June 28, 2011 | Tips from Us >
White Rock, Surfing & Watersports
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When a friend asked if I wanted to spend my day off stand-up paddle boarding in the shallow waters off White Rock beach, there was little hesitation in my response. With a resounding "OH YEAH", I helped pack up her two massive boards and headed out on the short drive to White Rock, an ocean-side suburb about 40km south of Vancouver.
Being a weekday, it was a quiet day on the water as we cruised north along the shoreline from the main beach. The gorgeous waterfront homes weren't all we got to admire - within 15 minutes, a bald eagle had swooped over us, a huge heron landed close to shore and a seal swam right under us and popped up just 10 or so feet away! Unfortunately, he evaded my attempts to capture his curious little whiskered face on camera.
Paddle boarding is almost closer to kayaking than surfing, but it does require good balance and a fairly strong core as you have to stabilize yourself against the waves while standing up. It takes a few minutes to get used to the rocking motion of the waves and find a stance for your feet that's comfortable. I found that bending my knees helped a lot with stability. If you get tired or feel shaky, you can kneel or even sit down on the board while continuing to paddle, turning it into a boat of sorts.
It was definitely a cool experience to have the water lapping over my
feet as I paddled along, and because I was standing up, the view was
even better than from a kayak or canoe. And the best thing about it? You
can literally paddle board anywhere there's enough water to keep you
afloat. Rivers, lakes, ocean... you name it!
If you're looking for a way to get out and really experience the BC coastline, without spending a fortune or committing to learning a whole new sport like surfing, you should definitely check out paddle boarding. It's relaxing, but just enough activity that you feel like you've earned that apres patio beer ;)
For stand-up paddle boarding, you need a large, stable surfboard and a long paddle. There are several shops in Metro Vancouver that rent paddle board equipment - just Google it! Deep Cove (north of Vancouver) and Jericho Beach (in Vancouver) are two other popular spots for paddle boarders.
Can't wait for my next trip out on the water!
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 25, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Whistler, Dining
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Amazing…
In a nutshell, that’s really all that needs to be said. We had dinner last night at Aura at Nita Lake Lodge (Whistler Creekside) and the food is magnificent. I don’t think I even have the vocabulary to properly describe the creations that Executive Chef Tim Cuff and Chef Owen Foster create. They are nothing short of sublime.
We had the five-course tasting menu. I would love to describe each dish in the same level of detail and with the same passion that our wonderful server Veronique, who has also worked as a chef, was able to convey. Sadly, I don’t know where to even start. Everything from the amuse bouche to the dessert was bursting with flavour. The texture of each dish was intricately balanced and meticulously presented. Making the experience even more enjoyable was knowing that the chefs use local, organic ingredients whenever possible. Although local is an understatement as the chefs cultivate their own rooftop garden that has approximately 30 herbs and 40 vegetables.
For those who have yet to experience Aura at Nita Lake Lodge, I strongly suggest you make the journey to Whistler Creekside to check it out!
June 24, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Richmond, Historic & Heritage Sites
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Hey everyone. Today I visited one of the little jewels tucked away in Steveston that not many people really know about: The London Heritage Farm.
This is a beautiful 4 acre piece of farmland that encapsulates a piece of Richmond’s history from around the 1880-1930’s era. Overlooking the south arm of the Fraser River, the site is comprised of a restored 1880’s farmhouse, several herb and flower gardens, a restored barn, old farming equipment, a small hand tool museum, a lovely pond, gazebo, and a picnic area all in a welcoming park-like atmosphere.
The centrepiece of it all is the restored farmhouse. With six rooms displaying furniture, old pictures, clothing, quilts, and everyday articles of the era you’ll truly get a glimpse into Richmond’s history as well as one of the pioneering farming families from that time. So now you’re wondering, who did live there?
The London Family of course!
“Charles E. London, aged 16, and his brother William, aged 17, arrived in British Columbia in 1879 from Ontario. They purchased 200 acres of land in 1881 for $2,000, erected a small farm house and began clearing and draining the land in preparation for farming. The London Family, loyalists from the American Revolution, went on to be one of Richmond’s most prominent families.” (excerpt from London Heritage Farm pamphlet)
The farm and 4 acres of its original land were purchased in 1978 by the city of Richmond and registered as a heritage site under the BC Heritage Act.
London Heritage Farm is a beautiful spot that’s worth checking out for an afternoon if you’re in the area! The botanical gardens are gorgeous, there are plenty of spots for relaxing, having a picnic, or if you’re there on a weekend, you can enjoy afternoon tea with homemade scones or biscuits! Next time you’re walking along the dyke, stop and check it out! It’s an important part of Richmond’s history and a beautiful example of what life was like during the 1880’s!
- VideoChris
June 23, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Enderby, Museums
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Traveling through BC I have seen communities proudly display a large (okay, make that HUGE) hockey stick, mining truck, tree crusher and cross-country skis. But, have you ever seen the world's largest lawnmower? I didn't think so.
Well, if you are in the neighbourhood, stop by the Deep Creek Tool Museum in Enderby and meet Herb and Linda - the proud owners and collectors of hundreds of neat, old tools and gadgets. The garage, spare room and yard are jammed with stuff and Herb can tell you whatever you wish to know about all the items - including the ones you can't even begin to guess what they might have been used for! In our fast-paced world of hand-held mobile devices, it was a pleasure to slow down for awhile and look back in time.
June 23, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Armstrong, Arts, Culture & History Tours
During a recent whirlwind trip through Armstrong I was fortunate enough to have two great food experiences thanks to a chocolatier and a grain mill.
The Chocoliro shop on the aptly-named Pleasant Valley Boulevard was not only a retreat from the mid-morning summer sun, but also a chocolate-lover's delight. The owners create tons of great designs out of chocolate making gift shopping easy whether you are buying for kids or adults. Try out the orange pepper chocolate at the tasting table!
Then it was off to Rogers Foods - BC's only flour and cereal mill. Nestled beside the large factory and semi-trailers delivering Canadian wheat, sits the original home of the company's founders. There are tours of the modern facility available but I preferred to hear about the history of the company from its early beginnings in the 1950s as a family-run operation to how it has grown today - all the while maintaining their commitment to Canadian wheat products. The retail store on-site offers all the Rogers products including the opportunity to learn more about using the variety of grain products available. I enjoy learning more about the sources of my food products and having the chance to visit the facility allowed me to connect to a commonly used local food source. Check it out if you are in Armstrong or Vernon - it is not far from either spot.
June 23, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Dining
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I went with a friend to lunch at this new restaurant in town. From the topiaries at the front and the hostess opening the door to welcome the guests, we had a great time!
The restaurant is big and tastefully decorated with several TVs, a great sound system with music and a Sports Bar in the center. On the day I was there, the place was full of people laughing and enjoying lunch.
The menu has a lot of fresh food dishes and I was especially pleased to have a choice of very healthy items to choose from. I had chicken with braised cabbage & feta instead rice with my lunch.
The service was excellent as well.
My prediction is this place will be around and popular for a long time. I know it will be a favorite for me.
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 21, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort Nelson, Camping
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If you asked me at the age of 7
where my favorite place on earth was, I would have told you Muncho Lake. Even
13 years later I would tell you the exact same answer.
My parents began bringing me
here since before I could walk. Muncho Lake is 4 hours north of Fort Nelson,
BC. It is a site only believed after you have seen it yourself. Measuring at
approximately 12kms long, and the deepest depth being measured at 800m, it is
also a glacier fed lake. So the waters are very chilly most days.
On the drive along the lake,
you have water on one side and a mountain side on the other. Stretching up,
further than can be imagined. A likely site along this highway is stone
mountain sheep, on of the many animals that live around Muncho Lake.
There are five different accommodations
choices at Muncho Lake. The two provincial campgrounds are Strawberry Flats and
MacDonald campground. Strawberry Flats is on one of the many beautiful spots on
the lake, with shallow jade green waters. MacDonald Campground is tucked away
in the trees, its sites offer privacy and also it offers a boat launch.
The privately owned Muncho Lake
RV Park is located on the mid section of the lake, with trees and private
sites. Also they offer power, water and many other hook up options.
Not the camping type? There is
a lodge, actually the only year round full service lodge on the Alaska Highway.
The Northern Rockies Lodge; family owned and a great facility. Offering home
cooked food in their restaurant, showers and the choice between three different
types of accommodation. The lodge itself has hotel rooms, well kept and clean.
Also they offer you cabins, and RV sites!
My absolute favorite thing to
do at Muncho Lake is to sit on the dock, take pictures, read or just take in
the sights. With mountains wrapping all around me, how could I not stare? At
night sitting on the shore, the sky is beautifully decorated with the northern
stars. If you are lucky, maybe even the Northern Lights. Muncho Lake actually
stands for “big water” in Kaska language.
Muncho Lake is a must see for
anybody who is passing by, so stop and enjoy the beauty that Muncho Lake, and
the surrounding mountains have to offer!
June 21, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Terrace, Historic & Heritage Sites
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After recently becoming employed at Terrace BC's local Visitor Center for the summer, I had recently been hearing a lot of tourists telling us about the amazing things to be found up North towards the Nass Valley and Gingolx. I actually had not been up there since I was kid, almost 12 years ago so I decided to take my day off and be productive.
I left Terrace around 10am with a few friends and after a quick stop for some coffee at Cafenara (amazing local/organic coffee), we were on the road. It does not take very long before the drab highway opens up into gorgeous lakes, and waterfalls compliments by beautiful rolling creeks and rustic wooden bridges. The drive is stunning and even if you plan on driving straight through, you are in for a treat.
That being said, if you are willing to make a few stops, you will be rewarded with some AMAZING sights. Such things as Beaupre Falls, Tumbling Creek, Vedder Falls, and many others are all within the first 90KM.
And that is just the road there. Once you start arriving at some of the towns and villages along the way, you can stop at any of the gift stores featuring amazing first nation's art, or even check out some of the new government buildings which features some amazing architecture enhanced by the culture of the first nations.
Towards the end of the road, there is the new 15 million dollar museum in Greenville (as seen in the picture). This is a jaw-dropping gem that absolutely must be seen in person. Featuring re-claimed artifacts of the First Nations culture (now labeled treasures), it is packed with cultural art and a weird glow of a history and beauty.