July 16, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Vanderhoof, Sightseeing Tours
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Vanderhoof, Geographical Center of B.C. The heart of the province, it's true. This although cannot be discovered on the streets of the town, or on the shelves of the locally owned stores. No, in order to truly discover the heart of B.C you need to pack up your belongings and wander out down the serene and breathtaking Kenney Dam road. There are many wilderness resorts on the way down towards the Kenney Dam. Each and everyone one unique in their own ways, I was given the pleasure to take a FAM (familiarization) tour around the area. I was blown away!! I know, I know, theres also more than one way of getting down there; the Kenney Dam and breathtaking view can be acessed through Fraser Lake's logging road, the Holy-Cross. Another route is still located down Kenney Dam road however is shortly after Tachick Lake Lodge, and is a left turn down the Kluskus Forest Service Road.
Each of the seven resorts in this rural area all have their own friendly canine companions, who love to mingle with all the tourists and enjoy a nice belly rub! They also all have a scenic view of a lake or river and plenty of wildlife to view. All these lodges have a boat dock or access to a body of water, ideal for canoes, kayaks, small motorized boats and even large boats as well (depending on the depth of the lakes). Also equiped with numerous hiking trails in every direction. Now what is the last important detail that would make your stay in this paradise ideal....perfect hosts! That is the reality at every lodge I visted. Friendly, outgoing and flexible to all requests. Their goal is to make you feel at home in these vast forests.
So sure you can enjoy any of these activities through other resorts. However the highlight of my tour, is in my opinion the most extravagant area, right up by the Kenney Dam. The Dam, miraculouse, but the hosts at the Nechako Lodge didn't want our experience to end there. They then offered to take us up in their float plane! He took us on a twenty minute exploit over the mountainous landscape and for the finale of our overhead adventure, the Cheslatta Falls. An astonoshing exposure of how regal this water display really is. I've seen these falls on foot, but nothing compares to how this aerial view amazes.
Overall my involvment with the Kenney Dam tour and all of its brilliant assets easily makes this destination the true heart of British Columbia!
July 16, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
New Hazelton, Historic & Heritage Sites
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Stories of Hazelton’s history flow as plentiful as the water that runs through the rivers that surround the Hazeltons. One story, which I find particularly fascinating, is the story of the arrival of the first car to Hazelton. In mid- 1911 the rumours of motorized vehicles being used, elsewhere in North America, ignited an excitement and curiosity throughout Hazelton! Soon after, the folks of Hazelton decided that they too would like to see a car drive the dusty streets of Hazelton. Anticipation grew around the idea and finally a hefty $1000 dollar reward was offered to the first person who could bring a car to Hazelton on its own power. “A fairly large number of enthusiasts entered the race but most of them withdrew after coming to know that there was no roadway.” In the end Mr. P.E Sands, the president of Seattle’s Studebaker automobile agencies, decided that he would brave the difficult terrain and desolate wilderness of British Columbia. Sands had a Flanders 20 with a three speed transmission. On August 28, he left Seattle and took a route over the Snoqualmie Pass to Ellensburg, Washington, then to Kamloops through the Nicola Valley and on to Ashcroft. Next he travelled via the Cariboo Wagon Road to Quesnel and then headed northwest following the Yukon Telegraph Line. He was on a challenging mission. There were no proper roads to speak of; rugged terrain, forests, steep mountains and swamps added to his obstacles. He drove through rain, made bridges on creeks, cut down trees, made roads, and sometimes had to haul the car by ropes. When they reached Quesnel, ‘men and women flocked about to view the novel vehicle – the first motor car many of them had ever seen.” At Aldermere near Smithers, they were given a warm reception, good food and entertained by dance. Most unforgettable was the party arranged for Sands when he finally reached Hazelton. He was given the reward the next day and started back to Seattle with his car on a sternwheeler to Prince Rupert.”
Now Sands had a secret, he had deceived the Hazelton folks and a man named Bob Montgomery knew it! “Apparently, Sands didn’t make it to Hazelton entirely on his own. He hired a pack team, dismantled the car and carted it for quite a distance. This was discovered by Montgomery”, an ex-convict and one time bank robber, “as he met the contestants on their way to Hazelton.” Sands paid Montgomery half of his winnings in order to keep his mouth shut; therefore, as Sands “waved goodbye to Hazelton” he was “in fact not as happy as he may have appeared.” Somewhere along the line the secret seeped out and is now a legend that locals love to talk about, laugh about, and even re-enact the story of the first car to Hazelton in theatrical performances!
This summer, I had the pleasure of meeting the daughter and granddaughter of one of the men hired to pack the car by donkey. The pair came into the Information Centre with their father’s story and pictures to prove it. I was delighted to have the opportunity to see a photo album filled with hundred-year-old photos in it, one of which was a picture of a donkey bearing the weight of a recognizable, disassembled car. True evidence of Sands deception!
Stop by at the Visitor’s Centre in New Hazelton, located at the junction of Highway 16 and 62 to learn more about the car and other legends, and pictures of the pioneer days in Hazelton!
July 15, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
New Hazelton, Museums
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On July 8, 2009 we met our inspirational motorcyclist friends from Brazil! They are on over a yearlong journey, which is taking them across Canada, on to Europe and beyond! They started out in Boston and from there they came across the USA and up the west coast of Canada, eventually leading them to New Hazelton in Northern BC! They are planning their journey 24 hours at a time and enjoying every moment of where their adventure leads them! Between their record breaking four stops at the Visitor’s Centre we managed to learn what their plan is and they inspired all of us at the centre to want to impulsively travel just like them. Stop by our Visitor’s Centre located in New Hazelton, at the junction of Highway 16 and 62, and tell us your inspiring travel story!
Hello to Frederico, Regina, Pedro and Paulo- hope your travels are going well!
July 14, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort Langley, Arts, Culture & History Tours
You gotta check out some hidden gems in the Fort Langley area. On Saturday we packed a cooler, rented a car and headed into the Fort Langley area to discover some hidden gems. What we found was diverse, enjoyable and very tasty!
What we explored:
1. Township 7 Winery- try the Syrah paired with the "dark chocolate with salt and pepper" that they sell. Amazing!
2. Domaine de Chamberton Winery- can't go wrong with the Bacchus - their signature wine. You can sample up to 3 wines. So, take a friend and sample 6!
3. Vista D'oro Farms and Winery - meet the resident cat and read all the labels of the fabulous preserves, cheeses, spices and wines they sell! In high demand is the walnut wine.
4. JS Farms Specialty Turkey Store- yes, a turkey store. It surprised us too--- a whole store dedicated to EVERYTHING turkey. Always ask the woman loading up on one product what the scoop is all about-- she revealed that the mediterranean turkey sausages are awesome! You can buy turkey groceries and then eat your hot turkey sandwich on the deli's patio.
5. Krause Berry Farm- an annual favourite mine-- the true destination of this trip! Load up on berries (upick if you want), pickled asparagus, veggies -- then go to the farm porch and order a strawberry smoothie and a blueberry shortcake. Two favourites that are made with from the berries in the field.
Hidden gems were everywhere and a two hour jaunt easily turned into an enjoyable July day exploring for almost 6 hours! WELL WORTH IT!
July 14, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Festivals & Events
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On July 1st the Tourism Dawson Creek staff celebrated Canada’s Birthday by making our way to Pouce Coupe to attend the Annual Canada Day Parade. The Dawson Creek Visitor Centre and the Dawson Creek Art Gallery spent weeks painting and decorating an Olympic themed float to celebrate the 2010 Olympic Games coming to Vancouver, BC. On the float were skiers, snowboarders, and hockey players which landed us a third place ribbon. After the parade ended there were many festivities taking place in Pouce Coupe Park which included games, entertainment for all ages, BBQ and fireworks that evening. The staff was unable to attend because we all had to return to work. We didn’t let missing the festivities get in the way of celebrating Canada Day. The Visitor Centre had BBQ hotdogs, cupcakes, Canada trivia, and gave out pins, and tattoos. Then on July 4th we celebrated Independence Day with our American Tourists with cake, hotdogs and trivia. Fun was had by all.
July 14, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
100 Mile House, Historic & Heritage Sites
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We really liked the quaint rest stop located in the quiet village of Lone Butte—right on hwy 24 (the fishing highway). Just a few restaurants, a general store (with a gas station), an art gallery and a few other amenities make up this charming log village, just southeast of 100 Mile House. We saw the historic water tower beside the railroad; as well the playground for our kids was a nice break. The ancient, volcanic butte was an incredible geographic feature that was only about a ½ a kilometre away. Best when viewed at sunset. Great rest stop!
July 14, 2009 | Tips from Us >
100 Mile House, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
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As a Brit, cowboys have always conjured up images of John Wayne or the Marlboro Man ads of the 70s. I finally got to meet the real thing at Crystal Waters guest ranch in the Cariboo.
Taking time off around Canada Day, my fiancé and I drove up from Vancouver to Whistler, taking in the colourful Canada Day parade there, before heading up over the Duffy Lake road to Lillooet and onto Highway 97 – the Gold Rush Trail. From towering peaks around Pemberton, the landscape flattened into gently rolling hills as we entered the Cariboo region. Turning right onto highway 24 at 100 Mile House, we arrived at Crystal Waters to be greeted warmly and shown our rustic cabin at the edge of Crystal Lake.
We were truly among real-life cowboys ‘n’ girls. Stetsons, big buckle-belts, blue jeans and pointy boots were the order of the day. Jokes came thick and fast around the dinner table, while home-cooked food was hearty and good old-fashioned family values prevailed.
As newbies we were given the gentlest of their handsome horses to ride – and bumped along like sacks of potatoes behind our guide (appreciating the more comfortable Western-style saddles). The ranch encompasses the Rayburn River Wetlands (a Ducks Unlimited project) and we spotted fluffy goslings, a beaver dam and all kinds of birds. Underfoot, a carpet of wildflowers provided bursts of colour (lupins, roses, Indian Paintbrush and Arnica). We learnt how the ranch cattle are susceptible to wolves, bears and coyotes – a tough job to look after them all. Guests are encouraged to get involved in the workings of this ranch, rounding up cattle, branding and even mucking out stables.
Home on the range, activities included games of horseshoe, canoeing or kayaking around Crystal Lake, swimming, fishing for trout or simply lazing in deck chairs and gazing at the resident bald eagle and osprey through binoculars. Stories were swapped around the fire pit at night and fellow guests admitted they couldn’t bear to leave. In fact many have been returning for over a decade.
July 14, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Accommodation
This past weekend, my husband and I stayed at the Granaries on Bear Mountain B&B, Dawson Creek, for our anniversary. It was our third time there and it was fantastic as always.
They have turned old granary bins into a relaxing retreat. There are three buildings: a round one for the dining room with french doors surrounding the one side; one rectangular one is the bathroom with a big, two-person jet tub; and the third is a cozy bedroom. They are all connected by a stone courtyard.
And, the whole thing is perched on the edge of a pond that the owners built - but you would never know, it looks completely natural. It's great for bird watching and adds to the relaxing feel.
Have I mentioned the food yet? We booked a romantic 3-course dinner that featured sausage, cranberry, and apricot stuffed pork tenderloin - the breakfasts are out of this world! I will have to hit the gym pretty hard this week.
They have also built trails and paths all over the property that you can take a leisurly stroll on and there is a giant chess set that works well with an afternoon glass of wine.
I can't wait to go again! It is such a lovely retreat that I don't have to travel far from home to find.
July 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
100 Mile House, Attractions
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Hello!! We found a gem while passing through 100 Mile House we found its Centennial Park and were surprised by its size. It has a waterfall, playground, tennis court, expansive picnic area, and so much more to explore while hiking. It is a great place to stretch your legs or to spend a whole afternoon exploring the many trails.
July 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Festivals & Events
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Cars! Cars! Cars!
Today was day 2 of my excellent adventure visiting friendly and scenic Dawson Creek B.C.
It also happened to be the big show day for the Mile Zero Summer Car Cruise Shine and Show Event where a huge variety of cars are all spiffied, polished and showing off all up and down all along the streets in Dawson Creek's charming downtown core.
I sipped coffee and admired the yellow beauty of the expanse of Canola fields in sight from my hotel at the Super 8 on Alaska Way before strolling my way over to check out the action downtown.
The Summer Cruise Event is really an annual event in July not to be missed, even for the somewhat reluctant car enthusiast such as myself! I amazed myself by spending about 4 hours perusing up and down the quaint streets snapping pictures of cars, engines, soaking up the atmosphere and chatting with the friendly folks, many of whom were folks whom I'd met the previous day around town. There were folks of all ages ranging from stroller age right up to those who may have been strolling down memory lane. There were folks dressed from conservatively to the not-so-much conservative crowd. What great blending of people and such a fun atmosphere all happening right under the absolutely stunning hanging baskets and nifty metal cut outs which feature local images which are attached to the light posts that line the streets.
What a gem the show was - the smell of barbecue fare as well as great music wafting through the air and the people filled sunny streets lined with astounding and fascinating examples of the hard work and just plain pure love that has been poured in to these vehicles.
Once again, an event not to be missed. Maybe you'll get a chance one day to come and experience the super town and if you plan it right, take in this annual event.