June 29, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Culinary Tours & Schools
If you’re looking for a place to stop and have lunch, that will excite your taste buds stomach, try Cimo Mediterranean Grill in Downtown Prince George. Their daily lunch specials include such items as homemade spinach and ricotta ravioli with a tomato basil sauce and tilapia and goat cheese wrap with your choice of homemade tomato and caramelized onion soup or fresh baby greens salad. After you finish fantastic lunch, make sure you try one of the delectable desserts such as lime panna cotta or pot de crème with poached strawberries. While the food was as delicious as it comes, the best part of this lunch was the price which was reasonable on even a student’s budget. The next time I visit, it will have to be for dinner, which looked just as mouth-watering as lunch! Too bad they aren't open for breakfast too.
Krystin
June 29, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Car / Truck / Motorcycle
The weekend of June 27, 2009 was the Hit to Pass Extravaganza at the PGARA Speedway Park in Prince George, BC. This event boasted over a dozen vehicles of all shapes and sizes. The cars drove around and around the track, crashing and smashing into one another until they couldn’t run anymore. At this point the pushercar had to shove them into the pit to be fixed. Parts were flying everywhere, so much so the track had to be cleaned of debris after every race. Other events of the evening included a trailer race, an appliance race (where coolers and ovens got strapped to the roof of each car) and a log truck car toss. All these events provided the crowd with much excitement for the entire evening. With many more events to come this summer, I highly recommend an evening at the PGARA Speedway.
June 29, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Taylor, Car / Truck / Motorcycle
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Ready, set , GO!
The stock car races were on full force this past weekend in Taylor, BC. Saturday and Sunday, June 27th and 28th saw many local racers from around the Peace region take part in the Doug Babcock Memorial Points Challenge at the Taylor Speedway.
All different participants took part in the weekend of fun, from knowledgeable drivers themselves to family, friends, local supporters and visitors. The weather could have been nicer—many grumbled about the cool air and overcast sky (a sprinkle of rain provoked more frustration)—but the sun ended up shining for the last part of the day on Sunday, and although the race started late on Sunday, everyone finished and all was well.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the race is the variety of cars—the many makes and models, sizes and colors of the vehicles. That and the local spirit the race inspires: the cheering and support rang loud and clear!
June 28, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Culinary Tours & Schools
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If you are looking for a truly entertaining dining experience the Shogan Japanese Steakhouse located in the Coast Hotel in Prince George will be sure to provide a unique one. It is open during the weekday for lunch and guarantees quick and delicious meals for the lunch crowd or for dinner you can watch as your dinner is prepared right in front of your eyes in an incredible display of Teppan style cooking that is fun for the entire family. They have a large variety of sushi, bento boxes and stir fry dishes that will leave you wondering which one you should choose. The dining area is suitable for both large and small parties and the friendly staff make great efforts to make your meal an enjoyable one.
Jen S
June 28, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Victoria, Dining
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Dean Fortin, Mayor of the City of Victoria, attended Paparazzi’s Pride Kick-Off Party on Saturday night. He gave a speech expressing support towards the LGBTT community of Victoria saying that he believes that Pride does not only involve LGBTT people, but it also involves everyone else. By celebrating Pride, they are building community with the entire city. Fortin acknowledged that families are very diverse and can be made in different ways. He explained how one of his daughter’s friends has “two mommies,” and they are very important to Fortin and his family.
Besides the mayor, David Tillson, president of Victoria Pride Society, was one of the special guests of the night. He received a $5,000 donation on behalf of VPS from Paparazzi owners. Tillson says that VPS is one of the few Pride Societies in the world that does not have financial pressure because the local gay bar is always supporting them with people and donations.
Now that Pride week has started, different events will take place in Victoria commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York.
June 28, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Victoria, Attractions
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A new way of entertainment in Victoria was created a couple of months ago: Improv Everywhere Victoria. Ben Dunsmuir, organizer, has been coordinating different kinds of pranks that leave the public wondering what is going on. This time Improv Everywhere Victoria, organized a slow motion fight on Bastion Square. About ten people met at noon and two of them started a loud argument to get people’s attention. When one of them seems to lose his patience and is ready to punch the other one, the entire fight becomes very slow. Then, the rest of the people join the fight making the entire scene more bizarre.
The people at Bastion Square were completely confused of what was going on. Some of them thought that the participants were actors or public performers, not even the clowns knew what was happening.
Improv Everywhere Victoria has been around for only two months, but their Facebook group keeps growing and engaging more and more people in the city. They welcome all kinds of people to participate in their random shows.
After the “fight,” participants gave some of their ideas to Ben for future shows. One of them was having a fake celebrity picture, where one of the members would pretend to be a famous person and the rest would try to get his/her autograph and a picture taken with him/her. To know more about Improv Everywhere Victoria, join their facebook group or visit their website.
June 28, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Theatre & Performing Arts
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Ever wonder what it would be like to star in a movie? I sure have but in reality, that’s just not going to happen and therefore I have to settle for the next best thing which is to sit back, relax in a comfy chair, and watch the movie on a big screen. Coming from a large city, I expected the cinema here to have one theatre, plastic chairs, and a tiny screen. I was most certainly proven wrong when I stepped into the Aurora Cinema at the Totem Mall. The large comfortable seats allow you to feel as though you are on that Pelham train with the stimulating John Travolta or soaring through the skies in the film, Up.
When I watch a movie, food is an absolute requirement. This theatre not only has a popcorn concession stand but they additionally sell New York Fries and Frozen Yogurt.
Have you ever gotten extremely frustrated with those audience members who feel it necessary to yell out sarcastic comments as if the actors can actually hear them? Well at the Aurora Cinema, the staff is required to ensure this does not happen in order to create a more enjoyable movie watching experience.
Furthermore, the theatres in larger cities can charge up to $12.95 for one admission. This ridiculous price is comparable to the $8.95 charged here. So if you are looking for a fun-filled family night that is also affordable, I would suggest seeking out the newest flick and making a trip to the Aurora Cinema.
June 27, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Sechelt, Outdoor Activity Tours
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I hadn’t planned to take the boat tour to Princess Louisa Inlet, but after seeing West Coast Wilderness Lodge’s sleek, red zodiac I decide to jump aboard. A smooth ride at forty knots takes us up a glacier-carved fjord with towering mountains all around.
After a dozen waterfalls I stop counting – we pause at Soda Pop Falls, where the boat pulls up close enough that a German couple in the bow can fill their water bottles. The Lodge's owner, Paul, has tagged along as our tour guide. He tells a tale of young First Nations who would challenge each other to hold a large rock underwater for long periods of time. They survived by gulping bubbles of air forced down from the falls.
Paul winds up his story with an offer to anyone on board to take the test – he’s brought along a rock for the occasion. Looking up to the icy snowpack high above, no-one takes him up on it.
The jokes and fun turn to respectful awe as we cruise through Malibu Rapids into Princess Louisa Inlet. I can believe that for many of the international tourists on board, this one tour has made their entire trip to British Columbia worth it. Imagine travelling through an inlet 500 feet wide, surrounded by mountains 6000 feet high. Majestic and breathtaking are the only words to describe the experience.
As we approach the end of Princess Louisa, Chatterbox Falls comes in to view – a huge, glacier-fed waterfall surrounded by rainforest. We dock at the provincial wharf where Paul fills our coffee mugs and sends us off to explore. Walking up the cedar boardwalk as I feel the mist and spray from the falls, it strikes me that a few hours ago this water was ice and snow from the alpine. The plants here are a lush shade of green I have never seen before.
On the return journey, we stop at some ancient pictographs – thirty feet up a sheer rock cliff. Thousands of years old and made from the bark of local Arbutus trees, the paint is still a bright red. We pause at the mouth to Vancouver Bay as well. Towering above this bay are Mount Churchill and Mount Vancouver, both named by the first European tourist to the area – Captain Vancouver.
Total trip time? Just over three hours.
June 26, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Camping
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Whiskers Point Provincial Park is the spot to hit up on a warm summer weekend in the Prince George area. Located only 130 km North of Prince George, the park is easily accessible to day trippers as well as for multi-day camping outings. The beach, which is one of the main attractions of the park is not to be missed. As the park name suggests, Whisker's Point Provincial Park is located on a peninsula which sticks out into McLeod Lake. The cool lake water comes as a blessing to anyone looking to escape the hot sun or pesky mosquitoes.
As I headed up to Whiskers Point just this last weekend, I relished in the freedom I was about to experience. There really is nothing like waking up in the morning, and opening your tent door to a view of the morning sun shimmering across calm lake waters. In addition to the warm sun rays, smell of campfire and roasted marshmallows, I was also lucky enough to be free of mosquitoes. The few days before my arrival at Whiskers Point saw a mixture of rain and sun which led to the absence of all but a couple of those annoying insects. The gently sloping expanse of sandy beach available to campers at Whiskers Point is greaty appreciated and utilized by all. In addition to one of the best beaches available within two hours of Prince George, Whiskers Point also has a 20 minute nature trail to stretch your legs on, as well as a boat launch and water perfect for any level of water-skiier, or fishing enthousiast.
All in all, with or without mosquitoes, Whiskers Point is a gem worth experiencing in BC's provincial park system.
Christina
June 26, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Dining
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On the eve of June 25th, my boyfriend and I were interested in finding a classy restaurant in Fort St. John to celebrate my 21st Birthday. We decided to return to Uptown Grill, as I had visited and thoroughly enjoyed their delicious food during the “Be a Tourist in Your Own Town Week”. Since it was my Birthday, I had given myself permission to eat anything and everything in sight, so I was more than prepared to enjoy a delicious meal.
We started the evening out by selecting a wine from their wine list. Our waitress was very helpful and informative as she assisted us in selecting a fantastic wine. Afterwards, we decided to split the oriental spring rolls as an appetizer. They were absolutely incredible! We most certainly did not need them however, as our meals included a complimentary salad. I decided to try the teriyaki sirloin as a main course, which proved to be nine ounces of deliciousness! Unfortunately, since I had been such a birthday pig for most of the day, I could barely get through half of it. I am a carnivore and definitely love my meat but for those who are not, Uptown Grill marks all of their vegetarian meals with a small symbol in order to appropriately inform the customer. In addition, they have specials for each day of the week. Each day is a different theme and the daily features include an appetizer, main course, and a dessert.
During the meal, my boyfriend did the usual sneak off to the “bathroom” in order to inform our waitress that it was my birthday. The restaurant was so great that they allowed me to select a dessert and of course, it was on the house.
The general atmosphere in Uptown Grill provides for a relaxing and classy night out in Fort St. John. The outstanding cuisine and friendly service are sure to make the evening a success. I had a fantastic birthday and I will most certainly be returning there soon for our next festive event.