May 14, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Hudson's Hope, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
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The drive into Hudson's Hope from Fort St. John is one of my favourites. As the road sharply descends into the Peace River Valley, the view of the surrounding countryside and the river snaking through it is really stunning.
We had the chance to explore the area on horseback and it was a great experience. Our guide from Williston Lake Resort took us on a trail ride and picnic lunch. We started near the shore of Williston Lake, about 10km north of the lodge and spent a few hours riding in the hills that surround the lake. I'm a novice rider and hadn't been on a horse in 10 years so I was glad that my horse Sugar knew the route well! We crossed fast running streams and climbed steep hills without any problems. It was a relaxing afternoon and I can't wait to do it again!
May 14, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Historic & Heritage Sites
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Dawson Creek is a great little town tucked into the northeast corner of BC and surounded by rolling prairies. When we visited, we had a great time exploring the town's museum and saw some amazing local artists' work at the gallery, which is housed in a restored grain elevator.
But the main draw to Dawson Creek is probably the start of the legendary Alaska Highway. The Alaska Highway House interpretive centre was a highlight - especially the PBS documentary on how the road was built. Definitely make time in your schedule to watch it before setting out on your journey north to Alaska. I haven't travelled the Highway yet ... but now I want to!
May 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
100 Mile House, Hiking
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After only a brief exploration of the Hills Health and Guest Ranch and its surrounding property, it’s hard not to be humbled by the extent and range of activities offered throughout the year for those wishing to embrace the great outdoors. We were excited to learn about hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding available once the snow had cleared, and shocked when Pat informed us that the Ranch had much to offer when the snow had fallen, as well.
Tube runs serviced by a t-bar, ski and snowboard runs and terrain park, and a vast network of cross country trails will keep the outdoor recreationalist busy while waiting out the winter. And with no need to transport your own gear as the Ranch offers an ample line-up of ski, snowboard and mountain bike rentals to its patrons.
May 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Quesnel, Dining
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Arriving in Quesnel a little earlier than expected, we set out on foot to find a warm drink to warm our bodies and calm our nerves. After speaking with some friendly locals and sympathizing with some striking paramedics, we arrived at Granville’s Coffee. In close proximity to the often-overshadowing Timmies, the unique café seemed to be pretty busy. Everything looked delicious, from their array of specialty drinks to the fresh baking on display. The décor was retro and vibrant, the staff warm and friendly, the atmosphere was welcoming and casual, and most importantly the Lattes were top notch. A cappuccino chocolate chip muffin reminded me of home and on top of it all, it was modestly priced. Needless to say, we liked it a Latte.
May 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Wells, Art Galleries & Artists
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Setting out on the road heading east from Quesnel, we arrived in the still snowy community of Wells, BC. With preconceptions of a vibrant artists’ community in mind, it was at first disappointing to see the community in its dreary shoulder season state. There was hardly any sign of life in town and most services were yet to be opened for the summer months. However despite this initial impression, we were not giving up so easily.
After cruising a few blocks in our versatile off road Toyota Yaris, we were drawn to Island Mountain Art Gallery’s by its effervescent exterior mural as well as its open door and signs of human life. The gallery staff were cheerful, helpful and genuinely excited to meet us and shed some light on their community. We were in fact just a few weeks premature to witness Wells in all its splendor, as the snow had only recently receded and the village was in Spring clean-up mode. The artwork within offered a preview of the local talent, showcasing the works of talented local artists as well as assorted books, poetry, and jewelry produced in, and showcasing the region.
We left the gallery with a newfound appreciation of Wells as well as the natural beauty of its surrounding landscape, with aspirations of returning in late July for the notorious ArtsWells Festival; a celebration of all things art.
May 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
100 Mile House, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
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After a guided hike through The Hills’ boreal forest and rolling meadows typical of the Caribou region, past Sucre Lake and a visit with a Red-Tailed Hawk, we were fortunate enough to experience the property from another perspective, on horseback. Upon arriving at the stables, four of the horses we had previously awed over grazing the property had already been saddled-up for us, fed, and were ready to go!
Bryce and Laura, two of the Hills’ experienced and friendly wranglers, quickly showed us the ropes of basic riding techniques before setting out through the forest and up to a lookout showcasing the beauty of the surrounding area; views of the Ranch, 108 Lake & its community, and the seemingly endless landscape beyond.
Having never ridden horseback before, we joked about my riding the tallest, fastest and least predictable of horses. A beautiful, white beast of a horse named Dawn was appointed to me and Amber rode General, which we later learned to be a born athlete. However regardless of my own inexperience, it turned out to be Bryce who was bucked off when his own horse was mysteriously spooked as he attempted to hop on. A little embarrassed over the endeavor, he calmly “got back on the horse”, adding legitimacy to the age-old adage. Although we were impressed with his composure throughout the incident, Laura simply giggled and reminded him that he now owed her a case of beer as his hat had fallen from his head in the midst of all the madness.
May 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Quesnel, Hiking
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A short drive 15 minutes west of Quesnel, up Baker Drive, brought us to the trailhead of Pinnacles Provincial Park. A short saunter from the car, through the forest on a well-maintained trail, brought us to a fork. Luckily for us we had run into some folks from Oregon at the trailhead who were just returning, advising us to stay left to avoid the longer route. Pressed for time and unaware of where this mystery route would take us, we pushed aside the notions of the late Robert Frost and chose the path more traveled, as advised by the Oregonians.
A stone’s throw from the fork brought us to a fenced lookout showcasing the park’s most valuable assets, the hoodoos. Impressively sculpted naturally pinnacles standing guard over the valley. They sat just beyond the fence line, in the foreground of the magnificent Fraser River. From there, the path continues along the fence allowing increasingly impressive views of the natural wonders, the raging river and the quant town of Quesnel.
However for this adventurous soul it wasn’t enough. Following an alternative trail bringing me closer to the hoodoos exposed more of their natural magnificence and revealed the rock’s fragility that had allowed their formation. Not only that, but it lead me far enough astray as to separate me from my partners in hike and extend our route beyond what the Oregonians had warned us against. Time restraints and worried friends aside though, the path less traveled again made all the difference.
May 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Wells, Sightseeing Tours
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A week or so before the official opening of Bowron Lake Provincial Park, home to the infamous Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit, we found ourselves cold, wet, and overwhelmed by this vast, still winter wonderland. With only secondhand stories and photos to form our preconceived notions of the park, we jumped at the opportunity to stray from our planned route and see what all the fuss was about.
Leaving Wells and traveling towards Barkerville, we turned off towards Bowron traveling less than 30 kilometers down a decent gravel road, entering the Park from the northwest. Although the remaining snowpack, variable weather and our own lack of preparedness limited our visit to a chilly lunch on the beach and a short exploration of the launch site and nearby infrastructure, the detour nonetheless proved worthwhile. Isolated from most modern signs of civilization by its remoteness, seasonality and the scale of its landscape, Bowron provided a truly serene backdrop that reminds us of why so many fall in love with this beautiful country and why we are proud to call British Columbia home. Even still, the challenges and rewards of the Circuit preoccupy my mind and I can only hope to be lucky enough to return at a later, warmer date to explore further.
May 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Wells, Dining
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A week or so before the official opening of Bowron Lake Provincial Park, home to the infamous Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit, we found ourselves cold, wet, and overwhelmed by this vast, still winter wonderland. With only secondhand stories and photos to form our preconceived notions of the park, we jumped at the opportunity to stray from our planned route and see what all the fuss was about.
Leaving Wells and traveling towards Barkerville, we turned off towards Bowron traveling less than 30 kilometers down a decent gravel road, entering the Park from the northwest. Although the remaining snowpack, variable weather and our own lack of preparedness limited our visit to a chilly lunch on the beach and a short exploration of the launch site and nearby infrastructure, the detour nonetheless proved worthwhile. Isolated from most modern signs of civilization by its remoteness, seasonality and the scale of its landscape, Bowron provided a truly serene backdrop that reminds us of why so many fall in love with this beautiful country and why we are proud to call British Columbia home. Even still, the challenges and rewards of the Circuit preoccupy my mind and I can only hope to be lucky enough to return at a later, warmer date to explore further.
May 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Wells, Dining
Find more information about Wells - Dining
View a larger image on flickr.com
A week or so before the official opening of Bowron Lake Provincial Park, home to the infamous Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit, we found ourselves cold, wet, and overwhelmed by this vast, still winter wonderland. With only secondhand stories and photos to form our preconceived notions of the park, we jumped at the opportunity to stray from our planned route and see what all the fuss was about.
Leaving Wells and traveling towards Barkerville, we turned off towards Bowron traveling less than 30 kilometers down a decent gravel road, entering the Park from the northwest. Although the remaining snowpack, variable weather and our own lack of preparedness limited our visit to a chilly lunch on the beach and a short exploration of the launch site and nearby infrastructure, the detour nonetheless proved worthwhile. Isolated from most modern signs of civilization by its remoteness, seasonality and the scale of its landscape, Bowron provided a truly serene backdrop that reminds us of why so many fall in love with this beautiful country and why we are proud to call British Columbia home. Even still, the challenges and rewards of the Circuit preoccupy my mind and I can only hope to be lucky enough to return at a later, warmer date to explore further.