July 26, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Hiking
Find more information about Prince George - Hiking
View a larger image on flickr.com
I could see Teapot Mountain long before I arrived there. Being a volcanic plug (it's been around for a while!!), it sticks out like a sore thumb from the otherwise gently rolling landscape, and it doesn't require too much imagination to actually see the teapot shape.
When I got there with the dogs we started up the hill and were surprised by the steepness - while the trail may not be very long, it does pack a punch in some places as far as elevation gain goes. However, once on top we were rewarded with beautiful 360 degree vistas from the four viewpoints and saw some waterfowl on the lake below.
I enjoyed hiking at Teapot Mountain, and it's special in that it is one of only two volcanic plugs in the area.
Roam plenty and roam safely,
Your Traveller13
Editor's note: Learn more about hiking around Prince George here.
July 24, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Attractions
Find more information about Vancouver - Attractions
View a larger image on flickr.com
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 22, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Hiking
Find more information about Prince George - Hiking
View a larger image on flickr.com
I can't recall how many times I've hiked in the Forests for the World (FFTW), but it's likely you'll see something a little different each and every time you go.
FFTW is located just behind the University of Northern British Columbia, and it can be accessed via its own parking lot, via a walking trail from UNBC, and via the Cranbrook Hill Greenway. Most of the times I've hiked there I went in on the Cranbrook Hill Greenway, which meanders through the forests until it officially enters FFTW. Most of the trails there are loops (adding up to about 25km of hiking trails), with an assortment of gradients and difficulty levels.
Shane Lake, located in the center of FFTW, is a popular hiking destination, and is pictured in the accompanying photo. My personal favourite however is the large wooden viewing platform that visitors can climb onto and enjoy a sweeping view over Prince George and all the way to the Rocky Mountains on a clear day.
I've hiked in the FFTW both in the summer and the winter, and especially during fall and winter I've seen a fair few moose along the trails.
If you're looking for a great hiking opportunity not far from downtown Prince George, the Forests for the World are one of your best options.
Roam plenty and roam safely,
Your Traveller13
Photo credit: Shutter Logix
July 22, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Beaches & Swimming
It's been hot outside! And what better way to cool off than going to the lake with some friends? We headed north on Highway 97 for about 30 minutes until we reached Bear Lake, which lies just off the highway. The lake as a beautiful sandy beach, and because it is fairly small it warms up to a comfortable temperature in the summer. While it is quite popular on hot summer days, the size of the beach ensures that it doesn't get crowded, and the shallow descend into the lake makes the beach a great place for inflatable rafts etc.
So, if you're looking to cool off in the Prince George area, be sure to consider Bear Lake.
Roam plenty and roam safely,
Your Traveller13
Editor's note: Learn more about camping at Bear Lake here.
July 22, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Attractions
Find more information about Prince George - Attractions
View a larger image on flickr.com
Looking for some exciting architecture in Prince George? Well, the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is just the place for you. During my years of studying there I became quite familiar with the small but beautiful campus. UNBC is a living, growing place, and one that is well integrated into its natural environment. Perched on a hill above Prince George's downtown, it looks towards the east and boasts a beautiful view of the Rockies on a clear day.
Even though UNBC has grown consistently since its opening in 1994, I have always felt that it has grown organically - translation: Even though adjoining buildings may have been built at different times, they join harmoniously and the campus reflects a single design. Walk through the light-drenched Administrative Building, the central core, or the Medical Building, and you'll know what I mean.
One of the first things I noticed about UNBC is the multitude of windows (over 7000, to be exact - that's from their website, I didn't count). Thanks to these, a glance at the treed surroundings of the campus is never far. And seeing a moose or bear on campus wouldn't be unheard of either. Also, let's be honest, on how many university campuses can you see a sign that says "No snowboarding on campus"? Not too many, I'd bet.
So whether you're going there to study or just to enjoy the architecture, be sure to include UNBC in your visit to Prince George.
Roam plenty and roam safely,
Your Traveller13
Photo credit: UNBC
July 22, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Hiking
Find more information about Prince George - Hiking
View a larger image on flickr.com
Here I was, on a warm late-summer day in Prince George, looking for a nice hike to take my dogs on. I had heard about Fort George Canyon, and finally decided to give it a go. It’s about 15 minutes off Highway 16, and the road gradually narrows as one approaches the park, but remains in good driving condition.
The trail begins at a tiny parking lot, and gently winds its way through the woods. The scenery then changes to somewhat of a mud bog, and I was thankful for the boardwalks to keep me dry and clean (the dogs, on the other hand, decided that going through the mud was much preferable).
After about 45 minutes we reached a lookout point that opens up to a great view facing east, and I got some nice landscape photos. From then on we descended steadily down a sometimes rather steep hill, skirted the cutbanks, and eventually arrived on the shores of the Fraser River. What bliss for the dogs, who took the opportunity to jump right into the river, cool off, and have a drink. After a bit of a rest there, we made our way back up the hill and back towards the parking lot, arriving at the truck about three hours after we had left.
Fort George Canyon is a moderate hike, and because of its beautiful, varying scenery and excellent trail conditions, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Roam plenty and roam safely,
Your Traveller13
Photo credit: Panoramio
July 22, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Hiking
Find more information about Prince George - Hiking
View a larger image on flickr.com
When the leaves start to turn colour, Eskers Provincial Park, about 20 minutes northwest of Prince George, is a beautiful place to be. I took my three dogs on the hike, and from the parking lot we first walked to the lake and marsh, enjoying the serene environment. From there we followed one of the many well-marked hiking loops up on a ridge, which revealed a lovely overview of the area. When we made it back to the truck after about two hours of hiking, I had three tuckered dogs and was glad I went.
One great thing about Eskers is that you can customize your hike both in regards to how far you want to go, and how strenuous you want it to be. Either way, you'll be rewarded with beautiful scenery and a good chance of seeing moose and bears. Eskers is also very popular for cross-country skiing because of its sloping hills and wide terrain, making it a great year-round destination
Roam plenty and roam safely,
Your Traveller13
Photo credit: BC Parks
Editor's note: Learn more about hiking in Prince George here.
July 22, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Hiking
Find more information about Prince George - Hiking
View a larger image on flickr.com
Ferguson Lake is the biggest lake within Prince George city limits, and a place I like to go to in the fall.
While this stocked lake is popular with anglers both in the summer and in winter (thanks to its dock and excellent ice fishing conditions), the 45 minute walking trail around the lake is particularly beautiful in the fall when the leaves turn colour. On the way, one walks through woodlands, over boardwalks, and past historic buildings.
While I have only seen muskrat at Ferguson Lake, other wildlife, such as bears and moose, also call the area home. If what you're after is a quick trip to a beautiful lake in Prince George, Ferguson Lake should be one of your top choices.
Roam plenty and roam safely,
Your Traveller13
Photo credit: Mike Nash