June 10, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort Nelson, Hiking
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I’ve always wanted to touch a hoodoo even before I knew what to call them.
Hoodoos are tall, thin spires of rock that protrude straight up into the air from the ground. If Mother Nature was a real person, these would be her fingers. Perhaps this analogy is strange, if not borderline creepy, but it is this inherent, super-natural element of the hoodoos that makes you want to get up close and personal with them.
I thought that I would have to travel to the Grande Canyon or some other far-away land to see them, however, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that they existed in my (almost) backyard.
So where are these hoodoos that I speak of? I live in Fort Nelson and these particular Mother-Nature-fingers exist in Stone Mountain Provincial Park, about 145 kilometres (or 90 miles) north of here on the Alaska Highway. To learn more about how I could access the closest hoodoos, I went to the Visitor Centre to look at their hiking and trail guide. I discovered that the most easily accessible hoodoos were the Erosion Pillars. The guide said that the trail was accessible from the highway and was an easy, roughly a half hour trip. My thought? Who knew it would be so easy to touch a hoodoo?
I packed all the necessities to go on my adventure: water, energy bar, jacket, good closed-toed shoes, bear bells and bear spray (precaution and protection folks!). I must mention that you should pack bug repellant also, as my legs took a good biting.
I made the hour and a half long car trip up the highway with some good friends on an overcast day. The travel time to Stone Mountain flew by as the roads were in good condition and, as always, the views were spectacular and the animals were plentiful!
The trail was well-travelled and well-marked with yellow tree diamonds, so there was no way to get lost. But, I figured that if that failed, the 30 foot pillars towering over the trees would probably suffice as markers.
There were two hoodoos along the trail. The trail ended with the biggest hoodoo of them all; it was a monster! I was surprised to see that I would have to climb a steep slope to actually touch the hoodoo but I figured what the heck – I’m not getting any younger and I didn’t make the trip to just view the hoodoo! So I climbed (practically on all fours) up the slope and let me tell you, it was worth it! Not only did I hug the hoodoo, but the view was phenomenal, overlooking a nearby creek, trees and mountains!
We made our way back down to the highway by following the creek we had seen. It was awesome to hop from one big rock to the other while listening to the rushing water; I felt like a child without a care in the world!
In total, we spent a leisurely hour or so hiking. We finished our trip off by warming up with some homemade chicken noodle soup and fresh, homemade bread at the Toad River Café (a 45 minute drive north of the Erosion Pillars). It was among the very best homemade bread and soup we ever tasted.
So if you find yourself travelling along the Alaska Highway in the Fort Nelson area, drop by our Visitor Centre to find out how you can experience Mother Nature in a big way in very little time. Hugging a hoodoo is just a matter of stretching your legs! Hope to see you soon!
June 10, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Historic & Heritage Sites
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Here is a fun and creative showing of the Pioneer Village. Corporal Dawson explores the village for visitors to get a taste of what to expect! Visitors to Dawson Creek should be sure to check out this great spot maintained by the South Peace Historical Society!
June 10, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Chetwynd, Festivals & Events
Wow, I strolled through the carvings last night after work and was amazed at what I saw. The chunks of Western Red Cedar had already taken shape into Dragons, Dinosaurs, sea life and so much more! After only 10 hours of carving you can already guess at what the are about to become.
Definetly worth the stop!
June 09, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Duncan, Wineries & Vineyards
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Recently myself and a small group of friends headed to the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island for a small tour of exploring and imbibing the wines of "the warm land".
We started the day with breakfast at Whippletree Junction and hunted for bargains in the nearby antique shops, set in charming restored buildings from the early 1900s. Next stop was Cherry Point Estate Wines, for incredible mussels paired with pinot gris, followed by a tasting in the wine shop with Xavier Bonilla, the friendly owner of the winery. There were crisp ciders to sample at Merridale’s lovely cidery in Cobble Hill and it was hard to resist wandering the sunny orchards afterwards. We finished with refreshing gelato and organic chocolate at Organicfair farm and turned our tour into an overnight trip by camping at Gordon Bay Provincial Park on Cowichan Lake. Sipping our Merridale Scrumpy Ciders next to a campfire under the tall Douglas firs was a great way to end the day.
Next time I head to the Cowichan Valley, I’ll tour via bicycle and make sure to try lunch in the 1903 farmhouse at Zanatta Winery and Vinoteca or maybe time my visit with the annual Cowichan Wine and Culinary Festival.
June 09, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Chetwynd, Sightseeing Tours
I took a couple of friends with me and explored some of Chetwynd's walking paths. The trails were awesome! As we crossed under the Legion Bridge, we caught a glimpse of the Chainsaw Carving Championship tents. They were all set up and just waiting for the carvers to begin on Thursday morning.
I can't wait to check it out tonight after work. There is an air of excitement around the town. Did you know the Championship is in its seventh year?
June 09, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Tofino, Beaches & Swimming
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TripAdvisor awards Tofino "Best Beach in Canada" in their 2011 Readers' Choice Awards! In fact, BC beaches swept the awards: Tofino, Okanagan Valley and Parksville took the top three spots.
I visited Tofino in April and took this photo at Cox Bay, a beach noted for surfing, sunsets and oceanfront resorts. Other favourite beaches in the Tofino area include Long, Chesterman, and MacKenzie.
If you're travelling on Vancouver Island this summer, a trip to the west coast is must!
June 08, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Dining
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On Tuesday, I made a trip downtown to Books and Company and the cafe within the store called Cafe Voltaire. While there, I decided to not only browse the hundreds of unique books that they have, but also to sit down and have a coffee with some friends. The ambiance is amazing and makes you feel like you can get anything achieved! In Cafe Voltaire, they have a create your own sandwich on the menu and offer a vast variety of things to create the ultimate sandwich. Everything is made on spot and is very fresh! The bookstore has many interesting books for anyone and everyone with several different topics. Great for the avid reader or just someone who is interested in finding that unique novel!
June 07, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort Nelson, Attractions
I would just like to let everyone know about our fabulous new facility up north in Fort Nelson. We are located on the north end of town just off Highway 97 / Alaska Highway / Alcan. Walking distance from Triple G Hideaway RV campground, the Fort Nelson Heritage Museum as well as the Art Fraser Memorial park.
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
June 07, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Invermere, River Rafting
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Great for all ages looking to relax. I really enjoyed all the bird life and seeing the beavers swimming so close to us. The 1.5 hours it takes is a great length of time on the water.
When around Fairmont Hot Springs go and see Glacier Raft Adventures and check out the Columbia River Scenic Float.
June 07, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Sightseeing Tours
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For those who like to walk the self-guided walk of Dawson Creek's historic downtown is a must do. The brochure, that can be picked up at the Visitor's Centre, the Art Gallery, and the Alaska Highway House, takes walkers all through the downtown area and gives them a taste of the historical, vibrant and quirky past of the city. The brochure includes a map and legend and each building has a write up on its history. Fun facts and interesting information make this an extremely easy and fun way to pass the time. Give your legs a stretch and your mind an opportunity to learn - take the walking tour!