Tips from Travellers

When I excitedly announced I got to give them their prize, they didn't seem to know what I was talking about. Here is a little re-cap on how the Visitor Centre portion of the Parks Passport Program works.

Once you've collected 6 stickers from different Visitor Centres around the province, the Centre that provides you with the 6th sticker will issue you the foldable, BPA free, re-usable water bottle. The counsellor will sign the bottom of the page in your passport to validate it. This small gift to travellers is just one of the ways BC Parks is celebrating turning 100 years old. You can get other little prizes for collecting stickers from 5 or 10 B.C Provincial Parks too. Once you have 5 Parks stickers you receive a commemorative Jerry the Moose pin, and at 10 stickers you get a flashlight.

So carry your passport with you and get out there and enjoy our beautiful province, experience the great outdoors! Congratulations to the travellers who received their bottles yesterday. I encourage everyone to be outside this summer, take in all that the environment has to offer and by all means join in celebrating BC Parks 100 years!

This community event is always enjoyable. It usually takes place around the end of May/beginning of June. With the sun shining and clear skies on this years race day many people attended the event to cheer and watch the fun. 

The location has changed for the races over the past few years. This year it was held outside the Northwestel building, just one block from our local Visitor Centre.

The town set up some bleachers for people, while others brought their own fold out chairs or nestled down on the side walk. On site, Encana had their industrial sized bbq going, selling burgers and hot dogs to the public. 

Teams are very enthusiastic, creating original beds as well as funky costumes. This event is just a few hours in the evening each year but it is fully entertaining, not to mention for a great cause.

I attended this years race as well as past years. It's incredible the support this town provides for local services. I was taking photos at the event for the news paper and captured some pretty intense and joyful faces of racers giving it their all. It is quite a sight to see.

If you or any of your friends are in the Fort Nelson area around the end of May/beginning of June be sure you ask a local about the Charity Bed Races. Posters are usually put up around town with information too!

Our new location is very big, all windows along the front of the building letting in that summer sun. There is parking right out front as well as a picnic table and garbage can.

Inside we have public washrooms, free WiFi access (only from inside the centre), computers are available or bring in your own and relax in the seating areas, complimentary water & coffee, a kids colouring area, brochures/maps, northern rockies attire, merchandise, local art and of course the smiling faces of our counsellors.

This year's staff are four local young adults. Lee, Laurisha, Kersten and myself are all home for the summer from post secondary. We love meeting new people and providing what we can about our area and more. We are still getting stock and more brochures in from other regions but we are trained up and full of as much helpful information as possible. 

Come on down to see us! We will be here until mid-september, seven days a week, 7AM to 8PM! Phone: 250-774-6400 E-mail: visitorinfo@fortnelsonchamber.com

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!