June 21, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Art Galleries & Artists
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I recently found myself in Dawson Creek and pointedly strolled into the Art Gallery there. I had always wondered what I would find hidden inside the old prairie elevator that contains the gallery, so I had to satisfy my curiosity while I was there.
As it turned out, the art gallery in Dawson Creek is simply amazing! I can assure you that it is no less than a northern treasure.
Inside I found a warm and ambient atmosphere; soft lighting, classical music and an affable feel. On my right I found an open area full of glittering, colourful and even bizarre treasures! Lovely jewelry was laid out everywhere, hand-crafted pottery was displayed and locally made hats and bags were strewn about. I even saw a knitted hat that could hold aluminum cans (for pop, of course)! Truly a treasure chest meant to be adored and all of which were for sale!
My eyes then wandered up the ramp that spiraled all the way up into the rafters, a similar concept to that of the Guggenheim in New York. Here I leisurely wandered up into the ceiling of the old prairie elevator while taking in the beautiful pieces of fine art. As it turns out, Northern British Columbian artists are extremely talented!
Once I made it to the top, there were several narrow staircases leading back down, all of which were lined with either pieces of art from the gallery’s permanent collection or rare photos taken during the construction of the Alaska Highway. Needless to say, it took quite some time before I made it back to the main level of the gallery.
Before leaving the gallery, I perused through the gift shop. I felt as though extra-special attention had been paid to the items for sale in the shop (as there were many things to see, touch and smell). One gorgeous piece that really stood out to me was a walking cane that had a duck masterfully carved into it!
I was pleasantly surprised by this fantastic gallery with its gorgeous display of fine art and carefully chosen items. I absolutely must visit this gallery at least one more time before the end of the summer and I hope you do too! We may even run into each other!
June 20, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Tofino, Surfing & Watersports
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Coastal Cafe News is website and print publication serving the community of Ucluelet and Tofino on the west coast of Canada's Vancouver Island. We’ve recently produced a video about this unique region, our love for the people and local businesses that make it so great. Ucluelet and Tofino are bordered by beautiful rain forest, mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Most of the people residing in these towns are artists, musicians, fisherman, surfers and often all of the above.
If you plan to visit, check out Pacific Rim National Park, the Ucluelet Aquarium, the Hot Springs, or maybe a whale watching tour.... these among many others, are just an example of the breathtaking experiences this region has to offer. Our restaurants offer wonderful cuisine in a region famous for seafood straight from the boat to your table!
If you plan to visit, we would love to give some recommendations, so just ask... or just come on out, it won't be long until you find something incredible!
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 18, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Terrace, Hiking
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Truly, I feel that Terrace BC has some of the most beautiful, and jawdropping sights on this Earth. The trouble is that, sometimes, you have to be willing to put in a bit of effort to find them. That being said, this effort is a small price to pay to see some of the things available in this area.
Hiking has always been a hobby and a passion of mine. I love exploring nature and, even more so, the feeling you get when you come across one of the many natural wonders hiding in Terrace's wilderness. It's an indescribably amazing feeling that I hope everyone can experience in their life.
The Gunsight Waterfalls are a staggering example of this feeling. If a picture says a thousand words, then I can only wonder how many words actually SEEING these waterfalls can account for. Located 18km outside of Terrace is the trailhead for Gunsight Mountain (a rewarding hike in itself, if you dare attempt the entire thing) and right across the highway from Furlong Bay. Heading about 2km into this trail, there is a deviation from the path up the mountain that takes you about 200m down the trail to behold the gorgeous waterfalls and rapids.
June 18, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Hiking
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About a week ago I took the walk up to the Twin Falls in Smithers B.C; it was a spectacualar sight and i got some amazing pictures for my summer scrapbook! Even the view driving up to the parking lot was spectacular. It is a moderately easy hike and perfect for families with kids. The best part is that its only a short 15minute drive from downtown Smithers and there are plenty of day use picnic areas open to the public so you can even have a scenic lunch as well. Definatly something you should check into doing while you're in Smithers!!
June 17, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort Nelson, Parks
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Yesterday, (June 16, 2011) I gave away my first eco-friendly water bottles to three visitors. They were on their way home to Kamloops.
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!
June 17, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Vernon, Kayaking & Canoeing
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After months of internet communications, data-image-idea exchanges, they finally met - GuyThaLizard & Shuswap Kayaks, lone kayak rangers of the Southern Interior of British Columbia. On a splendid day, they explored the mouth of Paterson Creek and the eastern shoreline of North Okanagan Lake, near Vernon, BC. This is their virtual story.
June 17, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort Nelson, Car / Truck / Motorcycle
BC Parks is celebrating 100 years; one way you can join in the celebrations is by participating in the BC Park Passport program!
Marilyn and Bill, winners of a BC Parks water bottle at the Fort Nelson Visitor Centre! Want one of your own?
You can grab your BC Parks Passport at any Visitor Information Centre in British Columbia; the passport includes a list of the participating centers through out the province. By collecting stickers from six different Visitor Information Centers, you too can win a water bottle for your travels!
Also, by collecting BC Parks stickers from 5 or 10 different parks you can win either a “Jerry the Moose” pin, or a commemorative flashlight!
Happy Travels!
June 16, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort Nelson, Festivals & Events
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For the 6th annual year the Hospital Foundation Charity Bed Race was a big success! There were 16 teams taking part and all together raised $29,680.
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!
June 15, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Ucluelet, Kayaking & Canoeing
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Just spent an amazing 4 days in Ucluelet with a side trip to Tofino! The highlight of the trip was the afternoon kayaking trip around the harbour. Had a sea lion surface less than 8 feet away, do a roll, look me in the eye and then sink under again! Wonderful! Stayed at Pacific Rim Cabin, visited Cathedral Grove, found and excellent restaurant and an incredible spot to take photo of rushing water!