June 17, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
McBride, Art Galleries & Artists
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Nestled in the heart of the Robson Valley is a little community called McBride. It is a beautiful area surrounded by many mountains on all sides, with an abundance of outdoor adventure activities for everyone to enjoy. Whether you drive or decide to take the Via Rail train to the stop at the Heritage Train Station from either Jasper or Edmonton, it is a great place to stop. The Heritage Train station is a wonderful little rustic train station with the Whistle Stop Gallery and The Beanery coffee shop to share the building.
Surrounded by parks and playground equipment, this train stop is the perfect place to stop and visit as a family. The Whistle Stop Gallery is an amazing little gallery, full of work from many local and area artists. It is easy to spend quite a bit a time here relaxing and looking at all of the wonderful artwork; and if you so choose to, you are able to purchase some of it to take home with you.
The Beanery coffee shop is a nice little quaint cafe with many great options for coffee, treats, homestyle meals, and various other hot and cool beverages. Whether you are just passing through or choose to stay and explore the adventures in the region, the Heritage Train Staion, Whistle Stop Gallery, and the Beanery are three perfect places to stop and visit while you are in McBride.
June 17, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Food or Wine
Tucked away in the sheer size of one of the newest hotels in Prince George, the Sandman Signatures, is located a hidden gem of a restaurant in Prince George. I had not heard many of my friends talk about the Rockford Grill as a prime destination for eating out, so this is when I became confused. I had myself an excellent lunch here in the very modern and relaxed restaurant. The huge bar is located right in the middle of the restaurant, so you are able to sit at all four sides of the bar and enjoy your meal, while also watching one of the many tv's they have on display. I was particularly pleased with some of the decorations they have used, an example being the coat rack that looks like multiple sets of antlers. I found this very interesting and helped bring a unique connection to Prince George and the north. I enjoyed a wonderful dish of Salmon Pesto Penne, with a side of garlic toast, and it was wonderfully cooked and a great meal to have with friends. I will definitely be going out again sometime soon to see what else this restaurant has to offer.
June 15, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Houston, Recreation Sports
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Recently I had the inclination to go for a hike or do something active outside. However, to my dismay, the weather had different plans. My itch for action would not be persuaded by the big rain clouds though, I needed to do something! That was when I decided to pack my sneakers and swimsuit and headed to the Houston Leisure Facility. I had a great time. First I went for a jog on the treadmill then I rode the bike. After I built up a sweat I went and got changed into my bathing suit and relaxed in the lazy river and hot tub. With everything conveniently in the same building and no extra charge to go swimming after the gym I was able to quench my thirst for activeness and I still felt relaxed.
A workout and swim at the Houston Leisure Facility is great for anyone rain OR shine.
June 14, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Kamloops, Cultural, Community or Seasonal
Find more information about Kamloops - Cultural, Community or Seasonal
The Kamloops Visitor Center is located off the Trans Canada Highway at Exit 368 and can provide you with community specific information, as well as information pertaining to the surrounding areas! It is open 7 days a week (summer season) from 9 am – 6 pm. Kamloops is full of variety and has something to suit every travelers needs. The Visitors Center features Kids Maps with discount coupons and games for children, attraction and entertainment information, golf guides and resources for natural attractions. If you are new to Kamloops and looking to get involved with community spirit, drop by to get a copy of the clubs and organizations in Kamloops!
June 14, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Science, Nature or Animals
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Goodsir Nature Park is a well kept secret in Prince George. So well kept, in fact, that many residents have not even heard of it. What a shame. For those who have an interest in botany, the collection of over 200 trees native to climates across Canada are a delight to see while walking through the extensive and quiet trails of the property. Many intriguing smaller plants are also to be found along the trails, from rare orchids to arid cacti to arctic flora. With camping spots available by donation, a beautiful beaver pond, and a botanical museum filled with 50 years of collecting by the creator of this beautiful jewel north of the city. If you have an affinity for your leafy friends, take a trip out or visit Prince George's visitor information centre for more information. You will not be disappointed.
June 08, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Attractions
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On Kitseguekla Lake Road in Smithers I stepped into a fairy tale when at kilometre nine I found an architectural dream... a shoe house. Toby Walsh built this magnificent structure several years ago and each year welcomes around 600 people who pop by to take their picture next to his home. I was amazed when I looked up on the roof and found gigantic shoelace that tied it all together. I googled shoehouses when I got home and I only found two more out there in cyberspace so this is a pretty unique experience. Everyone on the fam tour on June 6 was pretty impressed.
June 08, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Smithers, Aboriginal Experiences
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Hi, I'm Alpine Alice... making my way through the many amazing sites here in the Bulkley Valley around Smithers. On Wednesday, June 6, during a local Fam Tour, organized by the Visitor Centre, I made it to the Moricetown Multiplex and Interpretive Centre. I was greeted by museum attendant, Lillian, who was eager to show me around. I saw many aborigional artifacts, old photots, crafts, historical information and a signature piece: a replica of a traditional fish trap. I loved the spectacular view from the deck overlooking the Moricetown Canyon where many of the locals fish. I enjoyed learning of our Wet'suwet'en culture in our area so if you want to enjoy this type of experience come to our area and visit Smithers and take a day trip to Moricetown.
June 08, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Food or Wine
After returning home from university, I was surprised to find out Nancy O's- a local restaurant gem that opened while I was away. Nancy O's make all of their food with local products, fresh and hand made daily. Though I am a fan of locally produced food paired with a local beer/wine, I was even more impressed with the night life that Nancy O's provide.
Since returning, I have visited Nancy O's on a regular basis and have always been impressed with the variety of local and regional musicians that the restaurant brings in. The music ranges from blues- to rock folky and everything in between. In addition to the great food and music, the people at Nancy O's could not be better and truely provide a unique Northern BC experience with prompt service.
June 02, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Parks
A recent venture north of Prince George led to a discovery of a well hidden gem and opportunity- the opportunity to see vegetation and plants from all of Canada's provinces and territories at Good Sir Nature Park, operated by Jim Good.
Jim Good was a forest ranger many, many years ago whose hobby is Canadian plants and wildlife and the photography of them. Over the years, Mr. Good has developed his 160 acres of land into a private park that allow for locals and tourists to explore the trees, plants and vegetation of Canada. In addition to exploring the gardens he has (i.e. the Botanical Garden's, the Arctic garden, etc), Mr. Good provides camp sites with pre-cut firewood, use of his cabin and a spot for a RV; all of this is just based on donations provided by guests.
Hopefully, if you are lucky, you will meet up with Mr. Good who provides stories and walking tours throughout his propery, open up his interpretive centre for you and who will welcome you with open arms.
Good Sir Nature Park is a park for the whole family to enjoy!