June 25, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Hiking
Find more information about Fort St. John - Hiking
View a larger image on flickr.com
Sometimes you don’t have to wander very far off the beaten path to find a treasure!
One of the best things about summer is that an abundance of activities await you outdoors. Hiking trails, provincial parks, and campsites are all just a stone’s throw away from a good time.
No one appreciates these endless possibilities quite like an energetic pair of dogs! Feeling invigorated, inspired (and never one to turn down a chance to spend time with my puppies), I loaded my car with leashes (it always gives the appearance to outsiders that I am in control of my animals, though I haven’t, and never have had any intention of using them), a water bottle and DEET-free, dog-friendly bug spray and headed to Fort St. John’s Fish Creek Community Forest.
The forest is a family favorite. Ever since I can remember, we walked the trails throughout the year; walking in everything from shorts and t-shirts to stuffy snowsuits and sorrels. Having dogs to bring with you only increases the potential for memories.
There are three trails in this forest nestled behind Northern Lights College. I’m sure many families scope out the maps provided at the entrance to the trails to decide on the best fit for their group. I like to take a more organic approach, which entails letting the pooches loose and follow their lead! There are three main trails, the Anatomy, the Siviculture and the Multi-Purpose Trail. The one my sheltie and border collie-cross prefer is called the Adventure Trail. We made it up. A combination of off-roading, gravel and paved trails, thorny patches (not good for humans but my dogs don’t really take my legs into consideration!) and dark, leafy, mysterious coves of trees…this is my favorite place to go for a walk.
I watch my dogs frolic and play, running full speed ahead into the creek and out again, grabbing tree branches and playing tug-of-war. Oliver trots through a cluster of ferns so feather-like they appear to be nothing more than an emerald fog suspended above the ground. Through their frenzy, I still feel peaceful. The occasional jogger, training marathon-runner or power-walker greets me as we stroll. The forest is breathtaking; green and shining; ablaze with sunlight and constant creature-chatter. A gaggle of teenage boys cruise on bikes through the BMX trails, and suddenly, as we enter an archway of birch, a small sound startles my dogs into looking up and standing stoically; tails up and focused. Two moose: a cow and calf, moseying around the bushes, their quiet munching the only sound in the stillness, reminds me once again that we don’t have to venture very far to find a summer treasure.
June 24, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Hiking
Find more information about Fort St. John - Hiking
If you’re looking to experience a magnificent sight in Northern British Columbia, there is a forest in Fort St. John called Fish Creek Community Forest. With trails that are gravelled and partly paved, it’s easy to go mountain biking or take a stroll. The forest is a great way to get active in the city of Fort St. John because it is on the out skirts of the city but never too far away to experience some beautiful!
The great features of the forest are ones that set it apart. There are 3 main trails in the forest, ranging from 15 minutes in walking time to 1 hour in length. The forest is a great place to get active for all ages. Once in the forest there are many varieties of wild flowers, types of trees and of course wildlife, if you’re lucky!
When you are exploring the forest on the gravelled trails, all trails lead to and/or near the Fish Creek. Depending what time of year you go you can observe the beavers build and repair their dam.
Fish Creek is also a great place for mountain bikers, as there are some smaller, less travelled paths that can offer many different skill levels some fun and adventure. Also, during the winter the area around Fish Creek and the paved flat sections are great for cross country skiing and other winter fun.
A trail map is available through the Fort St. John website