June 21, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort Nelson, Sightseeing Tours
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Given the chance to stretch my legs and to see a great view I would say “yes, please!” Roughly five miles north of Coal River on the Alaska Highway there is a great little place called Whirlpool Canyon. If you don’t have the Milepost with you, there is a very good chance that you will miss this opportunity to not only stretch but to take some beautiful pictures as well.
Whirlpool Canyon can be accessed via a pullout that looks like your average rest stop with a green litter bin—very inconspicuous. Even I didn’t know that there was more to this little spot until someone told me.
In June, we parked in the pullout and made the roughly 300-metre walk over to the canyon. The trail (about the width of a vehicle) was easy to see and opened up into a great expansive bed of shale. Being that it was shale, we had to walk carefully on it, but it made for an adventurous walk both to the river side and up the cliff side. What a view from the heights of the cliff (although not recommended for those who are afraid of heights)!
In general, this area makes for an ideal pit stop for those who need to pull over and take a break, walk the dog or even have a picnic. And at the very least, this spot is a must-see for those who want to experience all that the north has to offer them. Happy canyon-ing!
June 03, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort Nelson, Sightseeing Tours
View a larger image on flickr.com
Hello Travellers!
For those of you headed through my part of the province (Fort Nelson) you are probably not too thrilled to see the snow we received last night. Have no fear it won't be here for long. But in the mean time I thought I would share some things to do in our community if you end up staying a little longer then expected.
If you are looking to relax, book an appointment at one of our local spas. All of which are listed in the business directory at our Visitor Center. On a snowy day a hot stone massage would sure feel nice.
Cozy up with a coffee or hot chocolate at one of our many cafes. Sit down indoors where it is warm and watch the snow melt away.
Drop in to the Public Library, books for all ages as well as internet use.
Summer hours are:
Mon/Tues/Wed: Noon to 5pm & 7pm to 9pm.
Thursday/Friday:10am to 5pm
Saturday/Sunday:12pm to 4pm
Have a look around the inside of the Fort Nelson Heritage Museum. You'll find lots of interesting items, animals from the surrounding area, as well as information on the construction of the Alaska highway.
Head up the hill from the visitor center to the public pool, hot-tub and sauna on site to warm your goosebumps! Admission only a few dollars.
Enjoy a movie indoors at the Phoenix Theater. It is a single screen, this weekend's movie is 'Thor', call 270-774-SHOW for more information.
If none of those options interest you come on down to the Visitor Center and chat with our counsellors, use the free WiFi, inquire about our area, use the washrooms or just stretch your legs in the new facility, open 7 days a week: 7AM to 8PM.
For those of you continuing right on through, drive cautiously, watch for animals and lots of slippery sections. Happy Travelling.
Looking forward to sunshine!