June 28, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Hiking
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Everyone knows about mosquito itch, and you have to be careful to avoid duck itch otherwise known as swimmer's itch…but have you heard of alpine itch? That is when people like me, simply can not wait to strap on a pack (and maybe some Swiss lederhosen) and take a hike through alpine meadows, past glacial streams up to marvelous mountain peak views. In fact it is only a few more weeks until the snow and high water levels recede and my Zoggeli, (traditional Swiss footwear) can travel these trails once more. So in the mean time I have found a fantastic alternative right in the town of Smithers—the Perimeter trail. This trail travels the circumference of the town, running along the Bulkley River, and past the scenic down-town. The entire loop is about 12.5km, but it is easy to access and exit the trail at various points throughout the town. As I walk I hear birds singing and the laughter of three kids on bikes who race past me, it’s the perfect trail for a family walk or a morning jog. The trail is easily accessible from Riverside Municipal Campground and provides the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs after a long day of travelling.
June 28, 2012 | Tips from Us >
Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands, Beaches & Swimming
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We have many beaches on Haida Gwaii...many rocky ones, and a few sandy ones. If you're looking to go swimming or beachcombing this summer, but you don't want to venture too far from Queen Charlotte City, then Miller Creek might be a great option for you!
I went there recently with my family. I didn't get any photos this last time, but I did find one from last year! The photo shows a little girl heading into the water with her giant turtle floatie...fun for the whole family!
Miller Creek beach does not have signage, so you must look for the Miller Creek sign when you cross a small bridge on the highway. On the right side of the highway, you will see insets into the forest where you can park and go on the beach. When you see one after the bridge, stop there and head out onto the beach! It's a great place to check out intertidal life at low tide. We go there often to get starfish and nudibranchs for our salt water fish tank in the Visitor Centre!
But this beach offers even more! You can fish, hunt octopus, explore the tide pools, go swimming, and even crab fishing! At low tide, check out the sand strip for the sand dollars; everyone loves those! It's not as well known for its crab fishing as North Beach is in Masset, but locals have been seen out there! So if you're in the area, bring your swimsuits and your dip nets! Make a small contained fire on the beach too and have a hot dog roast!
This beach is nothing short of entertaining!
June 27, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Dining
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Yesterday was definitely one of those order-in kind of nights. After a long day of work, I was starving but it seemed as if my fridge was filled with absolutely nothing that was appealing to me. After one of my co-workers had nothing but praise to offer about her “nacho” pizza that she ordered the night before from Olio’s Pizza, I figured that I would try it out for myself. I decided on the one of the signature pizza’s, the “Olio’s Casa”. I was impressed how quickly it arrived to my door and even more thrilled when I saw the mixture of topping piled high on a fresh in-house made crust. I must say, I haven’t had a pizza this good in a long time. Personally, I believe that the local ingredients that they use in all of their pizzas contribute to the mouth-watering flavours. Although some of the other pizza’s, such as the “Sloppy Joe”, “Frankie’s Chicken”, and the “Donair Pizza”, sound a little too adventurous for my liking, I’m sure I’ll be calling Olil’s again for another great pizza.
June 27, 2012 | Tips from Us >
Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands, Fishing
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Haida Gwaii is known for its fishing. With many fishing lodges lining the rugged West Coast and the vast number of fishing charters operating in season, everyone has a chance to catch some of those 70lb salmon hiding in the water!
Some friends and I recently went out to the West Coast via Skidegate Channel. It took about 2 hours to get to the West Coast, and they stayed near the Rennell Sound area while they fished! The waves out there are not always forgiving, so be sure to check the weather forecast and do not attempt to go there in high winds if you're on a small personal boat.
If you have your own boat and wish to get to the West Coast, you can skip boating through the channel and can tow your boat to the Rennell Sound boat launch. Be aware that you will be driving through backroads to get there and that nearing the Sound, there is a very steep hill that requires cautious driving. Logging is occurring on Queen Charlotte Main logging road this summer, so call the Ministry of Natural Resources & Operations for updates on logging areas or stop by the Visitor Centre in Queen Charlotte City prior to your departure for more information! Better safe than sorry!
When you go out fishing, you never know what you'll catch...or what you'll see! My friends have reported seeing whales and sea lions while fishing, saying that humpbacks will breach almost adjacent to your boat. It's as if they're putting on a show!
Salmon, halibut, red snapper and more are a common catch here! Every so often you might catch yourself a wolf eel too...they are not as pretty as wolves may seem I warn you! It's difficult to find a place to buy a fishing license in Queen Charlotte City, so I advise you to purchase one online. I've done it many times and all you need is a credit card and personal information. And if you lose your license at any time, you can go back onto your account and reprint it! Very handy for the forgetful fisherman (we all have our moments!).
Here's the link! http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/licence-permis/index-eng.htm
We saw whales, we caught some salmon, and had a great day on the water. Whether you go out with guides from the fishing lodges, with a local charter, or with family/friends on your own personal boat, the experience is always memorable.
June 26, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince Rupert, Museums
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Located along the Northwest Corridor on Highway 16 West of Northern British Columbia is the community of Port Edward and the North Pacific Cannery. Since being established in 1889 and being open for almost 100 years, the North Pacific Cannery served the region and was a prominent fixture of the fishing industry.
I made my way out to Prince Rupert a few weeks ago, and shortly before Prince Rupert is located the community of Port Edward. Here is Port Edward is located one of Canada's best National Historic Sites. The Cannery served as a prominent fixture of the fishing industry and today it serves as a museum documenting the North Pacific Cannery's important place in the history of this region.
Many canneries were located along the Pacific West Coast and today you can see what remains of the buildings in Port Edward. You are able to experience how life would have been in the cannery from the old machines, boats, equipment and canning supplies. Enjoy the unique experience of having a meal in the old mess hall, or spend a night in the old bunkhouse of authentic cannery living quarters.
If you find yourself driving along Highway 16 West heading towards Prince Rupert, make the stop into Port Edward and visit the North Pacific Cannery. Here you will find the place where thousands of workers and their families, of various nationalities including First Nations, Chines and Japanese, migrated to Port Edward for the summer months in order to take advantage of the salmon season. This National Historic Site is a must see on any visitors list travelling along the Northwest Corridor.
June 26, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Parks
While in Prince George I wanted a view of the city from above and it was recommended to me that I visit Connaught Hill. It is a very beautiful park right on the top of the highest point in Prince George. I was told that Connaught Hill used to be a ski hill many years ago and was used for training for ski jumping. Today, the hill is site to a very beautiful park with lots of flowers, rock gardens, and many great areas with picnic tables all around the park. I was able to drive my car all the way up the hill and park at the top, but many more adventurous types have the possibility of parking at the bottom and making the hike up. I wasn't feeling that adventurous that day, so I decided to avoid the steep climb. While there, some friends and myself brought a soccer ball and a frisbee with us, as the abundance of trees around made for the perfect soccer goals, and a few more obstacles as well. The afternoon spent on Connaught Hill was well worth it, and the view of Prince George was a bonus as well.
June 26, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Parks
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Steelhead Park, a breath taking park right along Highway 16 in Houston that should not be missed. Hard work is put into the park everyday and it shows. From June to September the flowers are in bloom and the park looks amazing.
Every Summer I take the time to stroll through the area to look at the new flowers. With a playground for children and the calming sound of the Steelhead Fountain it is the perfect place to go with the family or by yourself.
At the end of the park, near the visitor center, the world’s largest free standing fly rod can be found. The Fly rod is definitely picture worthy and everyone can walk right up and pose with it. If you continue to the Visitor Center you can see the massive grizzly, caught only minutes outside of the Houston town limits.
If you are passing through Houston I highly encourage a stroll through the Park to stretch cramped legs and breathe fresh air. If you live in Houston come enjoy what your town offers. It's worth your time, every time.
June 26, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Aboriginal Experiences
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The rugged roads, and endless wilderness of Northern British Columbia has won the hearts of many locals and is a welcome get away for visitors, but today I explored a particularly special corner of the Smithers area on my trip to the Wetzin’Kwa Community forest. Wetzin’Kwa is the Wet’suwet’en word for “flowing blue green or clear waters,” referring to the pristine Morice and Bulkley Rivers that are the adorning jewels of this mountainous region. Today’s event featured an opening welcome from the hereditary chief for the Wet’suwet’en house of the Bear clan that owns these traditional territories. Core to her address was the importance of sharing and protecting the area, with its diverse wildlife and precious history.
After enjoying a BBQ lunch, David de Witt, a director for the Community Forest took us on a guided nature walk through the area. All along the trail we spotted evidence of past inhabitants of this land, including Aboriginal trail blazes, mining claim stakes, and over grown horse pastures. We learned how to spot Culturally Modified Trees, as these were key sign posts on the Wet’suwet’en trail networks. David explained that the trees were marked with an axe strike on both sides in order to point travelers in the right direction and were placed high enough to allow clear visibility even in the winter. Today, the trees that bare these markings are known as Culturally Modified Trees and are protected and enjoyed by many visitors and Smithers locals. The Wetzin’Kwa Community Forest is also prime habitat for an array of wildlife, including moose calving grounds, a mountain goat transit corridor and of course plenty of pesky mosquitoes.
If you make your way up to Smithers BC and are looking for a little back-road driving, excellent lake fishing, a rewarding day hike or a picturesque picnic place the Wetzin’Kwa Community Forest would be the perfect place for you. A drive 12 km up Hudson Bay Mountain Road and then a left on to MacDonnell Lake Forest Service Road for 9.5 km will take you to a beautiful new wood beam shelter, where you can read about the area’s fantastic flora, fauna and First Nations history. The shelter also stands at the head of the Silvern Lakes trail and only 3.5 km from the Dennis Lake Recreation Site. In order to ensure that you have a successful back country experience, remember to respect the Community Forest and the animals that live there, pack some bug spray, drop by the Smithers Visitor Center to get any extra info and get ready for a wonderful wilderness adventure!
June 25, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Quesnel, Historic & Heritage Sites
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There is gold in the hills! Come on out to try your luck at striking it rich in Barkerville!
While it may be 150 years since Barkerville became a town, named after the now famed gold miner named Billy Barker, people still flock from all over the world to try their luck at finding gold. But while this gold may only be a few small fragments in your pan as you try your luck in Barkerville, the thril is still just the same when you get to go home with a little vial to show for your efforts. Barkerville is a town of so much history since 1862 when there were, in today's standards, millions of dollars taken out of the hills surrounding the area. The gold rush was a magnificent boom for the region which brought many people and their families to the area.
Today, Barkerville remains open as a historical site for thousands of people to visit each year to pan for gold, take a horse-drawn carriage ride throughout the town, watch some incredible live theatre, singers in the streets, dressing up in period clothing and taking a black-and-white photo home as a souvenir, and numerous other great activities. One of the best bakeries of any period definitely must be Goldfield's Bakery located right on main street where they have some of the best baked goods that I can remember. Along with the House Hotel Coffee Saloon, Lung Duck Tong Restaurant, and Wake Up Jakes, nobody will go hungry in this old gold mining town.
Louis Blanc Photography is very neat photography shop where you can dress up in period clothing, grab yourself a gold pan, a rifle, or an assortment of other props, and have a great memorable photo taken of your group so you won't soon forget the day. The Mason and Daly General Store provides you with some of the best sweets that anyone can be pleasured to enjoy; often causing me to stock up on multiple different candies, fudge and treats to last me a very long time. After all these sweets, you may need to stop into the local dentist to have some work done; so it's wise to watch how many sweets you do consume because the gentleman sitting in the chair getting his tooth pulled out doesn't look like he is having much fun.
One of the best adventures of the day definitely must be the stop at the school house where the old schoolmarm with teach you the proper way to write your cursive writing; and if you don't follow the rules, you may find yourself scolded by the teacher or a slap on the wrist, which will teach you to listen. This day at school gets you thinking that we don't have it too bad today or anything to complain about when we go to school; might as well enjoy it a little.
For the brave and adventurous at heart you can spend the night right in Barkerville at the Kelly and King House or the St. George Hotel. Make your stay in Barkerville perfectly unique and give yourself something to talk about for quite some time by staying over-night and taking advantage of the full experience. The steep narrow stairs in all of these buildings really gets you to enjoy the houses we have today. These owners will make your stay so pleasant and maybe evening convincing you to spend a few nights.
While in Barkerville, don't hesitate to stray off main street a little and check out the adjacent streets with all the other buildings, the water wheel, and shops. Just off main street I found a wonderful little woodwork shop and bought myself an old wooden top, that even provides someone like myself well past my childhood years to a long enjoyable time. Go and visit the amazing church, and if you have the time, go and visit the old graveyard up on the hill where Billy Barker himself and many other fellow miners rest today.
Barkerville provides endless opportunities for fun and adventure for any age and I hope to return again this year. Perhaps I will try to get down to enjoy the full festivities of Dominion Day in Barkerville, celebrating on July 1st. Make your way down there and strike gold - in the form of endless memories.
June 25, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Recreation Sports
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Lately, the weather sure has put a damper on my outside plans so I ended up asking myself the age old question, “what to do on a rainy day?” After my fishing and outside jogging plans literally got rained out the last few days, I found another recreational activity to do indoors. A wonderful indoor, heated, walking track was the solution to get me out of the house, but still dry from the rain. Fort St. John’s newest sport’s facility, the Pomeroy Sport Centre truly is a state-of-the-art building! This three level recreational centre houses two NHL-sized hockey arenas, a long track speed skating oval, and an indoor walking/ running track. I truly was stunned how enormous of a building it really is when I finally got inside. The countless windows provided so much natural light and a rarely seen birds-eye view of the city.
I had a great warm up by climbing several sets of stairs to reach Northern Vac walking track at the top level of the building. I surprised myself that I could actually jog for a solid hour in a circle, as I easily get bored with these types of activities. It was really nice to see the abundance of people of all ages taking advantage of a FREE way to stay fit! Additionally, I found the artwork displayed beside the walking track and the edible landscaping outside the building to add a little extra character to this stunning building. I left the Pomeroy Sport Centre feeling sweaty and tired…exactly what I wanted! After my wonderful experience at the Northern Vac Track last night, I’ll be sure to revisit the Pomeroy Sport Centre the next time Mother Nature provides nice weather for the ducks.