July 04, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Festivals & Events
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Everyone loves a parade! Everyone loves a party and everyone looks great in red and white.
I have been going to watch the Canada Day parade in the little village of Pouce Coupe near Dawson Creek for more years than I can remember. The best part of it for me is how a small community has created such an important cultural event that brings people together year after year.
The parade itself is not large, but the crowd is loyal and appreciative and you never know what you are going to see.
My all time favorite was a small woman who thought it was a great idea to bring a very uncooperative miniature donkey; they stole the act, and many hearts that day.This year I noticed the variety of license plates on the parked vehicles: Montana, Wisconsin, Texas and one from Georgia were mixed in with the locals.
Right after the parade, everyone makes a beeline for Pouce Coupe Park for a big community barbecue. There is entertainment and craft booths and lots and lots of families.
This year we had lots of sun too! What a great way to relax, have fun and celebrate being Canadian eh?!
July 03, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Festivals & Events
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How
did you spend our nation’s 143
rd birthday? I spent Canada Day
in
Fort St. John’s Centennial Park taking in a vast array of celebratory
festivities.
The annual parade ran through town, showcasing many of
Fort St. John’s sports groups, clubs,
businesses and community groups. The fun and games then moved into the
park, where blow up toys, a dunk tank, face painting, and a petting zoo entertained
the children.
Adults also kept busy with the Farmer's Market showcase. At the market you can find fresh
produce, home baked goods, and crafts.
The Canada Day festivities also
gave an opportunity for locals to show off their prized possessions. The
Classic Cruiser Show & Shine blocked off the street to display
different types of impressive and antique vehicles.
Singers and dancers also had the chance to show
off; they performed on stage and showcased the amazing talent found in
Fort St. John. Many of the singers are
regular performers at local pubs’ "open mic" nights.
Although Canada Day is
over, most spectators found themselves enlightened by the extensive
opportunities offered in Fort St. John
.
July 02, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Kitimat, Festivals & Events
Yesterday my family headed down to Kitimat, British Columbia to take in their Canada Day celebrations. It was a beautiful drive and the weather was perfect. We watched the parade for an hour and then headed to the food market for a taste of Indian, American, Chinese, Greek and First Nations food, as well as local vendors selling art. It was a fun afternoon full of community spirit.
I've attached a video showing pictures of the parade with the Canadian anthem in the background. Enjoy!
July 02, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
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I spent Canada Day seeing the country the way the settlers did, on horseback. The newly cut Round Lake Recreational trail network just 25 km east of Smithers are a hidden gem for horseback riders, campers and in the winter X-C skiers with a day use lodge for warming up and 13 campsites on the banks of the Bulkley River. The trails are new and never over crowded so they give you that sense of being far away from any civilization making your hike or ski feel more like an epic trek through the northern BC wilderness...