July 20, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Festivals & Events
It was sudsy and bubbly in Dawson Creek on Friday, July 17th! The Dawson Creek Vet Clinic was hosting a “Doggy Wash Day” with proceeds going to the Dawson Creek branch SPCA, so being a dog lover, I had to attend. The wash featured a BBQ (and of course a bowl of hot dog chunks for hungry puppies), clinic tours and games in addition to the pools of bathwater to clean local pooches. Dogs of all shapes and sizes were in attendance, and knowing my dollars were going to a cause like the SPCA, how could I not go scope it out?
July 20, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Air / Airports
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The FSJ AIrshow is always a major community event; a chance to see a variety of planes take part in an incredible display of aerodynamic ballet. The planes flew so close it was incredible; we could even make out the numbers and decals on the sides of the planes! The Snowbirds were undoubtedly the highlight of the aero-performance. The twists and turns and loops were amazing to see so close!
July 20, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Sightseeing Tours
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The Prince George Railway & Forestry Museum is one of my favourite (kid-friendly) activities in Prince George. Driving by, it may not look like there's much there, but once you're inside the fence, and climbing aboard locamotives - you'll be surprized.
One of the great things is that it's HANDS ON - you can climb aboard all the engines, cars and cabooses with orange steps. Once inside, you won't find ropes holding you back from touching things! You can climb up into the back seats of a caboose, relax in the "Nechako" coach - used as a VIP reception centre at Expo '86, or, on some days, help operate a 1913 steam crane.
The miniature Cottonwood Railway is a hit with the kids. (Okay, I like it, too). The railway runs around the perimeter of the property, through a tunnel, an old beehive burner (picture a large, inverted badminton shuttlecock) and over a small bridge. It's an extra $2.00 for a train ride, and worth it.
It's not all for kids, either! There's many an adult visitor who dreams of riding the rails. And considering that you can sit in the conductor's seat and operate the controls, it's about as close as most of us will get!
For those with the "other kind" of kids, the museum is dog-friendly, too!
July 19, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Festivals & Events
Last night I went to a screening of "A Place Called Chiapas" at the Mattson Farm in Rolla, BC. It was fantastic! The movie was about the 1994 revolution in southern Mexico, a very interesting subject to start with, but then the location was also great! The film was screened in the rural town of Rolla, in the loft of a barn. We sat on hay bales and ate complimentary popcorn and pop. The drive out to Rolla is beautiful to start with, and the farm there is extremely well taken care of, quaint, and quiet. Right after the movie they had a draw, which I happened to get the lucky ticket and won a gorgeous locally handmade necklace! After that they had a fire and you were welcome to stay and chat.
This event was a really great opportunity to get informed, relax, and experience some real small town hospitality!
They are planning on having some more screenings later in the summer. At the next one they are playing another movie by the same director, Nettie Wild, called "FIX: The Story of an Addicted City". I will be there.
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 19, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Festivals & Events
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I come from a family of cars. Where my cousin's '65 mustang convertible is considered just as much a relative as its owner. So the annual Mile '0' Cruisers Summer Cruise is like a big family reunion. The annual auto enthusiast event fills the city of Dawson Creek with vintage cars for a weekend, culminating in a downtown Show & Shine on the Sunday. And this was a year to remember for the Mile '0' Cruisers. The weekend of July 11-12 was marked with decidedly beautiful weather, which helped draw 200 classic rides to line the downtown core.
The Summer Cruise is the largest car show north of Edmonton, and about 70% of the participants come from out of town, with some cars (and their drivers) hailing from as far as Vanderhoof, B.C. The rides themselves ranged from the usual car show fare (mustangs, corvettes, bel-airs) to the unusual (vintage transport trucks, motorbikes, and some things I don't even have a name for). Of course, every car-driver relationship has a story, and the drivers are always more than willing to share. One particularly interesting ride this year was a 1954 Meteor Niagara (pictured above). The car's driver purchased it as his first car in the early 60's, and it was his mode of transportation as he dated his future wife. After a few years, however, the car was parked. This lasted until just this last winter, when it was completely restored. Now, less than 6 months removed from its big makeover, the car managed to place in the top ten rides of the weekend.
The downtown show and shine took place from 8:30-2:30 and along with the cars featured many activities for youngsters, several food stations, local event tents, and some raffles. The day wrapped up with the presentation of the people's choice top ten, as well as the sponsor's favorites around the Mile 0 post.
Visit the summer cruise website for a complete gallery, as well as information.
July 17, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Attractions
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I checked out the new 4D Theatre at the
Vancouver Aquarium last week and was very impressed, not only with the technology but with the film content. I really didn't know what 4D was until I was seated in 122 seat theatre - its like a 3D film with the added benefit of a wide variety of special effects including bubbles, wind, water and some others (I wouldn't want to give it all away!). Everyone in the theatre seemed to be enjoying it - lots of laughter by young and old alike. The film itself, called
Planet Earth: Shallow Seas was excellent and lends itself nicely to what the Vancouver Aquarium does so well - help to connect visitors with our natural world. You will be glad to know that the 4D experience is part of the general admission rates to the Aquarium - no extra charge required for 4D fun!
July 17, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Festivals & Events
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Though I had never heard of them, I decided to go see Miss Quincy and the Ramblers at the Granaries on Bear Mountain. The tickets were only $10, there was a barbeque by donation, and all the proceeds were going towards the new Kiwanis Performing Arts Centre (a centre I have been using for at least a decade). I was extremely surprised with not only the band, but the location.
You see, the Granaries are not at all what I had imagined. They are so much nicer than anything I could have ever come up with in my own head. Very secluded, unbelievably well-cared for, and incredibly luxurious, I couldn’t help but think of how amazing it would be to have a romantic weekend for two there...
But let me get back to the concert.
Miss Quincy and the Ramblers were fantastic! As per usual, it took a little while before us shy Dawson Creek locals got onto the dance floor, but once we did, there was no leaving. By the end of the fantastic, toe tapping, 1 hour set, preceded by another local folk group, the Sweetwater Ramblers, everyone was on the dance floor, stomping and shouting. I have never had so much fun in such a beautifully forested and maintained location. It was simply divine. Can’t wait until Groovin’ at the Granaries 3!
July 16, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. James, Historic & Heritage Sites
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You might think that taking an energetic three year old to a National Historic Site would be a disaster, but not if it's Fort St. James National Historic Site!
On a sunny Sunday, the hubby and I packed up 3 year old Jacob, and headed out. After the scenic hour and a half drive (from Prince George), we found ourselves in 1896! Following the simple self-guided tour, we happily discovered that it is a HANDS-ON attraction, staffed by interested and interesting costumed interpreters.
In the Warehouse and Fur Storage building, we were able to touch the furs, barrels and supplies, smell the wood of the building, and sense the bustling activity of the past.
In the Men's House, we couldn't resist the photo op, sitting in the precursor to the La-Z-Boy, wearing a felt hat and holding a bottle of Irish Whiskey. (So what if he's three?)
The Trade Store and Office was a hit with Jacob, where he got to trade his fur (after haggling with the staff) for a "gold" chocolate coin.
We got to feed the chickens and the cat at the Officer's House, swung on the swing, and played pioneer games out on the lawn with another one of the staff.
Lastly, we built the walls of a house with the ingenious "Piece on Piece" playhouse. A cool drink in the shady house rounded out our afternoon.
We ended up spending over three hours on the site, and Jacob was happy every minute of it! For us grownups, the setting was simply beautiful, the history was interesting, and we'd definitely go again!
July 16, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
100 Mile House, Attractions
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Just wanted to share this gem with everyone! Beautiful, huge park located right in the heart of 100 Mile House just a minute off of HWY 97. I had no idea that such a great rest stop existed until a friendly waitress in 100 Mile mentioned it would be a great place to take my kids.