March 12, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Sechelt, Hiking
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In April 2007 our family had the pleasure of spending a week visiting the Sunshine Coast for the first time. Undaunted by the lack of hotel chain type of accomodations in this area we easily scored two great vacation rentals that were both affordable, comfortable and well outfitted. Here is my suggestion for a cost free, family-friendly activity near Roberts Creek (a neighborhood just south of Sechelt):
Cliff Gilker Park. A must-see for first time visitors to the Sunshine Coast. Just a very short walk from the parking lot will find you at the foot of a hiking trail that winds through lush forest of old growth cedars with lots of fallen trees that our teens scrambled over and under like mountain goats. Such an enjoyable, rejuvenating hike - not too long or difficult with the right balance of beautiful trees, streams, bridges and rocky ledges. Bring your camera and your dogs - they'll love it.
March 12, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Sightseeing Tours
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Dawson Creek has 4 distinct seasons. Regardless of the season, you will need your sunglasses! We have
big skies and lots of sunshine!Spring is right around the corner and you can expect cool mornings, warm days and chilly nights. You'll want to have a jacket, gloves, and sturdy footwear.
Summer is very sunny with long days and warm nights. For the most part, summer is hot and dry, making tees and shorts the most comfortable choice. It does rain, so carry a sweater/sweatshirt and a light (possibly fleece lined) weather proof jacket to layer (an umbrella is optional).
Pack the footwear you are most comfortable in, sandals for the hot days and sneakers/walking shoes for the rest of your adventure.
Fall is cool and usually dry, you will want to be outside well into the evenings to soak up the beautiful evening skies.
Make sure you have that cozy jacket to wrap around you as you sit around a fire, watching the stars.
Winter comes in all shades of cold and all depths of snow. Make sure you have warm boots, coats, hats and gloves.
A winter walk on a moonlit night when you are all bundled up is an adventure you will enjoy.
Whatever the season, remember to bring your sunglasses!
March 10, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Victoria, Whale Watching
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I can still not say enough about the whale watching experience, with Wild Cat Adventure Tours, we had several years ago.
If you want to go whale watching, this company launches right from the inner harbour, and guarantees whale sightings (if there are no whales in the area, the boats don't go out and you are not charged).
I have had various friends who have gone whale watching in various other parts of North America only to be dissapointed.
We used this company and saw many whales and porpoises, not to mention the friendly, no hassle service from the tour staff.
March 10, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Silver Star Mountain Resort, Cross-Country Skiing
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Can you believe all the snow? It’s still Nordic skier heaven at Silver Star. Had a fantastic time again this year during our annual early March ski trip. The majority of the lower village trails are good for beginners and intermediate skiers. We took the chairlift up to ski the mountain trails to Alder Point and came back to the village on Comin’ Round the Mountain.
One of my favourite trails is the Step Turn Hill. You gotta pay attention to the corners on this trail – it’s a whole lot of fun and a great trail to practise your step turns. If you’re looking for a nice spot to grab a bite, then I’d recommend Bugaboos Bakery & Cafe in the village. They serve the best coffee - the place is always hoppin’ and never disappoints! For a different dining experience we took the sleigh ride trip up to Horseman’s Cabin for a traditional home-cooked style meal. All in all another super Silver Star trip!
March 09, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Gardens
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When you come to Dawson Creek, and need to loosen up from driving; park your rig, put on your walking shoes and go check out the outdoor fitness park located right beside the walking path in Kin Park across from the health unit.
The unusual looking equipment is an outdoor version of what you would typically find in a commercial gym. Utilizing the user's weight for resistance instead of the traditional weight stacks, the machines and park were designed with seniors in mind although everyone is welcome to and does use them.
Intrigued by the big yellow and grey machines, I went to check the park out one afternoon and was completely impressed by how sturdy, user friendly and safe they are.
Each machine has a set of clear instructions displayed on it explaining how to use it properly. I personally liked the body twist and the air stride machines.
Open from dawn to dust, the best part of the outdoor park is that it's completely free to use.
You can get a map of downtown that will show you how to find both the walking path and the fitness park at the Visitors Center located in the N.A.R. Park.
March 08, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Historic & Heritage Sites
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Sixty years ago, you could build a 54 room hotel for the same amount as a modest single family dwelling today.
The Windsor Hotel was a Dawson Creek landmark for 54 years. Built in 1951 at a cost of $250,000.00 the hotel had 54 rooms, a modern dining room, 2 beer parlors (one for "Men Only" and the other for "Ladies and Escorts"), a 250 seat banquet room, and room rental rates that were $2.50 a single, to $6.00 a double occupancy per night.
A hard liquor lounge was added later as it was illegal in BC during the time of the original plan.
As years passed, the 'Windsor' became a favorite spot for locals. Most of the city had probably walked through the lobby at one time or another.
Sadly, this grand Dawson Creek landmark endured years of hard times, delinquent property taxes and disrepair. The hotel was taken over by the City of Dawson Creek and unable to find a buyer, it was demolished in 2005. The whole town watched the demolition and remembered the hotel's better days.
Today a grassy lot sits on the corner where once stood the grand old Windsor Hotel, waiting for it's next occupant and new story to tell.
This is only one of the many colorful stories told in the Self Guided Historic Walking Tour Guide available at the Dawson Creek Visitors Center in the N.A.R. Park. Make sure you pick up your copy when you come to visit.
March 08, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Port Alberni, Hiking
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In May 2006 I visited Vancouver Island for the first time. I was a couple of years short of my 60th birthday; and, not well travelled...except in my own backyard. I was with a group of about 5 people on business. Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park on Vancouver Island wasn't on the itinerary. Our guide said he couldn't pass up the opportunity to show us the Old Growth Forest due to fabulous weather. 25 km west of Qualicum Beach & 16 km east of Port Alberni on hwy #4. Enter from both sides of the highway. 800-year-old Douglas-fir. Moss-covered tree-trunks. Nooks and crannies to delight...so bring a camera. Air so clean immediately upon stepping into the forest that you want to stay in this Alice-in-Wonderland place always. Stay for even five minutes and you will be forever a different person living on this planet.
P.S. i forgive the guy who put the phony snake in my jacket sleeve. I was so calm at the end of the tour the BIG SNAKE didn't bother me one bit. Besides, i was old enough to be his mother. And i remember a little boy with blonde hair....
March 05, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Art Galleries & Artists
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It's pretty hard to miss all the wonderful murals while walking or driving around Dawson Creek. These murals bring the history of our city, agricultural roots, local wildlife and the building of the Alaska Highway alive. They tell our story in art and color.
The Dawson Creek Art Gallery, the South Peace Art Society, and the City of Dawson Creek have been sponsoring the annual mural project in the business center of Dawson Creek since 2000 and a diverse selection of talented artists of all ages have created them.
Local residents and tourists watch with fascination the creation of a new mural during the warm summer months.
It's not uncommon to see a group of artists in paint-splattered clothes climbing up and down scaffolding, wielding paintbrushes and carrying paint buckets.
We never know what's in store for the upcoming season and where the next mural will be created.
I guess we'll just have to watch for the signs... a bunch of people standing in front of a blank wall, sketch books in hand, making sweeping arm movements with contemplative looks on their faces... what else could it be?
March 03, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Tofino, Surfing & Watersports
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I have been surfing twice in Tofino- I had so much fun and have been dreaming of going again.
Didn't know when I was going to come up for air- but i did. It was amazing.
March 03, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Museums
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I just found out how Dawson Creek came to be in its present location. Quirky indeed!
Back in 1930, Northern Alberta Railway (N.A.R.) decided to extend the railway beyond Alberta and into British Columbia.
They wanted to build the rail end and depot in Pouce Coupe, a small town about 6 miles south of present day Dawson Creek but couldn't come to an agreement over price of the land with its owner.
Tired of the money dispute, the railway decided to pass on the Pouce Coupe land and go another 6 miles north within 2 miles of the village of Dawson Creek. They bought a prize oat field from a local farmer.
So, there was Dawson... close... but not close enough...
Thrilled about the railway, and realizing the vital benefits of being close... in true northern fashion, the pioneers of Dawson Creek simply up and moved the whole town.
They put all the buildings on skids and moved them by horse and by caterpillar to the site of the rail end. The whole kit and caboodle!
The original town site slowly melted back into the forest and only hints of it remain today. Present day Dawson Creek grew around the center point of the railhead.
Our beautiful Visitors Center and museum is located in the original (1931) structure of the railway station and stationmasters residence. It's filled with historical accounts and artifacts for your enjoyment.
Make sure you stop in for a visit when you come to Dawson Creek.
Parking is free and plentiful in the N.A.R. Park and the welcome mat is always out for you!