetwynd, Festivals & Events
I had the priviledge of attending many events in Chetwynd, Northern BC, during the month of June. They sure had a busy month! The main event, and a very impressive one I must say, was their International Chainsaw Carving Championship that was held on June 11-14. They had carvers from all over - even as far away as Japan and Wales! It was very interesting to watch these talented gentlemen take a log and in only four days turn it into an amazing work of art. They awarded first, second, third, and fourth place prizes but also allowed the public to vote on their favourite one. They call it the 'People's Choice Award' and it sure wasn't easy picking one favourite! On Sunday the 14th, they then gave their carvers a smaller piece of wood and asked them to create a smaller carving in only one hour. These were then auctioned off to the public so we had an opportunity to take a fabulous carving home with us.
The local Visitor Centre also had some great events to help celebrate "Be a Tourist in Your Own Town" month. They started off by giving their local seniors a bus tour of all the local chainsaw carvings in town. Then they had an event called "Kids Fishing Fun" that gave the kids in town a chance to play some fishing games and learn about the best places to fish in the Chetwynd area. They then had a guided tour of one of their hiking trails and topped off the month with a yummy community BBQ!
Hats off to the community of Chetwynd!!
July 06, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Farms & Markets
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This past weekend was a hot one in Prince George, and I was lucky enough to spend it with my dogs, Oliver and Annie, sun-tanning and enjoying the Forests for the World trails, a mere stone’s throw from my family’s house. The dogs love it because there’s a lake there (recently stocked with fish for those who enjoy the pastime).
On Saturday however, it was time to do something different! The first thing to think about in the morning of course is dinner for later that night, so I got the idea to check out the Farmer’s Market downtown near George Street and see what was up. I was delighted to find organic produce, and the locally grown vegetables are a vegetarian’s dream come true. Although we have a wonderful garden in the front yard which will be bearing its veritable delicacies sooner rather than later, that didn’t stop me from gathering vegetables, honey and of course bread (one can’t expect to peruse the goodies and not invest in some dill cheese loaf). Later, at my aunt’s house, we settled in and began our feast. The fresh carrots, soft white bread, sweet tomatoes and homemade pie was everything that defines summer eating. Farmer’s Markets are one of the great ways to get out and “window shop” locally.
July 05, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Art Galleries & Artists
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One of the unknown facts about Fort St. John is that it has a thriving arts community. There are many events and artist hotspots where numerous talented local artists are anxious to display their creations.
Potter Shannon Butler is one such brilliant artist who opened up her own studio called Kilnhouse Studio and has a variety of pieces for sale. I heard about Shannon Butler from many sources, she has had a few articles written in our local paper, several of my friends know her and have bought work from her, and my brother bought a beautiful mug from her and won’t let anyone use it!
I stopped into her studio a few weeks ago and had a look around at her wares. I was very impressed with her pieces and the great skill she showed. I was especially fond of her necklaces. They are very unique because they have original art attached to a beautiful silk ribbon. I had to buy one. I selected a necklace with a moose on it (since I collect moose things). The necklace is so comfortable! Normally I don’t wear necklaces because they irritate me, but Shannon Butler’s creation is great because the silk ribbon just feels so nice. I loved my moose necklace so much I went back and bought another necklace with some flowers on it. Whenever I wear one of my necklaces I get plenty of compliments and people inquire how to get one. “Kilnhouse Studio” I tell them!
July 05, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Campbell River, Beaches & Swimming
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With the weather as hot as it is people are always looking for the perfect place to kick back for the day. The Quinsam pothole are now and have been a great choice for escape from the heat of the day. Located about 15 mins from Willis Rd turnoff in Campbell River this is a spot you are going to need someone to show you as opposed to stumbling across as it is quite a hidden jem. The water was a perfect temperature and there is a great water fall (only 3 feet) that you can slide off in to a pool or even go under the falls if you can find your way under them. If you're in the local area it is really worth while trying to track this beauty down but I warn you that it may be quite a hunt.
July 05, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Campbell River, Beaches & Swimming
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With the weather as hot as it is people are always looking for the perfect place to kick back for the day. The Quinsam pothole are now and have been a great choice for escape from the heat of the day. Located about 15 mins from Willis Rd turnoff in campbell river this is a spot you are going to need someone to show you as apose to stumbling across as it is quite a hidden jem. The water was perfect temperature and there is a great water fall(only 3 feet) that you can slide off in to a pool or even go under the falls if you can find your way under them. If your in the local area it is really worth while trying to track this beauty down but i warn you that it may be quite a hunt.
July 05, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
West Vancouver, Hiking
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Recently, I hiked one of the Juniper Point trails at Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver. For the time and travel invested it was an awesome payout. The trail is pretty easy going for the first three quarters then it's down some steps and step-like rocks to a landing on a big boulder with an awesome view West in the Georgia Strait. The great part is how close you are to the city and downtown but because of where you are situated, you can't see any civilization besides the odd boat. It's like your own lil' paradise. It's clearly a popular spot with the locals as I see many families and people walking there dogs along the trail.
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