May 26, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
100 Mile House, Hiking
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Claire led us on an afternoon guided hike through beautiful pine and birch forests which then opened up into a vast grassy meadow where the blue skies seemed to stretch for miles. The marsh areas house various bird species that are monitored by Ducks Unlimited Canada. We passed by Sucre Lake where a Red-Tailed Hawk screeched then gracefully glided through the sky and disappeared amongst the pine trees. This unique ecosystem is perfect for bird watching.
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 12, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Quesnel, Nightlife & Casinos
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The Billy Barker Casino is in the heart of downtown Quesnel and is cleverly shaped like a boat. In the bottom of the building there is a newly renovated Ball Room with a stage, bar, stunning chandeliers and comfortably fits a party of eighty people.
The top of the building has affordable and unique guestrooms with décor that makes you feel like you have travelled back in time. The rooms (The Empress, The Sewing, and The Captain’s room) range in price and amenities and boast the ambience of the Cariboo history.
The main casino seemed like a popular place, offering a variety of games from cards to the slot machines and in keeping with the exterior theme of the building life boats decorated the ceilings. There is also, a restaurant where hungry gamblers can get a decent home cooked meal.
May 12, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
100 Mile House, Culinary Tours & Schools
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Our whole dinner experience at the 1871 lodge at the Hill's Health Ranch was wonderful. The dining room has a cozy log cabin feel to it and had an outstanding view of the hills.
Our service was exceptional, the waitress and chef were genuinely friendly and eager to learn more about us. We had fresh garden salads with Cedar Planked Salmon which gave a delicious smoky finish and paired nicely with the red wine. As we ate a local musician serenaded us with his soothing melodies leaving us reminiscing over this unforgettable dining experience.