July 20, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Professional & Spectator Sports
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What's a great way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon? Watching wiener dog races at the Hastings Race Course Track, of course! Having never been to the track before, I was compelled to go this Sunday to watch cute wiener dogs battle it out in a 20m dash. There were 3 heats, which took place in between the horse races. The dogs were hilarious to watch, even though not all crossed the finish line: some ended up going backwards, others circled each other and one just plain decided he didn't want to race anymore. But the two that did cross the finish line got loud cheers from the crowd for their photo finish race.
Although the wiener dogs were fun to watch (note: they only happen once a year), the horse races were definitely my favourite. It was great getting beers, hot dogs and placing cheap bets on the horses (you can bet as low as $2.00), and then cheering on your horse as they whipped by you! Word of advice: betting solely on the cool-factor of a horse's name is not a good strategy, and may lose you a few bucks. Overall it didn't matter that I lost money, because there was nothing better than spending a day in the sun, having some drinks and food and watching horses race by!
July 19, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Dogsledding
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Just because you're visiting Northern BC in the summer doesn't mean you have to miss out on our great winter sports!
I recently visited Dog Power Adventures on Chief Lake Rd in Prince George to learn more about the dogs and the sport of dog sledding. These folks have rescued many huskies from all over the country, in addition to having their own sled dogs.
I looked at great displays featuring different sleds, pictures, info about different races around the world, a sample diet of a sled dog, and much much more. They even hooked a few of the dogs up to an ATV to show how they train the dogs during the summer (the driver of the ATV had to hit the brakes when going around corners because the dogs were pulling so fast!). The dogs are all so friendly, and you can even jump on a little scooter and be pulled by one of them!
You're welcome to drop in from 7-8:30pm on weekends. I really enjoyed seeing the dogs run through the grass, and I know I'll be returning once the snow flies to try out the winter version!
July 19, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Theatre & Performing Arts
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If you're looking to experience a bit of nostalgia and want to have fun on a small budget, the Park Drive In Theatre in Prince George is for you!
This weekend we threw a couple of friends in the car and hit the drive in theatre to see two movies for the price of one! Movies start at dusk every weekend, but if you go early, you can play a round of mini golf or try out the great go-kart track before the movie. Oh, and come hungry - we picked up a couple of burgers and a huge bucket of popcorn (even though they claim it's their size small!) for a GREAT price!
The Park Drive In Theatre is one of only 3 drive ins left in BC. It's my favourite way to see movies in the summer, so come check it out!
July 18, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Sightseeing Tours
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Last Sunday, we took our friends from Seattle on an afternoon drive for an ice cream and a drive around the area.
We went up the Radar Lake Road south west of town to the
Bear Mountain Wind Park.
All I can say is
wow, wow, wow! They are huge! And Beautiful!
Seeing those wind towers from below and in the distance is one thing, but being up close, right underneath them is another thing entirely.
There is an excellently maintained gravel road that winds along the whole 7 kilometers of the ridge. We parked and got out of our car and walked along for a couple of kilometers.
Each tower is numbered and there are 34 altogether. There is a mystery though, because the first tower has the number '0' and the last one is '34', so I'm wondering if '13' is missing? We didn't have the energy to go back and check.
The turbines are beautifully painted; the area is immaculate and undisturbed as possible. There are several cattle guards across the road as the area is a community grazing pasture. Nature has been well respected and the wind has been harnessed.
This is truly an amazing project. Be prepared to be amazed and awestruck!
July 17, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Chetwynd, Golf
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Since I got my first set of golf clubs for my birthday a few weeks ago, I just can't resist the lure of the two fabulous courses in Chetwynd. One hot and sunny day last week I packed up my clubs, dropped my kids off at their grandma's and headed out for a round at nearby Natural Springs Golf Resort.
Just 15 km from downtown Chetwynd, the course winds across gently rolling fairways and crosses several creeks. Large ponds are home to muskrats and many types of ducks and other birds. The Pine River just behind the course attracts other local animals too - I saw a moose and her calf come down for a drink!
The course is excellent for both beginners and experienced golfers with lots of sand and water hazards to test your skills. The clubhouse is a great place to spend some time relaxing and enjoying a great meal before or after your game. Club and cart rentals are available, but the fairly flat course is a nice one for walking.
July 17, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Farms & Markets
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I was in search of local produce and meats, so off I went to the Fort St. John's Farmers Market.
As I walked into the North Peace Arena where the Farmers Market is held every Saturday, I was hit with the mouth watering smells of the canteen and the friendly atmosphere. I hit the jackpot; there were tables and tables of fresh produce, baking and local meat suppliers. Not to mention all the crafts and homemade honey and more. I will definitely be back again!
July 17, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Golden, River Rafting
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We were delayed in Golden due to a highway closure and decided to spend the night. There was a Whitewater Rafting Outfitter located next to our hotel so we booked in for an adventure.
It was only once we were on the River that we were informed that we were rafting Western Canada's Premiere Whitewater Rafting River - The Kicking Horse River.
We had a great day and ended up rafting all three sections of the Kicking Horse River - Upper, Middle and Lower Canyons. We went back the next week and chose another outfitter only to be disappointed that they didn't run the entire river.
The one we would recommend is Alpine Rafting. They had the best gear, the best lunch and had the longest rafting trip (35 kilometres).
July 16, 2010 | Field Reports >
Vancouver, Festivals & Events
KOOZA from Cirque du Soleil has arrived in Vancouver, BC! The Grand
Chapiteau Big Top Tent is now raised and BC Field Reporter Chris
Wheeler joined in to see the action! The yellow and blue Big Top is now
part of Vancouver's skyline!
http://tiny.cc/Kooza KOOZA
- a return to the origins of Cirque du Soleil - explores themes of
fear, identity, recognition and power. The show is set in an
electrifying and exotic visual world full of surprises, thrills,
chills, audacity and total involvement.
Performances run from
July 22 - August 22, 2010 under the Grand Chapiteau Big Top Tent on the
Concord Pacific lands in Vancouver's False Creek area.
July 16, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Terrace, Sightseeing Tours
I was lucky enough to take a helicopter ride with White River Helicopters Inc. piloted by Sid Peltier. It was a beautiful ride over Sleeping Beauty Mountain just on the outskirts of Terrace, British Columbia. This video shows some of the breathtaking scenery.
July 15, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Stewart, Sightseeing Tours
This is a short video of my trip up Highway 37, across Highway 37A to Stewart, British Columbia. We took the time to see Bear Glacier,walk around the Estuary Boardwalk, explore the main street, drive to Fish Creek in Hyder, and drive halfway up the road to Salmon Glacier to Premier Mine Viewpoint. This video gives you a glimpse of the beauty surrounding the Stewart area.