July 25, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Oliver, Festivals & Events
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My family and I were embarking on a vacation to Osoyoos BC,
as we used to do every year when I was a kid.
On the way there we stopped in near by Oliver and I couldn’t
believe how much it’s changed.
Did
you know that they host the Half Ironman Triathlon?
We ended up staying for a couple of days taking in the
amazing wineries, restaurants and guesthouses.
There was music in the park that was great for my husband
and I, as well as our 4-year old daughter.
We are planning on coming back in the fall for the Festival
of the Grape!
Editor's Note: Learn more about things to do in Oliver here.
July 25, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Terrace, Historic & Heritage Sites
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Nisga'a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park, or Anhluut'ukwsim Laxmihl Angwinga'asanskwhl Nisga'a Provincial Park, is fascinating from a historical, geological, and tragic point of view. This is the site of British Columbia's most recent volcano. About 250 years ago, the lava flow buried two villages and killed 2000 Nisga'a people.
My husband and I, our daughter, and two grandsons visited this site last summer and all of us found the visit interesting. The boys were surprised to see that they could look through a hollow tube in the lava where a tree had been covered and then burned out, leaving the lava that surrounded it. There is lichen on most of the lava.
We didn't take the tour to the volcano itself, but wandered among the trails which included lakes, rivers waterfalls and old growth forest. For a different destination, we recommend that you include this park. Easily accessible, and a visitor's centre, it is north of Terrace, BC, east of New Aiyansh. Tours can be arranged at the visitors centre in the park.
July 25, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Tumbler Ridge, Hiking
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The other day, while travelling with some friends towards Tumbler Ridge, we noticed a sign alongside the road. Curious, we pulled over to investigate. The sign displayed a map and described how to hike to the Teepee creek falls. Knowing of Tumbler Ridge’s reputation for having marvelous hiking trails and magnificent waterfalls, we decided to stretch our legs a little and enjoy the sunny day.
The hike was about 3km. The sun was shining and we appreciated the shade of the towering forest above. Along the way we crossed over tiny creeks on small wooden bridges, and enjoyed the true beauty of the trees and wilderness. After a moderate hike we finally arrived at the falls.
While eating a small snack, we enjoyed the falls, as well as the extraordinary view of the river and wilderness below. It was so surprising to see such natural beauty so close to home. We, as Canadians in BC, are so lucky to have a backyard as vast and wonderful as we do, and it’s a shame that so many of us don’t often take the time to fully appreciate it. I certainly won’t take it for granted anymore!
Editor's note: Learn more about hiking around Tumbler Ridge here.
July 25, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Tumbler Ridge, Attractions
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The weather in Tumbler Ridge has been gorgeous this summer, so when I had two days off work it seemed appropriate that they were to be spent outdoors in the sunshine.
We thought a planned trip to Flatbed Falls with a group of close friends and our bathing suits would be a perfect way to spend an afternoon; apparently some of the visiting tourists and local residents also agreed. There were people of all different ages jumping off the falls, wading, and swimming, while others opted to soak up the sun from above and enjoy the company of good friends.
After working up a bit of courage I took the plunge off the falls into the deepest section of the lower pool. The jump was exhilarating, but for me it always is considering my fear of heights. Going from standing on a warm rock heated by the sun, to being submerged into a pool of cool water is refreshing in a way that is indescribable.
Now I’m hooked; I can’t wait until the next sunny afternoon I have off, and after glancing at the weather forecast, I'm convinced this may be end up being sooner rather than later.
Editor's note: Learn more about waterfalls around Tumbler Ridge here.
July 25, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Sightseeing Tours
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One of our favorite things to do on a summer evening is go for a drive on the back roads in the country. It's an enjoyable way to spend time with visitors while being a tourist in our own backyard.
I like to roll the windows down so we can catch the smells of the country: clover, alfalfa and fresh mown hay while looking at ranches and fields and wildlife.
It's common to see herds of deer, moose, hawks, coyotes the occasional bear or fox, out and about. Dusk is the best time for sighting wildlife and the sunset backdrops can be spectacular.
The great thing about the country roads here in the Peace River Country is that they are straight and go for miles and miles over rolling hills and along fields. The roads are either north-south or east-west with the occasional 'correction-line corner' to accommodate the curvature of the earth.
If you are looking for a quiet way to enjoy a summer evening under the big blue skies of the Peace River Country, hop in your vehicle and pick a road... any road... you won't get lost.
July 24, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Queen Charlotte City, Hiking
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One of my most fondest memories of travelling Haida Gwaii was hiking the Cape Fife Trail and walking out towards Rose Spit and back towards Tow Hill on the north end of the island. Now don't get me wrong, it was long and grueling. We tried to do it in one day but ended up cutting off going all the way to the end of Rose Spit. It took us 11 hours and we ended up walking about 30km.
It was fun, dirty, and challenging, with the trail being full of fallen logs, mud swamps, thick forest, ocean viewpoints, and sandy beaches. It is beautifully scenic to be completely surrounded by green - trees, moss, ferns, grass and old growth. Then to walk on the completely open beach is a whole new experience, as you trudge through the thick sand. What a journey and an experience of a lifetime.
I would suggest doing just the Cape Fife Trail, or going all the way out to Rose Spit in two days, in order to be able to thoroughly enjoy one of the most serene locations in beautiful British Columbia.
Editor's note: Learn more about hiking on Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands) here.
July 24, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Dining
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Being in the Peace Region during the summer months away from
home in
Ontario
I thought I would be missing all the eclectic foods. But in
Fort St. John
I was surprised about the variety of ethnic foods available! One of my favorite
places to eat and be reminded of home is Saigon Noodles which features
Vietnamese inspired dishes! My favorite is number 17, curry noodles with
shrimp! Yum yum!
Editor's note: Learn more about dining options in Fort St. John here.
July 24, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Attractions
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Sleeping next to beluga whales sounds like something out of a fantasy, but it’s possible at the Vancouver Aquarium.
Our group arrived at the aquarium just after it had closed to the public, and we met our guides for the night. We first got to experience the aquarium behind-the-scenes, seeing it in ways that visitors usually do not.
While the visitors get to see the tanks and exhibits in all their glory, on the other side of the window a lot of work is required to maintain them. We saw how the animals were fed, their habitats cleaned, and how vets made sure that all animals were in good health.
After our tour it was time to settle in for the night, and we set up camp right in front of the beluga habitat. While humans may aspire to get a good night’s sleep, whales can only sleep for a few minutes at a time, after which they have to surface and breathe. But hey, sleep-wise it still beats the dolphins, who are conscious breathers and therefore can never sleep (rather, they “shut off” one half of their brain at a time and rest that way).
After this unique opportunity to sleep next to the whales, we packed up in the morning and were out of the aquarium just before it opened its doors again for a day of education visitors about marine life. But after spending a night there, you know that, just like the belugas, the Vancouver Aquarium is never asleep for long.
Roam plenty and roam safely,
Your Traveller13
Photo credit: Vancouver Aquarium
Editor's note: Learn more about the Vancouver Aquarium here.
July 23, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Festivals & Events
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We went to a Village called Pouce Coupe we went to the Museum and had a great time! They told us about the Air Show in Dawson Creek. We decided to go; our family had a wonderful time! If you have time to time to check it out do so you won’t regret it! It was a great family day thanks to the Pouce Coupe Museum.
July 22, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince Rupert, Sightseeing Tours
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When heading from Terrace to Prince Rupert, if I could recommend a "must see", it would be the Butze Rapids Interpretive Trail.
Located directly before Prince Rupert off Highway 16, it is a beautiful 1.5 hour walk (4.5 kiometres) to stretch your legs, go on an adventure with the children, or walk the dogs. It takes about 30 minutes (1.9 kilometres) to reach a viewing platform that looks out over the Butze Rapids. What makes these rapids unique is during tide changes between high and low water, the river can be seen reversing directions.
My family once went out with a picnic and watched the tide come in, and saw the rapids begin to change directions. It is a fascinating natural feature not frequently seen. The walk itself is very striking. It is such an experience to walk through a path completely surrounded by moss, ferns and other greenery.
This is a must when visiting the north coast in order to get full immersion into the beautiful rainforests of British Columbia.
Editor's note: Learn more about things to do in Prince Rupert here.