July 15, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Quesnel, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
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British Columbia was built from the backs of horses. Times have changed and wrangling has become more of a pleasure then a necessity but in my opinion, horseback riding remains an essential BC experience. Some friends and I chose to try our hand at this adventure with Triple J Ranch, an outfitter 20 minutes north of Quesnel. This is an experience I will never forget. The horses were well trained, the outback was stunning and our host, Martin, was knowledgeable, competent and friendly. As we rode across the fields with the sun setting before us in that moment there was nowhere else I would rather be.
July 15, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Festivals & Events
This morning, I checked out the BMW Vintage & Classic Car Club of America's display of antique cars on Main St here in Smithers. They've been touring around Western Canada, and their stop in Smithers coincides with the BV Museum's celebration of the 100th anniversary of the first automobile to drive overland from the US to the Bulkley Valley. I really enjoyed seeing all the BMW cars and motorbikes from every decade - including the oldest one from 1937. I would have been happy to take home one of the zippy little red convertables, but my favourite was definitely the 1940's vintage touring car!
After a short parade, they'll be rolling on to Prince George, so be sure to check them out in Prince George if you missed them in Smithers!
July 14, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Sightseeing Tours
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I recently hosted a couple of Australian travellers and although they'd been in our fine province for a few months already, they had not yet seen a moose. So we piled into my car and drove into the beautiful outskirts of Smithers to get them a photo of a moose!
We headed East and turned onto the Babine Lake Road. This turns into a gravel forestry road just a few kilometers out of town, but it's a nice wide & smooth road. We continued on this road for about an hour - out past the trail heads for the Babine Provincial Park and on to Chapman Lake, which is approximately 50km from Smithers. I've been told that Chapman Lake is swarming with moose, but they must have all been hiding this evening. As a consolation prize, we saw 2 black bear and a stunning view of the mountains, so we weren't too sad about the lack of moose! We enjoyed the quiet views of Chapman Lake (featured in the attached photo) for a short while, then jumped back in the car to head home. We took one of the many detours that the road home offers - just a few kilometers from town, we turned right onto the Telkwa High Road and drove to Driftwood Canyon Provincial Park. No moose here either, but a fox came right up to our car to check us out! We then drove the final leg of our trip home via the Old Babine Lake Rd (more stunning mountain views!) and came upon a deer with a fawn so small that it hardly reached the mom's belly! This was definitely the smallest deer I've ever seen!
So, still no moose for my Australian company, but some other great wildlife finds and mountain scenery that's hard to beat!
July 14, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Sightseeing Tours
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Approximately 6 kilometers north of Prince George's city center lays the McMillan Creek Regional Park. The 3 km (approximate) trail leads to a view point on the top of the cutbanks over-looking the Nechako river and Cottonwood Island Park. Right at the viewpoint, there are spots for picknicking. The park is for day use only and is designed for those hiking. The viewpoint is a great place to go if you are interested in seeing wildlife such as birds and other wildlife and differing plant species. Any season is a great time to go to the viewpoint, as you can see the beautiful changes in season and scenery in Prince George.
July 14, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Sightseeing Tours
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Twin Falls is definitely one of the more popular trails in Smithers (see past blogs on the hike to the falls!), but did you know that you can see these stunning falls without even breaking a sweat?
Recently I had the urge for a picnic with a view but was not in the mood to pack my mini BBQ up some slippery mountain trail for 2 hours! Instead, I headed out to Twin Falls. Many people hurry along to the end of the trail for the close-up views of the falls, but I decided to set up lunch at the picnic tables that are just to the right of the large map near the head of the trail. I would say that this is approximately a 45 second walk from the parking lot. Here, I sat at 1 of the 2 tables and enjoyed a panoramic view of the whole mountainside (including both waterfalls of course) and the sound of rushing water filling the air (good thing the pit toilets were only 45 seconds away in the parking lot!). This short walk was only minimally sloped and is well groomed, so it would be great for those folks with young kids or mobility difficulties.
Whether you're a hiking enthusiast or someone looking for a nice view without the workout, Twin Falls can offer something for everyone!
July 14, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Vanderhoof, Attractions
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We took a tour of the mill this past Wednesday, and it was quite an eye opening experience, it was an awesome place to go. We saw how the whole system works and how the transformation process works from a log to a board. This tour is open to everyone as long as you call ahead. It is not only a saw mill but a Pellet mill as well. In the tour we were shown how Pellets are made. The Mill is coming up with a plan to use the heat they burn from the wood as energy. We recommend this tour if you are stopping by Vanderhoof, but please be aware it will be at least an hour long tour. Hard hats, Safety vests and Safety glasses are required and they are supplied at the Mill.
July 12, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Salmon Arm, Kayaking & Canoeing
A 20 Km kayak trip from Canoe wharf to Nature Bay, British Columbia's Salmon Arm Bay famous bird sanctuary, the Salmon Arm wharf, harbour and return. An easy 5 hour trip with lots of sunshine on beautiful Shuswap Lake. The kayak used was a Pamlico 135T by Wilderness Systems.
Shuswap Kayaks promotes a safe & non-power water sport.
July 12, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Sightseeing Tours
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When you are visiting Dawson Creek be sure to stop in at the Visitor Center, and ask for the Self-Guided Historic Walking Tour. This pamphlet will give you a great ‘low down’ on the community, taking you on a tour that can take you from 45 minutes to a couple of hours to complete. The length of the tour depends on how much you want to explore and take in what is offered.
The tour starts off at the Northern Alberta Railway Park, takes you through the downtown core, giving you a taste of the lively history of the city. There are murals upon murals (one of which is in this picture); there are statues and the Mile 0 post to take pictures by. There are also original photos and brief descriptions of old businesses and buildings. I particularly enjoyed the color of the downtown core which was accented with hanging baskets and flower pot on the curbs. One place you have to check out in the tour is 17A (in the tour guide pamphlet) – the Alaska Highway House. It is a wonderful collection of stories and artifacts related to the building of the Alaska Highway – they even show a video. All in all this is definitely something for your ‘back pockets’ if you are taking the adventure up the Alaska Highway. I found this walking tour even more interesting when I met some of the locals in the area! Looking like the tourist I am, they were all very friendly and helpful.
So remember whether it is you first time, you are returning or even if you live in Dawson Creek, ask about the tour, it is a great way to get to know the community.
July 12, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Richmond, Arts, Culture & History Tours
Well, I’m extremely happy to announce that it’s strawberry season in Richmond! Woo! Richmond, though very urban, is one of the few cities in the lower mainland that still has a huge farming infrastructure! We grow everything including our famous cranberries, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries (my personal favorite), as well as all sorts of other delicious fruits and veggies. Richmond is one of the few cities in BC where you can find local farmer’s markets almost anywhere in the city. Today I went out to Featherstone Farms located in East Richmond, to one of the large strawberries patches to ‘U-Pick’ some of my own!
The strawberry season in Richmond is a short one, only lasting 3 weeks to a month at most. (Mid June-Mid July) During this time, the fields explode with red and people come from far and wide to harvest these delicious berries. The field I was in was absolutely chock full of berries, with people filling up buckets upon buckets to bring home.
I have to say the smell of walking through a fresh strawberry field is just incredible. You’re hit with this wall of delicious mouth watering sweetness that just tickles your senses. Combined with a warm breeze, it was an absolute pleasure to walk through the fields.
And the taste… Delicious! Wow! If you’ve never eaten a fresh, ripe strawberry right off the bush, you’re definitely missing out! Compared to what you would buy in a major chain supermarket, you just can’t even compare the taste and freshness with the farmer’s market strawberries. Your taste buds are overwhelmed with a sweetness that you just don’t find anywhere else. I was having problems filming because all I wanted to do was eat strawberries the entire time!
If you’re reading this blog post right now this is your cue to get out into the fields or down to your local farmer’s market and pick up some fresh local Richmond strawberries ASAP! The season ends very soon, so make the best of it and get your fix!!! Strawberry rhubarb pie anyone? Yes please! Gotta run!
July 12, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Golden, River Rafting
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THE whitewater rafting destination in BC is having an amazing season with high water lasting much longer than normal. Come see it for yourself, take home you personal photos and video footage and see why the Kicking Horse is world famous for its rafting!