July 12, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Wildlife Tours
One of the most amazing things about the Peace Region in the summer is all of the butterflies that are around. There are many different varieties but my favourite to find are the beautiful Monarch butterflies. I was told these amazing creatures migrate to the north from Mexico! I can’t believe they can fly over the Rocky Mountains to reach their destination.
My mother and I decided to go for a drive in the rural country roads of the peace, directly north of Fort St. John. The farm land out there is beautiful, the agriculture rich land spans far and wide, and the lovely rolling hills are very pastoral.
Driving along the road we could see many fields of canola, wheat and barley, but along the side of the road there were wild berries and wildflowers, and dancing amongst these wildflowers were many butterflies.
We pulled over to pick some of the berries and seating ourselves in the tall grass, butterflies fluttering around us, and eating some delicious berries, it was something out of a book. It was such a pleasure; this beautiful drive with berries, barley & butterflies.
July 12, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Parks
One of my favourite places to explore the wilderness without venturing too far from my home in Fort St. John, is Charlie Lake Provincial park. Located about 12 km north of Fort St. John on the Alaska Highway it makes for a quick weekend getaway of camping or even just an evening campfire.
Of the many provincial parks I have been to in northern BC this one is the best for a multitude of reasons. I love that there are so many tall trees, it blocks out the noise from the Alaska highway so the sound is truly that of a truly serene wilderness. There are birds sweetly chirping, butterflies dancing and little chipmunks quickly darting around the tall trees.
I also love that the sites are NOT pushed right next to each other, don’t get me wrong I enjoy getting to know the other people in the campsite, but when it feels like you are in a parking lot, it certainly lessens the experience. Each site is a good distance from the neighbours for definite privacy.
The park itself is quite large with numerous site, but one of my favourite things about the park is in the centre of park there is a great picnic and play area that is perfect if you just want to spend the day. There is a really fun playground for children and youth and a large open field for things like Frisbee, soccer or even a fun round of touch or tackle football.
Check out Charlie Lake Provincial Park, it is fun for the whole family.
July 12, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Art Galleries & Artists
Like so many unique trends that have started over the years, it all starts with a small idea. Fort St. John ceramic artist Shannon Butler has started a local phenomenon.
She created a ceramic figurine, a little owl with a rainbow coloured body, a heart where a heart should be, and a relaxed look in his eyes, she came up with a signature phrase, “Rainbow Owl got your back.”
There was no looking back after that, he is sometimes hilariously honest and sometimes sentimental and a bit sad, but either way he has lots to say, and there really is a phrase that could apply to everyone. “Rainbow owl is poor in money and rich in friends" is one of my favourite phrases as a poor student; in my travels I have met so many interesting people, I am poor in money, but rich in friends. I felt a connection with this cute and hilarious character.
Shannon had stickers made and they sold like mad, they are beginning to appear all over town, she had t-shirts made and now I am starting to see them around town. It is great that there is a local character that is starting to have some voice. I would encourage everyone to check out what Rainbow Owl has to say by visiting Shannon Butler’s studio at 10510 101 Ave in Fort St. John.
July 12, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Gardens
In the summer time the city of Fort St. John transforms into a
flower & garden oasis. The main streets of Fort St. John
are lined with luscious hanging baskets, beautiful flower pots, growing sidewalk
trees, and colourful planters.
The city has clearly put lots of time and work into
beautifying the city, walking around the city I overhear comments on the lovely
flowers all around and the remarks come from residents and visitors alike.
The flower pots aren’t just any flower pots, they are each a
unique stamp on the city. The local Arts Council organizes local artists of all
ages and skill level to paint the pots. The designs, patterns, and pictures on
these pots truly display the talent of local artist. Each year many of the pots
are auctioned off which raises money to add more pots and put new ones out each
year! It is fantastic.
Take a walking tour of downtown Fort
St. John because having the flowers,
trees and local art around the city makes the ambiance and experience of Fort St.
John a pleasure to experience.
July 12, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Chetwynd, Skiing & Snowboarding
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I know it's summer but I just can't seem to get my mind off snowboarding! Some of my greatest memories have taken place at Powderking ski hill and resort. Waking up at 6:00am isn't a problem for me when im going to hit the hill.
Powderking has many runs for all ages. They have everything from a bunny hill to chesters challange where your experiencing the thrill of your life. They even have a park for those who want to try out their tricks and stunts. Just make sure you bring your helmet for that one!
Having the soft white powder fly up into your face when the sun is beating down on you is the most breathe taking experience! I'm counting down the days till the hill is offically open for a winter full of FUN!
July 12, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Hudson's Hope, Hiking
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While we were in Hudson’s Hope we were in the mood for a nice hike down to the Peace River so that we could have a picnic. We were told to follow a trail behind the water pump buildings across from Beattie Park down to the old ferry landing. The ferry used to take cars across the river up until Peace Canyon bridge was built. The ferry stopped being used in about 1966.
We left our RV at the Visitor Centre and walked through Beattie park over to the where the old water pumps are and then walked down the trail where we crossed two white bridges with clear clean water flowing down over the rocks. Once we reached the bottom of the trail almost to the river there was a trail off to our right that took us to a beautiful small waterfall.
There were a few nice spots to sit down, relax in a quiet place listening to the river flow and have a picnic. As we looked out over the river we saw birds flying all around and some perched up in the trees singing away while we ate our lunch. Just before we decided to walk back up a beaver swam right in front of us going up the river.
The area was very clean just like the river. The color of the water was a very beautiful turquoise color when you looked out across the river. The trail is a little steep but not too bad, it’s a very nice hike.
July 12, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Chetwynd, Gardens
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A favourite way to spend a lazy summer afternoon is checking out local gardens. I can teach my kids about different colors and types of plants while enjoying some beautiful scenery. The flower gardens at the Chetwynd Visitor Centre in downtown Chetwynd, B.C. are a definite must-see. Not only are there several large beds of colourful flowers, but also an ever-changing collection of 7-foot tall chainsaw sculptures!
A lovely paved and gravel walkway complete with benches and a picnic area make this a great place to spend an afternoon. The Visitor Centre staff are always willing to come out and share information about the carvings or take us on a guided tour. If you look closely you might even see one of the Visitor Centre's resident garden gnomes catching some sunshine.
July 11, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Attractions
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I love it when we can find the perfect activity to do with our out of town guests! Our "city-folk" friends were up for a visit with their children. They live in a big city and this was their first trip to the north.
On Sunday, after a leisurely start to the day, we piled in the vehicle and headed out to the
Sewell Valley Game Farm about a half hour drive north of Dawson Creek. I had thought ahead and made an appointment for our visit.
What a treat to watch the kids meet the baby animals. We saw young fallow deer, wild boars, bison and a mountain goat and lots of other animals. Our 2 legged 'kids' met their 4 legged 'kids'.
The farm is amazing. Clean and organized, the owners obviously take their role as caretakers very seriously. The animal's environments seem well designed for comfort. All the animals are the picture of health and seemed to have names and a story.
My favorite was seeing a large herd of plains bison with their young grazing peacefully in a field. It was a flash back to the times when they roamed free.
When we finally had to leave, my friend bought a necklace made from an antler in the gift shop and I bought some bison meat to barbeque at home.
It was a great day! Our friends really enjoyed themselves.
July 10, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Chetwynd, Sightseeing Tours
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What a first date! We set off in the Bronco II down a local 4x4 trail to find some mud and test our driving skills. Not too far down the Three Culverts road, we found this mud puddle... we didn't think we would get out at first! Good thing the truck has big tires!
The Chetwynd area is full of opportunities for 4x4 adventures like this one - just remember to bring all the necessary supplies in case you break down or get stuck, and always let someone know where you are going and when you plan on being back. You never know, you just might see us out there!
July 10, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Chetwynd, Beaches & Swimming
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With all the hot weather lately, what's a girl to do with three year old boys? Answer: take them on a camping trip to Moberly Lake!
Just a short 25 minute drive from Chetwynd, Moberly Lake has everything a family could want-gorgeous picnic area, a fabulous campground, and lots of areas for swimming and boating.
We brought the whole family and spent the day boating and swimming in between roasting hotdogs on the BBQ at the campsite and watching the local squirrels. What a fabulous day! We even got a little knee-boarding in under the afternoon sun!