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 23, 2010 | Field Reports >
Nelson, Outdoor Activity Tours
The Kootenays Region is an adventure destination. Today's adventure is
focused in, on and around the water. After adrenaline takes me from
whitewater rafting to kayaking, Ainsworth Hot Spring is the ultimate
spot for relaxation.
June 22, 2010 | Field Reports >
Princeton, Wineries & Vineyards
Explore a gold mine and taste wine of the Similkameen Valley in
the Thompson Okanagan Region with Tourism British Columbia Field
Reporter Chris Wheeler. Perched on a cliff face in Hedley, BC, the
Mascot Gold Mine is a place to experience what life was like as a hard
rock gold miner. Chris then travels further into the beautiful
Similkameen Valley to Cawston, BC and samples wines at both the
Crowsnest Vineyards and the Seven Stones Winery. Talk about the good
life!
June 22, 2010 | Field Reports >
Rossland, Biking
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With more than 200kms of trails, Rossland is the king of the
Kootenays when it comes to mountain biking. Though the region is a hot
spot for riders, Rossland has earned it's title - the "Mountain Biking
Capital of Canada." I was lucky enough to give a beginner trail a try,
before a rowdy crew of riders showed me how it's done!
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 21, 2010 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Accommodation
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Wrapping up a very busy week at work, we decided to stay downtown Friday night and have our own "staycation" at the new Fairmont Pacific Rim. What a delight!!! Possibly the nicest hotel room I have ever stayed in, the quality of the property was only surpassed by the view from our Japanese soaker tub. Absolutely breathless - view of the north shore mountains, Canada Place and cruise ships.
The high tech contraptions satisfied our curious nature and the coffee machine was so good I'm on the hunt for one to purchase.
If you can bring yourself to leave your room, also try out the great gym, Willow Stream Spa and one of the best outdoor pool and patio in the city. The scones at the local cafe Giovanes (anyone with the first or last name G must get your photo taken there!)
Thanks Fairmont Pacific Rim! We will be back!
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.
June 20, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Dining
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One scoop or two? Last night my family and I went to Peppermint Patty’s for a delicious hard ice cream dessert. The quaint 50’s diner style has slushies, ice cream and a unique candy store.
Peppermint Pattys’ candy bar is far from average, filled with endless choices of old favourites and hard to find sugary treats. After deliberating the various candies, the next decision is of the ice cream flavour. The flavours range from the traditional chocolate, mint chocolate chip and cookie dough to the original root beer float, wet paint and cinnamon roll.
I chose café latte in a waffle cone and was very impressed. They’re also very generous with their scoop size. One scoop is often more than enough.
Since this charming ice cream parlour is located on 101st Avenue, in downtown Fort St. John, amongst popular downtown shops, it is a great place to stop in for a cool treat on a hot day.