May 31, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
100 Mile House, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
Find more information about 100 Mile House - Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
View a larger image on flickr.com
A highlight of our trip through the Carbioo region was interacting with the wide array of animals. At the Hills Health Ranch in 108 Mile there are miniature donkeys that are incredibly friendly! They nuzzle and give ‘hugs’ and are surprisingly affectionate. The story of how the original two donkeys Bonnie and Clyde came to the ranch is a great one to ask owner Pat about!
May 31, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Williams Lake, Museums
Find more information about Williams Lake - Museums
View a larger image on flickr.com
A visit to the Likely Museum exceeded expectations as we were warmly greeted and received by the involved community member who graciously showed us around.
The museum has a fantastic set up which leads visitors chronologically through the history of Likely and the surrounding areas.
From old mining gear and equipment to abandoned personal possessions from the now ghost town of Quesnelle Forks, the museum offers a personal glimpse into the lives, stories, triumphs and losses of a hidden corner of the Cariboo.
A recent expansion includes a new wing and a beautiful little theatre which showcases old videos and testimonials of the area and its previous residents.
May 31, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Festivals & Events
View a larger image on flickr.com
From it's humble beginnings as fort St. John's only movie theatre, the Lido has now established itself as, not a movie theatre, but one of the town's most popular event venues. Channeling the image of Classic Hollywood and keeping the crowd happy with class acts from comedy to music to even fundraising galas the Lido plays an integral part in the development of the local entertainment scene.
As a thank you to the local Visitor Centre for it's partnership in ticket sales, the proprieters of the Lido supplied us with complementary tickets to one of their monthly Comedy Detour shows. The Lido hosts rising and established Canadian Comedy acts as a part of their Comedy Detour on the final Friday and Saturday nights of each month. Last night we were treated to an exceptional standup routine by Dylan Mandlsohn.
The opening act (a young man from Edmonton) was not altogether bad, but it was also heavily reliant upon crude humour and relatively offensive jokes. Some members of our group found his performance rather less than pleasant.
After being served another round of wine at the intermission (the waitresses were professional, efficient, and effective) we were introduced to the talented Dylan Mandlsohn. His performance more than made up for the somewhat shakey opener. We convulsed with laughter from start to finish. From brilliant mimicry to insightful social commentary Mandlsohn offered an endlessly entertaining and amusing show. Not only did he provoke laughter but this renowned Toronto-native also left the audience with some remarkably accurate and thought-provoking observations.
All of us girls from the Visitor Centre thoroughly enjoyed our foray into the local comedy scene (complete with a private booth!) and will likely darken the Lido's doors on future Comedy Detour nights. Assuming the talent is always of Mandlsohn-esque quality I would unquestionably reccommend the Comedy Detour for Girl's Night or really any other time you need an excuse to get out and giggle.
May 31, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Chetwynd, Outdoor Activity Tours
On May 2nd, 2009 the Tourism Dawson Creek Visitor Centre staff embarked on a fun filled familiarization tour of the communities surrounding Dawson Creek. After leaving Dawson Creek at approximately 8:30am we began our trip by heading to Chetwynd on Highway 97S. On our way we stopped to take pictures of the beautiful Pine River and then caught a glimpse of some deer eating on the side of the road. When we arrived in Chetwynd at 9:30am we drove through town and stopped at the Visitor Centre to find out about the community. One of the main attractions is the Annual International Chainsaw Carving Championship that happens during the month of June. On display throughout the community are over fifty chainsaw carvings from previous championships. After speaking with the visitor counselor we took a stroll through town to see the many amazing carvings. At 10:00 we started our trip to the Hudson’s Hope W.A.C. Bennett Dam one of the largest earth filled dams in the world. We missed the scheduled tours offered of the dam mid-May through September. What a beautiful drive through the lovely town of Hudson’s Hope located in the Rocky Mountain foothills and on the twenty minute drive to the dam. We had packed a picnic for lunch so we went up to one of the lookouts at the dam to eat and stretch our legs. After leaving the dam we stopped at the Visitor Info Centre and found out that there are some great hiking trails, fishing, boating, and one of the richest sites of fossils and dinosaur footprints in the world. We then made our way to Fort St. John which was about 90 km away. It ended up being a wonderful trip with beautiful scenery, wildlife, and warm hospitality.
May 28, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Dining
Find more information about Fort St. John - Dining
View a larger image on flickr.com
Being from a city such as Toronto, one would assume that I would be an experienced coffee drinker what with having a Starbucks on every corner. However, this girl prefers the taste of a Tim Hortons coffee with just a dash of milk as oppose to some over-priced frappa-mocha-low fat-latte (or whatever you want to call it).
When a friend of mine asked me to go with him to Cosmic Grounds, I must admit I was somewhat skeptical at first. What would I order? Would I be able to pronounce any of these intense sugar infested beverages? I must have stared at the board for at least ten minutes trying to decide what to get. The lady at the counter was extremely helpful and recommended that I try a caramel macchiato. hmmmm....I pondered for a moment and then agreed to try it.
The drink was absolutely incredible. It was an amazing combination of a hot beverage with the taste of a dessert. Although I found the pricing a bit steep, I definitely recommend this place as I felt it was worth every penny. With a multi-national money grubbing organization such as starbucks slowly taking over this industry, we must cherish the little coffee houses that provide an intimate feel and a terrific atmosphere.
Another aspect I enjoyed was the fact that you could sit outside and take in some rays while enjoying your tasty beverage. Since I had just experienced snow in May for the first time in my entire life, I was content that I could actually sit outside on a rare but beautiful sunny day!
So to all those travelling, living, or just passing through Fort St. John, be sure to make a pit stop at this quaint little shop located at 10430-100th street.
May 28, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Culinary Tours & Schools
View a larger image on flickr.com
If you are in
Fort St. John, BC and looking for an amazing dinner/appetizers & drinks with an upscale twist but you do not have the budget of a millionaire....the
Uptown Grill should be your choice!
The restaurant is located on 101st Avenue off of 100th street.
This restaurant has numerous features that can sell itself, but two features in which I am in love with are listed below.
First is their buffet lunches during the weekdays, it includes a sandwich station that will blow your socks off with choices!
Secondly, I fell further in love with Uptown Grill when I went last week with a group of friends. We got drinks and appetizers with of course conversation all around. The service was amazing, but the food....oh the food... was delicious!
That night I had baked goat cheese covered in almonds served with crustini's on the side. This dish can be taken as a meal with the goat cheese being filling if eating it alone, but if shared it is a great start to an amazing meal!
I recommend Uptown Grill for their food selection, courteous staff and the atmosphere.
May 28, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Sightseeing Tours
View a larger image on flickr.com
Yesterday I got to go see the Walter Wright Pioneer Village in the beautiful town of Dawson Creek. According to the Self Guided Walking Tour, all of the buildings are originally from the Dawson Creek district. Walter Wright himself went out to the farm fields around the area and collected or bought all of the buildings. There are amazing houses from some of the pioneering families. I couldn’t imagine living in such a small log house with no running water! The houses are all refurbished with quilts, china, clothing, and household necessities from the era. Beautiful pianos can be found in both of the churches and some of the houses. In the Johnson-Davis house there are four antique SINGER sewing machines, all in beautiful condition. When I walked further down the wooden boardwalks I got the feeling of a true pioneer town. I stepped into the General Store and was amazed at the variety of items the store sold. The antique cash register was the highlight, for me. To see a horse collar, and single tree was quite interesting. Across the gravel street is the Blacksmith shop. There is an abundance of tools and a forge. On one of the walls there are many cross-cutting saws; that were used before the power-saw for cutting logs for buildings. In the village there are two school houses, both full of school desks, books, maps, and pictures.
Further out on the lawn and under covered sheds lays the machinery. There are multiple horse drawn thrashers and other farm equipment. Closer up to the Visitor Center two bulldozers can be found. One was so tiny I can’t fathom how it moved any dirt or snow. The other was a much larger, bright red one. I really enjoyed my experience at Pioneer Village.
May 27, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Golden, Farms & Markets
View a larger image on flickr.com
There is no better time than summer to eat locally grown food. And farmers' markets are the best way to get those rich nutrients and full flavours into your mouth. So while you are touring around BC this season, keep your eyes open for locally grown produce and other local goods.
The Golden Farmers' Market begins June 24 and runs every Wednesday from 2 to 7 pm every Wednesday. Here you will find a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables from several local growers, as well as artisans' wares including pottery, soaps, jewellery, art photography, woodwork and more. Locally produced honey is a popular choice for market-goers. Artisan breads and home made pies are other favourites.
The smell of hotdogs with fried onions in the air and the sounds of live music all add to the delicious-ness and fun of the Market every Wednesday in the summer. For more info see www.goldenfarmersmarket.com. For more to do while in Golden, visit www.tourismgolden.com.
May 27, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Anahim Lake, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
What a great trip – last weekend I got a chance to help out on a cattle drive in Tatlayoko Lake. It is one of the most beautiful valleys to start with and the weather couldn’t have been better.
So after a very scenic and relaxing drive to Tatla Lake it is only about another 40 minutes to Tatlayoko Lake, the drive through the valley is absolutely spectacular as you are surrounded by mountains. We had a fabulous dinner and enjoyed the evening around the campfire. I can never get enough of spending time away from cities and what could be more relaxing than a campfire and a glass of wine?
In the morning everyone was up early; we got the horses saddled and were out for the spring cattle drive. There is enough grass growing now and those cute little calves are big enough to start grazing out on the range together with their moms.
Couldn’t have had a better weekend!
And I’d really like to come back in the summer and do one of their pack trips into the mountains as well. Connie and Alex from Bracewells Alpine Wilderness Adventures really know these mountain ranges and I can’t wait to explore more of this gorgeous country!
May 27, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Burns Lake, Snowmobiling
View a larger image on flickr.com
Everyone knows that in the north there is a large amount of snow that hangs around for about 6 months every year. Most people would think we are crazy to live here, but in Burns Lake we take advantage of the great fun the snow brings! Whether you’re a snowmobiler, snowboarder, skier or just simply a snowman maker this place is wonderful for all snow activities. A great place to snowmobile is the Paul Fire area, or better known as “The Burn”, there is a trail all the way up to the open mountain and you can take any type of snowmobile up there. When I went up we brought a small snowmobile with a big sled hooked up behind full of snowboards and sliders. It is a great view at the top and full of hills to fool around on with either sliders or snowmobiles. If you are a snowboarder it is about a 2 hour drive to the top of Ski Smithers; which is a beautiful mountain. I have been to many ski mountains throughout BC with the LDSS snowboarding team and yet Ski Smithers is still my favorite! The people around this area are incredibly friendly which enhances your experience. The snow in Burns Lake comes with many advantages and makles this place so wonderful!