June 26, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Beaches & Swimming
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When it gets really hot here in Prince George, one of our favorite activities is floating down the Nechako River. Whether you only have an hour or the better part of an afternoon, there is a float for you!
You can jump in as far up the river as Wilkins Park in Miworth and get out as far down the river as Cottonwood Island Park, spending up to 3+ hours sunning yourself as you peacefully float to your destination.
Some float on large multi-person tubes, some on air mattresses, some just in a life jacket. I personally like to float with a pool noodle, making maximum use of the cool water.
The river float is best with a group of people, some parking their car(s) at the beginning of the float, some parking at the end to cut down commute time.
So whether you float from the Nechako Flats to the Foothills Bridge, or from Wilkins Park to Cottonwood Island Park, come join us on the river this summer. I know that's where I'll be!
June 26, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Quesnel, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
Are you afraid of horses? Do you feel like you need a handlebar or seatbelt in order to feel even remotely comfortable atop these beautiful animals? If you answered yes to either of these two questions, you and I have something in common. So when I first heard I was going to Triple J Ranch near Quesnel, BC, I was nervous and a little frightened. It had been 10 years since I had been "in control" of a horse, and I remember almost being ridden into a barbed wire fence. Needless to say, I had fears of the same or worse.
Through our guide Martin's safety talk, my fears increased, and I wondered if I had done the right thing in choosing not to wear a helmet. Then I was introduced to my horse, Jeopardy. He was a glorious animal, and while he was a little intimidating, he calmly allowed me to throw my leg over his saddle and climb up.
Those first couple of minutes were terrifying, as Jeopardy would shift and move his head to keep the bugs off, but before long, everyone was saddled up, and the ride could begin. Soon after we started, I decided to see how well Jeopardy would respond, and gently turned him to the other side of the trail. He turned his head as gently as I pulled, and with relative ease we were on the other side of the trail. All of a sudden I was feeling much more comfortable.
Martin led us through a large open field into a narrow trail which took us to our rest stop near some small falls and an old wolves' den. After stretching our knees and viewing the falls, we were back on our way to complete the circuit back to the ranch. All of the horses were very well-trained and not one of us (all inexperienced riders) had any difficulties, and left our horses behind feeling satisfied with the entire experience.
If you're coming through Prince George and heading south, ask us about the Triple J Ranch. You won't regret it!
Happy trails!
June 25, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Terrace, Attractions
Exstew Falls is a beautiful waterfall located about half an hour out of Terrace, British Columbia heading west towards Prince Rupert. This video shows you how to get there and what to expect when you do. Enjoy!
June 25, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Burns Lake, Dining
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It’s the little places that your remember most. A moment in time, the small stall on the side of the road with the best cherries, the little orchard farm with great pie. That’s the part of a vacation that you smile about when you remember it.
And so I smile when I think of the little trip my boyfriend and I took to the Burns Lake Alternative Arts Festival. It was a little overcast and rainy, but we hit Highway 16 to start the 1 ½ hour trip to Burns Lake. Once we got there we enjoyed student-created jokes, songs, videos, and dances until there was a break for lunch.
Being the sandwich-addicted people that we are, we set out to find a Subway and get back to the performances but unfortunately for us, the Town of Burns Lake does not have much in the way of fast food. Still on the hunt, we asked a local woman for directions and she told us the tragic truth of the matter: there was no Subway. She then directed us Redfern’s Coffee House which she said would have sandwiches and other foods that would be fast.
When we walked into the little café the first thing we noticed was that it was crowed. There were people everywhere; standing, sitting, waiting. We looked at the menu, written on a blackboard on the wall, and realized why: the food. There was every kind of bread, wrap, sandwich, meat, ice cream, smoothie, tea, and condiment that a person could create in their mind. I had an open-face roast beef bagel sandwich, and my boyfriend ordered the biggest sandwich he could get, with the works.
When we sat down, we had a minute to look around and saw that homemade purses, hats, scarves, and mittens lined the walls, as well as huge blackboards that explained the menu and the specials. It was comfortable, and unique.
The staff was completely accommodating to all our requests and we felt like we belonged there, and not just like we were visiting. By the atmosphere in the little café, you could tell that it was a special place to the community. As Visitor Counsellor in Vanderhoof, whenever people come in, that are heading in the Burns Lake direction, I always suggest they stop for lunch at Redfern’s Coffee House hoping they will have as great an experience as I did.
June 25, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Attractions
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One of our favorite rest stops on the Hart Highway is on the west side of the Pine Pass at Bijoux Falls. It's easy to miss if you aren't paying attention. You have to watch for the sign on the north side of the highway.
Bijoux Falls is about the half way mark between
Dawson Creek and Prince George and the perfect spot to take a break from driving, get out, stretch your legs and breathe in the cool mountain air.
There is something special about the feel and smell of air around a waterfall isn't there?
The falls themselves are quite high and cascade quite dramatically down the side of the mountain. The last time we stopped, the sun was hitting the mist of the fall just right and we saw a rainbow.
There is a viewing landing surrounded by a chain link fence, but if you look, you will also find a well used short path that ducks in behind the fence and leads down to the shallows and rocks at the bottom of the falls.
If you are adventurous, you can pick your way up the creek a bit on the rocks. Chances are, you will end up getting your feet wet, I always do. The water is cold even in the middle of the summer.
The outhouses are very clean and well maintained. There is plenty of parking for RVs and several really nice picnic spots with tables.
June 24, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Hiking
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Its truly amazing to acknowledge how easy it is to jump in the vehicle and drive 30 minutes through switchbacks, trees, and mountainous terrain, ending up nearly above the clouds. Smithers B.C. is my hometown and the possibilities in the "Super Natural" outdoors that I call home are close to endless.
It was a clear and warm Monday this week and I was curious about the conditions on the Crater Lake hiking trail. I work at the Smithers Visitor Info Centre and I took the initiative to check it out on my day off. I wanted to know the conditions so my advice to the tourists was accurate. My girlfriend and I made way for the alpine valley.
Not even 20 minutes into our hike we ran into some tourists from Victoria B.C. who appeared to be lost. They just so happened to pull out their Crater Lake pamphlet and asked about the hike. It was the perfect opportunity to give them advice and also have them follow behind us. They were so happy to have ran into us up there.
As we walked passed the tree line we decided to stop for a break and eat some lunch. We had a great conversation and the tourists also had a pair of binoculars to gaze the view with. The hike was a bit pre-season but nonetheless it was well worth it. It also made me proud to have provided the guests from Victoria with my local knowledge of the area.
As we made it to Crater Lake the tourists commented with "This is definitely the highlight of our trip" and they thanked us kindly. Locals are the ambassadors of their towns and my girlfriend and I are lucky to be from a place where we can make visitors love the area we live in.
[Editor's note: Learn more about hiking in Smithers
here.]
June 24, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Christina Lake, Beaches & Swimming
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Christina Lake is one of my favourite sites in all of British Columbia. Maybe it's because I'm from the north and have not become accustomed to our freezing lakes, but the warmth and natural beauty of Christina Lake gets me every time.
Christina Lake is known as the warmest lake in Canada, in probably one of the warmest locations. When my family vacationed there temperatures reached a high of 45 degrees Celcius. Strange things started happening when it got that hot, like our watermelon fermenting and pop cans exploding. But the refreshingness of the lake made it all worth it. The south beach is split up into little sections by trees creating privacy between beach dwellers and shade on the sand. The lake is there, clear and blue, with the perfect temperature to cool you off from the hot weather.
It's the perfect destination for a relaxing setting and amazing weather.
[Editor's note: Learn more about Christina Lake here.]
June 22, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Golden, River Rafting
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Summer has arrived and the whitewater is amazing in July on the Kicking Horse River in Golden BC.
Glacier Raft Company has been guiding daily trips on this beautiful river for 28 years. Have a look at the video for some raw clips to really give you the feel for what it's like out there.
[Editor's note: Learn more about
river rafting in the Kootenay Rockies.]
June 21, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Kayaking & Canoeing
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It's always the small subtle moments that make me so happy to live in Smithers... Beautiful sunset over Lake Kathlyn, bring your canoe and enjoy the view :)
June 20, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Art Galleries & Artists
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Fort St. John has one of the most thriving arts communities I have ever encountered. There is art all over the city, from the streets laden with hand-painted pots, to the art adorned walls of the local cafes; there really is art all over Fort St. John.
On a hot Sunday afternoon, art lovers and community enthusiasts gathered at Whole Wheat & Honey café to enjoy some local artist’s wares, it was packed with people, local musicians playing and with cool refreshments offered it was a great way to spend part of my Sunday afternoon.
I bought a new necklace made by local potter Shannon Butler, a beautiful wall-hanging by Catherine Ruddell and also a lipstick case by Megan Brooks. All of these local artists have great talent, enthusiasm and community spirit and it was my pleasure to enjoy all they had to offer at the Summer Solstice Art Fair.