July 17, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Valemount, Attractions
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A short drive from Tete Jeune Cache (junctions of Highway 16 and Highway 5) in British Columbia, is one of several waterfalls in the Northern BC region. The falls are a great place to stop for all travelers and those looking to taking a break on their drive to the Alberta border. The falls are a part of the Fraser River and plummet approximately 10 meters over rocks and loose trees that have collected over the years. There is a rest stop on the side of Highway 16 to access the falls and BC Parks estimates 1/2 hour return trip, although depending on the size of the group and the time you want to spend at the falls, it may take a shorter or longer time. There is a fabulous, well-maintained viewing platform with some points coming right to the edge of the fast moving river! If you are lucky, you may catch some whitewater rafters portaging over the falls! A must see stop on your way across Northern BC!
July 17, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Museums
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Have you taken part in the Smithers Culture Crawl yet? I worked my way through this self-guided tour and learned a lot about the history of Smithers!
First stop: I picked up my self-guided-tour-pamphlet at the BV Museum (corner of Main St & Hwy 16) and viewed the displays there before venturing out for the rest of the tour. Don't miss the exhibit about the household items that was invented by one of the ingenuous locals!
Next, I walked the one block over to Safeway, where I learned how our great recreational ski facilities came to be - love the retro ski suits! I then headed down Main St to Schimmels Fine Pastries to see the photos depicting the early Dutch settlers and the difficulties that faced our first farmers...and of course I couldn't help but enjoy a nice big apple turnover while I was there! Down the street in Hometown Furniture, I learned about our earliest Swiss settlers who arrived shortly before the previously mentioned Dutch settlers. After a quick hop over to the Old Church located at King St & 1st Ave to see the beautiful gardens (which are particularly lush this year thanks to all the rain!), I ventured over into the residential part of town to see a couple of the Aladdin Company "Kit Homes" that were built here in 1920. I've driven by these houses plenty of times without realizing the history behind them, so it was really neat to learn their story!
It was really neat learning about Smithers' history within the present downtown setting, and I sure couldn't complain about the chance to eat some tasty pastries along the way either! This is definitely a great tour to check out when you're in Smithers
July 15, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort Nelson, Boating & Sailing
Tuesday, I had the chance to go river boating, and of course
I jumped at the chance!
I jumped in with Clifford, Pam and Percy, our first
adventure on the river was, going to pull out a friend of Percy’s. He got his
boat stuck on a sandbar, but was a good sport with all of the teasing that took
place shortly after he was unstuck. We continued on south down the Muskwa
River, through the twists and turns. I saw so much untouched wilderness, it was
defiantly breathtaking to say the least. I remember thinking over and over, “I
want to go camping there, and there and there!” Although most of the spots I
scoped out aren’t accessible by roads, they are perfect if you have access to a
riverboat. We continued on until we made our way onto what is called “Snake
River.” I had never been so far up the river so I was all eyes as we moved
toward our destination.
We cruised along for just about 2 hours, and when the boat
we were following parked by the shore, Percy (being the funny guy he is!)
Decided to pull what apparently is called a “power turn” which had a very…
soggy result! I ended up cover with water on only one side! Also running for
cover as the horseflies spotted me. It was all quite funny, and how can you be
upset when something has everyone giggling as you swat, smack and run from
horseflies!?
No matter how many times I make my way through BC’s vast
wilderness I am continually surprised at what it has to offer. Whether it is an
afternoon on the riverboat, laughing and joking. Or it is a lazy day at the
lake lying in the sun. BC has so much to offer, and I am excited to continue to
explore it!
July 15, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Farms & Markets
Prince George has a year round farmers market each Saturday in the downtown court yard and nearby building. The atmosphere is lots of fun and there is no better place to get fresh locally grown produce, baked goods, homemade salsa, locally made gifts of soap, clothes, jewelry and more. One could buy and entire picnic and then sit and enjoy in the summer sun. Street musicians also often latch on to this opportunity to strut their stuff. Never know what one might find.
July 15, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
McBride, Hiking
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The Ancient Forest is the worlds farthest inland rainforest located 800km from the ocean. I was awed by these massive ancient trees some of which were 5metres in diameter. As we walked through the forest it felt like stepping back in time into a forest that needs to be cherished and respected. The trail is very natural and well maintained although not suitable for bicycles. Throughout the forest are information boards which kept us well informed. The entire hike took about an hour at a brisk pace and we got to see Tree Beard, the Big Tree and a pretty little waterfall. This is a jewel.
July 15, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Attractions
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Hixon Falls is located approximately 65 kilometers south of Prince George. When driving out to the site, it is easy to miss the sign on when to turn and you may find yourself looping around to find the sign (if the sign is not visible, be sure to make a left onto Hixon Creek Road and continue on the road past the refuse dump site). The road into the falls is windy and narrow, but is approximately 2 km driving distance on the dirt road. It is suitable to take all kinds of vehicles, but I would not recommend the drive in for larger motorhomes and RV's, as the option for two lane traffic is not easy. Camping is not allowed at the falls, but there are campsites in close proximity of Hixon. At this time, the water is moving very fast and the usual spot that I advise for taking a picnic is covered by fast moving water. Due to recent rain, the path is slightly muddy in sections, so ensure that you are wearing proper footwear! The path into the waterfall is easy to hike and recommended for every skill of hikers.
July 15, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Car / Truck / Motorcycle
Bombs? ... Quite unlikely
Tsunami? ... Even more unlikely
Community gathering call to put out a fire? ... We’ve got a wonderful fire department to manage that for us
Have no fear we really don’t need to worry about any evacuations in the near or far future…
There are many different stories milling around about why Smithers has a noon hour siren; some people believe its because were getting attacked, others think it’s a calling for the community to gather; a few thinks its really because when it comes to lunch we mean serious business; however, the truth is actually much less adventurous, thrilling or threatening sounding.
Why we really have our ferocious sounding alarm is simple to make sure our evacuation alarm is in good working order. Plain and simple, it’s to protect the lovely people and the wonderful visitors of Smithers.
July 15, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Art Galleries & Artists
Prince George has a architecturally beautiful gallery. When I entered the building I was greeted and directed to the gallery and giftshop. The giftshop was very enjoyable with lots of local merchandise and nice gifts. The displays were the work of local artists and were very thought provocative. Good conversation pieces. I really enjoyed the room in which they had set up materials for the gallery goers to do their own art in the style of the pieces which were on display.
July 15, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Mount Robson, River Rafting
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Not much can match the thrill and intensity of feeling the power of the Fraser River beneath you as you rush past its banks and over its rapids. Friends and I drove the Yellowhead highway east of Prince George and enjoyed the lush green landscape from which slowly arose the Rocky Mountains and magnificent Mount Robson. At the base of this geographical giant we entered the Fraser River. My teeth were chattering with fright but once I heard the confidence of our guide's voice as he commanded us to paddle and we rushed safely across the raging water my fear changed to adrenaline and excitement. We learned the names and history of rapids as we traversed them. About half way through the trip we portaged around Reargard falls and got to enjoy its beauty from the banks. The trip was just one treat after another ending with a voluntary dip in the chilling Fraser waters.
July 15, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Harrison Hot Springs, Festivals & Events
In full swing until July 17th the Harrison Music Festival is a fun affordable event. My family and I packed a picnic and spent the afternoon strolling the beaches of beautiful Harrison Lake with the mountains rising up around us and music lilting over the water. We enjoyed shopping at the open air market which featured pottery, jewlery, almonds of every flavour imaginable and much more. Then we just settled down on the grass and bopped to the beat. This made for a very special day.