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
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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!
May 27, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Burns Lake, Hiking
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My family hikes China Nose as a yearly routine; it is a magnificant mountain. The scenery at the peak of the mountain is one of the most beautiful sights and it is right in Burns Lake's back yard. More so it is right in my back yard as my family has a cabin on elwin lake, which has China Nose as the central sight; as seen in the photo that is taken during a sunset. Although this is something my family does from our backyard; it can easily be reached by anyone. The mountain and the hike make me proud to live in Burns Lake; it is such an amazing place!
May 27, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Burns Lake, Farms & Markets
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I have worked on a farm in Burns Lake since I was 10 years old. It is amazing the amount that you can learn from working in this industry. Farming can be a very tiring and physical job as the bales way at least 50 lbs and as a ten year old that seems pretty heavy! In Burns Lake our weather does not always cooperate with the haying season as it rains many days during the summer, but this rain allows us to have a day of fun. I remember on one rainy day we played poker and instead of money we created dares. This would be why my cousin is wearing the big pink hat. Although the job can be demanding, the vast amount of land that comes with the job and the fun we have makes up for it! This great amount of land that surrounds Burns Lake allowed me to learn how to drive on my own when I was 10 years old; of course I drove on my parents lap before that age. It is such a great place to grow up and I seriously recommend living here!
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 26, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Anahim Lake, Outdoor Activity Tours
Finally I got a chance to see them – the Wheelchair Accessible Wilderness Trails that everyone is talking about. The Tatlayoko Valley is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen and I just love the idea of those new trails providing access to people with disabilities.
The surface of the trails is mining belting which was donated by one of the local mines. It makes a very smooth trail surface and is also great for jogging or inline skating.
The existing trails are right on the lake – a super spectacular setting with the surrounding mountains, the Niut Range and Potato Ranges.
I also love the idea of the Tatlayoko Community Association who would like to see the completion of 210km of wheelchair accessible trails throughout the Cariboo Chilcotin region by 2010.
A very cool project! And I already know I will be back to spend more time in the valley, sooo much to see and do!
May 26, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Queen Charlotte City, Attractions
Looking for a unique travel experience? Vounteer with the Laskeek Bay Conservation Society - Doing wildlife research on East Limestone Island: Ancient Murrelet research, marine birds, mammal surveys and more. Tourists have managed to hook up with the society and have had a fantastic time! www.laskeekbay.org
May 26, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Burnaby, Historic & Heritage Sites
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My 9 year old daughter and I look forward to the re-opening each year of the Burnaby Village Museum and even though we have been through the outdoor museum countless times, we still find new discoveries on each visit. For me, it is browsing at all the implements, food stuffs, tools and toys in the General Store, or imagining what it must have been like to live in the Love Farmhouse where life wasn't quite as simple as it is today. For my daughter, the fun comes through the independence of being able to run and explore this little town moreless on her own. She delights in learning about what school was like in the early 1900s from the period school teacher/interpetter. He explains the school lessons for her age group and mentions too what happened when homework wasn't complete or when children talked back. We also enjoy the beautifully preserved Interurban car in the large barn and interpretive centre - again enjoying the stories as told by the costumed train conductor. As always, our 2 hour visit flies by and we conclude that, yet again, we didn't give ourselves enough time.
May 26, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Merritt, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
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The
Quilchena Hotel has been welcoming guests on and off since 1908 when it was built due to wild spectulation that the railway would run through the Nicola Valley and the hotelier would become rich. The railway routed elsewhere but the hotel continued on until 1917 when it shut down for more than 40 years. It was reopened in 1958 by the grandson of the original builder. I didn't stay at the hotel but happened by it en route from Merritt to Kamloops via Highway 5A. We enjoyed a delicious lunch in the saloon - one of the best hamburgers I have ever had and no doubt considering the beef is raised and processed right on the ranch. For a history buff, the place was bursting with rich material. The 16 rooms are all unique and, while comfortable, are still reminiscent of the early days. The Saloon is a local favourite with bullet holes in the bar reminding us of the wilder days when outlaw Billy Miner roamed the area. The drive to Quilchena Hotel takes you past Nicola Lake and it was spectacular. I would highly recommend this alternative route if driving to Kamloops!
May 25, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Williams Lake, Sightseeing Tours
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I have been to some stellar places across this province, and even across the country, and I am constantly amazed by the dramatic diversity of the BC landscape. The drive along Highway 20 through the Chilcotin Coast area of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region of BC has yet again exceeded my expectations. The rolling hills entwined with the grasslands and almost desert like foliage create scenery I have never experienced before. If you can imagine this view as you drive down the rustic highway:
You are driving down the road that if you are lucky you will see a car every 10 minutes. On either side of the highway you can see miles of farm land with gorgeous western style houses, thousands of cattle grazing and one small town miles apart from the other. Small to the scale of if you blink on the drive you might miss it so keep a keen eye open. Behind the farm land you can see the rolling hills and the beginning of the mountainous ridges. The mountains, unlike the grassy hills, are covered with lush forest and you can only imagine the wildlife that calls this area home. As you continue your drive, the road begins to bend and turn and wind up the hill and you are welcomed by the Cariboo Mountains to the north and the Fraser River Valley to the south. Low in the valley you can see more farm land but be sure to watch for cattle on the road as they are free roaming herds in this area. Just when you begin to feel as though you have experienced highway 20 and the beauty of the Chilcotin region you drive over another hill and the coastal mountains come into sight; majestic, stunning, and a reminder that your Chilcotin Coastal experience has just begun!