May 11, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Clearwater, Sightseeing Tours
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This part of the drive is actually pretty straight forward. It reminds me of the Alaska Highway only a bit less winding. The valleys are huge with mountain views go miles off into the distance. It’s breathtaking to be on the side of the highway and the pictures don’t really do it justice. There are miles and miles of fences and we couldn’t possibly have counted the cattle and sheep in the pastures and fields we passed. It’s a bit early in the season still and the trees haven’t leafed out quite yet so its a bit grey looking in places. Soon though the leaves will come out and it will be a stunning. I would think the best time to drive this part of the world would be the middle of May to the end of June when it’s not too hot yet.
We stopped at a little garage station to get gas. There was a big old red dog lying in the sun on the porch that allowed us to wander over and scratch his ears. He liked that a lot. The next little community was Alexis Creek and it’s quite nice. The houses overlook the valley and we stopped to take pictures of this quaint little house on the hill with a beautiful garden just starting to send up new green shoots. It’s fun to be on the highway with the girlies - so many miles to go and we’re just kicking back listening to some great music. This is my idea of a good time!
May 11, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Anahim Lake, Outdoor Activity Tours
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During our stay in the Anahim Lake area we stayed at the Escott Bay Resort this is an amazing retreat with spectacular views from every window. The resort offers fishing, canoe trips, trail rides, outback adventures and it even has a Hot Tub overlooking the lake. There are many birds in the area making this an ideal spot for bird watching.
My trail ride was an experience to remember, I woke up early in the morning to watch the sun come up over the lake. Near the beginning of the journey we spotted a Moose on the Iced over lake. As a first time rider I found the one hour trail ride to be the perfect start, DUSTY the horse was very friendly and calm.
I would suggest staying at least two nights to get a full feel for what the area and resort has to offer. With hearty cowboy breakfasts and great guides this resort is the perfect destination for those that want to have a true Cariboo experience.
May 11, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
100 Mile House, Culinary Tours & Schools
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It gets dark here in the evening and by the time we unpacked it was time to get something to eat. I was hungry after the long drive to get here. The dining room is called the 1871 Room, named after the year the Cariboo Region made the decision to join Canada on the promise a railway would be built to bring people and supplies to the gold fields of the day. The dining room is spacious and the windows look out over the valley and mountains to the east. There is only one waitress but she was very nice and helpful with our questions.
The white wine she suggested was great and went well with the fondu that was served. The meal was fat free and we skewered thin strips of beef and shrimp into a pot of boiling broth to cook. It was delicious and not too filling. I appreciate the low fat, healthful approach to cooking and sharing of food. Loosing weight is a lot of work and its frustrating when you go out for a nice meal and there are no good choices on the menu. Their menu features the number of calories and fat for each item which is helpful. Dessert was a fruit fondue dipped in a little bit of dark chocolate. Before we knew it almost three hours had flown by - not sure where the time went. It was a wonderfully relaxed dinner and I enjoyed the service and ambiance of our first evening at the spa.
May 11, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Bella Coola, Outdoor Activity Tours
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We stayed at the Coast Mountain Lodge located in Hagensborg just ten minutes from Bella Coola. The lodge offers Grizzly Bear & Wildlife Viewing tours, Salmon Snorkelling, Hiking Trips, Eco-Rafting and Zodiac Boat Tours. The lodge is very comfortable and bright with kitchenettes should you choose to stay in for dinner. The accommodations include Mountain View Rooms and Beautiful Gardens. If you love fishing, hiking, paddling, wildlife viewing, climbing, heli-skiing and or snowboarding this is the ideal place to stay.
May 11, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
100 Mile House, Spas & Wellness
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Hills Health Ranch
This ranch is located at 108 Mile House on the #1 Highway headed north. It’s just off the beaten track and easy to find. The drive up to the main house passes by huge horse pens and an impressive red barn to the right - it was so big we all thought that's where we were supposed to being staying. The main lodge is a log building and parking is easy and plentiful. We were greeted at the main hall entrance by the owner and provided a brief tour of the before heading to our rooms. I was surprised to find they had the cutest little wedding chapel and Pat, the owner, told us a couple stories of people who have been married there and ceremonies held in the winter with snow candles lighting the pathways.
They have 16 spa and therapy rooms and each has a different specialty - I’m liking the massage and mud rooms myself. They sell Rose Hip Oil that they produce themselves and even sell to other high end spas and resorts around the world. If it’s not too expensive I’m thinking of taking some home with me. The rooms are softly lit and darker in color and look very relaxing. The chalet I’m in overlooks the valley and the deck off the main room is the full length of the building. Coffee on the deck early tomorrow is where I’ll be for sure. Great spot to work and just enjoy the view and watch the horses wander by.
May 11, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Bella Coola, Sightseeing Tours
Our trip from Clearwater Lake to the Bella Coola area was an amazing journey through majestic mountains. The famous Bella Coola “Hill” is a great adventure but do make sure that you have good breaks and enjoy the ride! This was my first trip to Bella Coola and I wish that I had more time to take advantage of the recreational opportunities in the area. The docks are filled with fishing boats and active fisherman and an old Cannery.
Bella Coola has a very unique water fall with a very smooth rock surface, Clayton Falls which is located at the end of Highway 20 this is a must see. I can not wait to return to Bella Coola it is BC's hidden gem.
May 11, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Bella Coola, Accommodation
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During our trip to the Bella Coola we had a great breakfast at the Eagle Lodge. We were given a tour of the lodge and found that there is room for everyone. My favorite was the Deans Room there is also a Hot Tub at the Lodge for those that wish to look out at the amazing scenery. The owners are quite knowledgeable with the history of the area.
May 11, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Anahim Lake, Accommodation
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The Clearwater Lake Lodge is absolutely stunning the surreal location is quite like something out of a fairytale. The lodge is situated on Clearwater Lake in amongst the mountains in Kleena Kleene, BC. The Luxurious Chalet offers Fine Dining with locally grown organic products and a fully licensed restaurant “Gisela’s Kitchen”. I have stayed at quite a few Lodges and by far Gisela’s cooking surpasses them all, the meals were by far one of the best features at the lodge. The couple is quite hospitable and each room includes your own bathroom there is also the option to stay in one of two cabins and or to bring your own tent or RV. There are plenty of picnic tables for everyone, my favourite tables are situated on the dock over looking the lake. Gisela and Bernward also offer outdoor BBQ’s on the dock during the spring and summer months.
During our stay Bernward took us for a wonderful hike in the morning to see an Osprey Nest, the countryside was absolutely beautiful with a mixture of sand and trees surrounded by mountains. Gisela packed us a great picnic lunch for our afternoon tour where we went to Tatlayoko Lake known for its great windsurfing conditions. From the lake you see snow capped mountains, three mountains in particular, Mt. Waddington, Silverthorne Mountain and Monarch Mountain. We continued on our journey to the Tatlayoko Valley where Bluff Lake is located. Berward noted that the movie Seven days in Tibet starring Brad Pitt was partially filmed by Bluff Lake. Bernward showed us where Brad Pitt had climbed during the filming of the movie.
Combined with cozy accommodations, stunning views, excellent food and friendly owners this Lodge has it all. A must see for anyone traveling to the Chilcotin region. If you do not have too much time to spare the best way to get to the Lodge is by Floatplane you are able to catch the plane in Vancouver. Say Hello to Gisela and Bernward for me and enjoy your trip!
May 11, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Anahim Lake, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
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The setting is like something out of a Western movie, the ranch is situated amongst rolling desert hills. The family is extremely friendly and for those that are interested in becoming more self-sufficient this family can give you some valued input on how to do it.
Get your hands a little dirty while learning how to handle a horse in a safe environment with an exceptional instructor. I had Houdini for the day, this white beauty was one of a kind & can actually pick locks with his teeth... Outside of the accommodation area there is one of the largest fire pits that I have seen in BC so far. The Chezacut area is desert like with warm winds during the summer months.
The lodge is approximately 7.3 miles up from Redstone do keep track of the miles as it is easy to miss. The Ranch is on the left hand side of the road and you will find yourself turning off the main road. Cowboy hats are provided upon request!
May 11, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
100 Mile House, Accommodation
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I found a little R & R while staying at the Hills, nestled in the mountains with an amazing back drop I enjoyed the tranquil setting. I also enjoyed my dinner it was a FUNDO... aka FONDUE where we had a mix of seafood and steak and to finish it off a great chocolate fondue. It was nice to see that each menu item had a breakdown of calories.
It was hard to experience everything with only one night to spare but I can see how many people come and stay for weeks at a time. The owners and staff are extremely friendly and easy to talk to. Personally I will be going back to try their Hot Rock Massage as my fellow travel buddy really enjoyed her experience.