May 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
100 Mile House, Gardens
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Driving though the Cariboo region made me feel like I was in a Clint Eastwood movie. The rolling hills and meadow out here are dry and unforgiving, but majestically beautiful with snowcapped mountains, rushing rivers, peaceful lakes amongst stands of birch, pine and spruce trees. Along our journey form the 108 mile ranch to Likely we encountered numerous birds from black-tipped pelicans, bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, Groase. While driving on the back roads and trekking through the wild spaces we encountered moose, deer, chipmunks, black bears.
May 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Quesnel, Fishing
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We arrived at Northern Lights Lodge, a traditional 1940’s dwelling in Likely BC. Here we were warmly greeted by Skeed the owner of the lodge, a quick witted man with a fantastic sense of humor.
He gave us a tour of the 4 beautiful chalet style cabins above the central part of the lodge which overlook the pristine lake. The room I had stayed in for the night was very cozy, log cabin feel with fitting memorabilia (books, pictures) and a modern bathroom. The dining lodge made us feel like we’d stepped into the wild with Grizzly bear, moose over a beautiful stone fire place, deer, a cougar mounted in the loft, and eagles perched from the raptors. A lovely fire was burning at all times and the coffee table was piled high with albums of past fishing, eco-tours memories.
After the tour of the lodge grounds he took us out to Quesnal forks down a windy gravel road where we travelled back in time to a historical Chinese ghost town/graveyard. We walked amongst the graveyard paying respect to the miners of Likely who lost their lives.
We reached a spectacular view point of the river, here Skeed explained where the gold mining operations had taken place and also, the exhilarating river rafting this area provides. Next, we continued our journey through Likely’s history at their very informative, and well organized Museum.
When we arrived back at the lodge we ate a delicious home cooked meal prepared by Sharon. We savored our meal telling jokes and listening to the incredible stories of the interesting guests, trips they have guided.
May 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Quesnel, Farms & Markets
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When we arrived at Moose Meadow’s farm the friendly owner Heloise made us a hot cup of java and gave us a run down of her agritourism business that specialized in birch syrup, wreath making and much more. Next, she gave us a fabulous tour of her 65 acre farm. She showed us the famous “Sugar Shack” where buckets of the birch sap are put through a wood burning evaporator during the month of April. We sampled 3 varieties of this sweet yet unique birch nectar. We were surprisingly shocked with the rich, incomparable taste of birch syrup to maple syrup.
May 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Golden, Kayaking & Canoeing
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Despite the cool Spring in the Kootenay Rockies, the water levels of the Kicking Horse River have been steadily rising. This means one of Canada's premier paddling rivers, and BC's very first Canadian Heritage River, is about to become a playground for kayakers and rafters again for another summer. Tourism Golden has just launched a water level info page so paddlers can get up-to-date river beta to better make travel plans. Go to www.tourismgolden.com and follow the links through Things to Do - Summer Activities - Kayaking and Canoeing.
Please watch the attached video for inspiration!
May 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
100 Mile House, Accommodation
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The Arcona House B&B is convenient for travelers as it is close to the highway. I was amazed to hear how many Loons were singing as I watched them fly over the lake. If you enjoy bird watching this is the spot for you so bring your binoculars. I love hiking and if you do as well make sure to take advantage of the trail system that surround’s the large lake. I enjoyed eating my dessert outside while watching the impressive sunset. Being that we were far from the city lights the view of the lake from my bedroom window and the full moons reflection over the lake was a real treat.
May 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
100 Mile House, Spas & Wellness
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The Hills Health Ranch was an incredible first stop on my Cariboo Chilcotin Coast road trip! I was instantly impressed with the ambiance and friendliness of the Ranch, not to mention the absolutely stunning scenic location! My favourite room of the entire ranch (which is quick large) is the cardio room. As an avid runner (well a most of the time runner!) I quite enjoyed the view, as I stood on the treadmill I looked out through the large bay windows and was greeted by the measureless acres of pristine forest, rolling hills and stunning mountains in the distance, giving the illusion of running outdoors through the native wilderness of British Columbia. If anything could make exercising and running fun and enjoyable, this room was it!
May 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Anahim Lake, Accommodation
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My time spent at the Clearwater Lake Lodge was unforgettable. Bernward and Giesla, the owners and operators, are hands down the most hospitable people I have ever met. From the moment we arrived at the Lodge we were treated like royalty, but also part of the family.
This place gets even better when we walked around to the dock area behind the lodge that is 500 feet from Clearwater Lake (hence the name!) and we were confronted with a view that can only be described as breathtaking. The lake is beautiful blue crystal clear glacier water surrounded by lush forest with the majestic coastal mountain standing tall in the background, creating the perfect landscape that even the most hardcore city goers would stop and contemplated living here for. Bernward refers to the region (Clearwater Lake and the Tatlayoko Valley south of the lake) as ‘God’s Country’ and he is right, I can’t imagine a more stunning, awe-inspiring place on earth.
To top off the entire Clearwater Lake experience, I will certainly remember Giesla’s cooking the most; probably because we all left a few pounds heavier! I highly recommend leaving your diets at home because for one you will be missing out on the greatest cooking the province has to off and no one can resist her unique blend of German-western cooking, the elegant presentation and most of all her home cooked bread.
May 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Tumbler Ridge, Outdoor Activity Tours
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Local tip: Riverboat tours are available to get to Kinuseo Falls, it's a great to get to the falls without driving the long and sometimes rough road. Last year the tours were available through the Visitor Centre, and I think it's the same this year.
May 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Tumbler Ridge, Attractions
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Riverboat tours are available to get to Kinuseo Falls, it's a great way to get to the falls without driving the long and sometimes rough road. Last year the tours were available through the Visitor and I think it's the same this year.
May 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
100 Mile House, Accommodation
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This is a great B&B located in a private setting on 108 Mile Lake. It’s easy to find and what a stunning location. You can swim off the dock, canoe, hike around the lake, golf, or laze around a quaint sitting area right outside your door. The hummingbirds are plentiful and you can enjoy the sun all day long with a beautiful sunset at the end a great day to top it all off.
Henning, our host, was very helpful and prepared a great dinner and breakfast for our little group of four. The services are excellent and he even provides wine and beer if you want. There was a huge, full moon the night we stayed and I tried to get a picture, but didn’t have any luck with the camera I was using. I did manage to capture the awesome sunset though. If you are looking for some down time this is a great spot.
There is lots to do in this area and horseback riding can be arranged in addition to other activities. The lake is my favorite though and apparently in the heat of the summer it can get quite warm. It's amazing how much time can go by when water is involved, the kids would especially love this place and after all the fun you can enjoy a great barbecue on the patio.