June 28, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Historic & Heritage Sites
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Well, I have not been able to do too much biking in the Dawson Creek area over the last couple of days, so due to my quest for adventure I decided to take on some attractions that were under roof and were dry. This led me to a venture into a town yet unexplored (by myself) Tumbler Ridge, population of approximately 3300 and only an hour drive south of Dawson Creek.
First stop in Tumbler Ridge was the visitor center. They are a ‘mammoth’ of information on things to see and explore in the area. Unfortunately due to weather restrictions I was not able to partake in any of the outdoor activities that the community of Tumbler Ridge has to offer. Such outdoor-adventures suggested are, the Dinosaur Trackway Tours or one of the 23 developed hiking trails in the area which will escort you to waterfalls (Kinuso Falls), caves, lakes, panoramic views and fascinating historical/geological formations.
By suggestion of the tourist counselor, I headed to the Dinosaur Discovery Gallery which opened its doors to the public in 2007. WOW, did this place ever create a sense of falling back in time. It is hard to believe that the peaks of the mountains in the Tumbler Ridge area were once the bottom of the ocean. Or that dinosaurs once walked this terrain and the evidence is in the Dinosaur Trackway Tour. There really is so much to take in; a guided tour by a paleontology researcher is highly recommended. The museum has many other themes to offer the curious historian, such as railway exploration and mining even local sports hall of fame. Definitely this museum is a must see if you are in the Tumbler Ridge area!
So until next time and sunnier skies ahead, Happy Chains!
June 25, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Biking
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Biking the back roads in an around Dawson Creek really does hold some little hidden treasures that can be easily missed if you are going the wrong way or just going too fast. Some days I enjoy a nice scenic ride out of Dawson Creek on Highway 49, and then cut up behind into Pouce Coupe on Blair Ridge Road. This ride proves time and time again to be laden with crops, rolling hills and fresh air. I journey through the town of Pouce Coupe, I have stopped at the Museum in the old train station that was built in 1930 and later moved to the community center and take in a bit of history on the town. Then instead of taking Highway 2 back into Dawson Creek, I venture down Railway Avenue and take the back roads back into Dawson Creek.
I have been down this route many times with fellow cyclers and never realized that just south-west of Pouce Coupe is historical wooden trestle that was built in 1930, by the Northern Alberta Railways. This is was probably and engineering marvel at the time, when I come up to the valley that the trestle connects my knees actually become week. Little did I know that this trestle is a part of a historical self guided tour that takes you through the town which including the post office, town hall, library, Hart Hotel and an old church. This trestle is no longer in use, when I was out there, there was actually some brave souls venturing across the bridge via foot, but I passed! The town of Pouce Coupe is just a short ride from Dawson Creek and definitely worth taking the afternoon and checking out. Advertising throughout the town shared the up and coming July 1st celebrations, which is themed “Pioneers….our Heritage.” They are having a bunch of events, a parade, bbq’s, and my favorite fireworks!!!
Until next biking excursion, Happy Chains!
June 19, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Biking
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Today while I was out venturing the North end of Dawson Creek on my bicycle I could hear singing off in the distance, so I followed the music. The sounds of Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash led me to the Walter Wright Pioneer Village in Dawson Creek; located at Mile 1 on the Alaska Highway. I entered the visitor building and was introduced to a self-guided walking tour of this village.
The village is a unique collection of original buildings in the area that were moved from the surrounding countryside. One building is from 1912, with the furnishings and all. Much of the antique items are donated to this collection from residents in the community. Vehicles, very old ones too, dating back to original fire trucks from 1957.
This place is really a little gem that can be easily missed by tourists passing by. The music I followed was being sung by 2 individuals who were practicing; the music really seemed to set the ‘tone’, if you know what I mean.
If this was not enough there was also a little café in the village which just opened its doors this past week. The ladies who run the café have a great reputation for good food in the area, so needless to say the doors were swinging at the café. I got cup of fresh coffee and a homemade banana muffin and enjoyed it out at the picnic tables in front of the stage watching the practicing performers. The sun was shining, WOW, what a wonderful day, what a wonderful surprise.
Until my next bike adventure/discovery, Happy Chains!
June 11, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Biking
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This bike ride started off in Dawson Creek in the quest to see the Chainsaw Carving Championships in Chetwynd, BC. All 9 hours of riding was worth it. This bike ride was an amazing way to see the landscape south of Dawson Creek. Once I cruised down into Chetwynd I found the town very friendly and the hospitality ever so welcoming. I really enjoyed my stay there, hotel and food was more than expected.
The focus of my trip was to experience the annual chainsaw carving competition that Chetwynd is known for. The ambiance and anticipation was evident throughout the town. Everyone from the coffee shop to the local pizza joint was advertising and talking about it. When it came time on Thursday morning to find where the competition was held, I could literally find it by the trail of cedar scent in the air.
There was the sound of chainsaws everywhere, wood chips were flying and men were leaning into the wood with their saws giving it there all. 12 different tents set up with huge slabs of cedar being carved upon. There was excitement and awe in the air from the artists who worked diligently on the clock to the sound of a horn for their break time, to the on-lookers in the audience. I have never seen anything like this; there were artists from all over the world and even a couple local artists competing. Local vendors were also set up with amazing artifacts for sale from carvings to hand knit sweaters to healing magnetic jewelry. Crowd pleaser vendors were also set up making sure there was an endless supply of mini donuts and coffee, yum, yum.
This event started on Thursday morning and runs through to Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately I could not stick around to see the final products. This is a must see event if you are in the area this weekend, bike or by car. It is only about an hour drive from Dawson Creek. If you require information about the event or directions, please be sure to check in with the Visitor Information center in Dawson Creek, they will answer any questions you may have.
Until next ride-adventure, Happy Chains!!
June 04, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Biking
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When I plan my bike rides I usually have a destination and a ‘treat’ involved. To my surprise, I found a treasure about 1 hour out of Dawson Creek, at the Rolla store (in the picture and the pub is on the right). This cycling route in total is about 55km and takes approximately 2 hours to ride. I rate this ride 3 bikes out of 5.
Directions: Start at Robins Donuts and head out on highway 49 to Spirit River you will head to Rolla Road (Big Red Barn on the left hand side) take a left. Follow Rolla Road to Rolla, here you will approach the Rolla Store and Pub (stop here for the treasure). What I have discovered there is that they make fresh BBQ Burgers at lunch with ALL of the topping and hotdogs. Even better they have homemade sweets for sale (peanut butter marshmallow squares and chocolate haystacks). The staff at the store are top-notch and ever so cheerful. They even have a newly built sundeck that you can sit out on and enjoy a coffee.
If you are feeling extra thirsty you can step into the Pub, just a couple feet away and enjoy a cold one. Many of my fellow cyclists’ make the trip just for that. Continuing on home you can ride back the way you came or you can enjoy a very peaceful ride down Sweet Water Road (6km), turning left at 7 mile corner (Road 225) and pedal back into Dawson Creek. I really enjoy the Sweet Water road for cycling, traffic flow is relatively low, the scenery is picturesque, and the air is so fresh.
Well I will keep pedalling in the Dawson Creek area until find something else new to share, Happy Chains!
June 02, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Biking
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Are you feeling wild today? Well this is the ride for you. The ride time for this adventure is approx 5 hours, not including the stay at Sewell Valley Game farm. Plan a whole day for this one. I rate this 3 bikes out of 5.
Your wild and crazy adventure will start off in Dawson and heading out on highway 49 then turning onto and following Rolla Road. The ride there is about 45 km. I recommend stopping in at the Visitor Information Building in Dawson Creek to get further information, they are extremely friendly and they have been there too. If you phone Sewell Valley Game farm ahead, you can make an appointment for lunch & the wonderful hostess will be sure to feed the monster in your belly. This game farm has so much to offer, even for the ‘kid at heart’. This is a wonderful place to see many, many different species of wildlife (reindeer, elk, donkey, peacock, wild boar, even herds of buffalo).
The picture here is of the ever mighty buffalo, Parker. His head is almost as big as me, really. If you are up for fishing you can do that too, there are 3 different ponds jumping with trout and they supply you with ‘state of the art’ fishing gear. All said and done the bike ride home is lovely, from the Rolla Store into Dawson Creek is one of my favorite. Don’t forget your sunscreen, the sun out here is powerful. Until next bike adventure, happy pedaling.