May 23, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Nelson, Fishing
Check out some fresh fishing photos and fishing videos from Nelson, BC and Kootenay Lake. http://www.kootenayangler.com/ . There are lots of trout fishing photos and videos.
May 21, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Williams Lake, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
Rodeos year round! This is the great thing about Williams Lake and the Cariboo - there are rodeos almost every time of the year. There is the world famous Williams Lake Stampede which is held every year during the July 1st long weekend. Just like last year Williams Lake will host the Canadian High School Rodeo Finals in August. And of course after such a long break during the winter months I had to check out the Indoor Rodeo.
They had Bareback and Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Barrel Racing, Team Roping and Bull Riding. Was great to watch and I am so looking forward to the big Stampede this summer!
May 20, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
100 Mile House, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
Find more information about 100 Mile House - Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
For years my wife has been trying to convince me to go on a horse riding vacation, but I was always more than a little reluctant to agree because of a couple of bad experiences I had when I was younger. Finally after some coaxing she convinced me to try it out.
I've always had a fondness for the Cariboo after spending a few years as a youth growing up at 92 mile on highway 97. So we did a little research and found Free Rein Guestranch at Bridge Lake, it looked perfect, and it was! When we arrived we received a very warm welcome from our hosts Kathy and Finlay (and of course little Benny their pet dog)and were shown our accomodation for the week, a great little log cabin that was just right for the four of us. I love log cabins and this was perfect, located nicely right in front of the lake with a great porch for just sitting and taking in the view.
If you like birds and bird watching the amount of different birds on the property is unbelievable. Once we were settled in, Debbie (the owner/host/wrangler) and Mervin (the wrangler) wasted no time in getting us familiar with the horses. They carefully chose horses for us that would be compatible with our riding skills (mine being zero!), and had us enter the corral, and approach and harness our own horses. Letting me do this on my own quickly made me realize that horses aren't big scary monsters that are out to kill me, but really amazing animals. Although I wasn't successful at actually catching the horse they had chosen for me, just being among them did me a world of good in getting over my anxieties. They then had us groom the horses to get us comfortable around them and letting them get to know us.
In the evening we all sat together for a homecooked meal and discussed the days events and what we wanted to do during our stay. After dinner we played some snooker and darts and enjoyed getting to know our hosts. The following days and nights were fantastic, consisting of training and horsemanship and some trail rides, some trails were easy and relaxing others were more challenging with steep hills and water crossings. We also tried our hand at barrel racing in the riding arena. Mealtimes and evenings were very enjoyable with great conversation and enjoyable activities. My wife and two children 12 and 14 had an excellent time and didn't want to leave, we actually ended up staying an extra night. All in all I found this trip to be very therapeutic, the best vacation I've ever had and I would highly recommend Free Rein Guest Ranch to everyone! And this is coming from someone who wasn't very fond of horses. The hosts are excellent and make you feel right at home and the surroundings are spectacular. I wish we had had more time to enjoy all of the activities that were available, maybe next time.
May 19, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Dining
Find more information about Fort St. John - Dining
I'm usually a bagged lunch sort of girl, but I hadn't seen a friend in a good long time so we decided to hit up a local coffee shop for lunch.
After a somewhat brisk walk through our unseasonable weather (blowing snow and below zero in MAY!) we entered the spacious confines of Whole Wheat & Honey. I had been there many times in the evening for local music events but never had I eaten there.
The coffee is fairly average, as good as anywhere but nothing stellar, but today I fell in love with their Souvlaki Wrap and Spiced Chai Latte. Having just had my wisdom teeth out I've been banned from crispy breads and the like, fortunately the souvlaki wrap was contained in a soft warm pita. I also found the filling delicious, fresh vegetables, from olives to cucumbers, to a variety of greens layered over warm sliced chicken (not processed!).
The chai was hot and aromatic though perhaps a bit sweet. I forgave the slight excess of sugar for the presence of an actual porcelain mug! I cannot begin to express how much I prefer the aesthetic of a real mug to a paper cup.
The atmosphere is pleasant and light. We sat in comfy leather armchairs near the little gas stove and the collection of instruments donated to the venue for impromptu musical endeavours. Though perhaps warmer than it needed to be, the place offered a cozy reprieve from the snowy May afternoon outside.
May 18, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Anahim Lake, Attractions
View a larger image on flickr.com
When we got to Escott Bay Resort, the owner, Bill, said we had to see Precipice Falls and Canyon. He referred to it as the Baby Grand Canyon, so clearly, we just had to see what he was talking about. He led us to an unmarked turnoff on the road and we only had to walk a short distance to see the spectacular view he was referring to.
The canyon opens up in an area you would not have expected it to, filled with lush trees and large scree faces. The fall were stunning, and a surprising amount of water flowed over them, creating a crashing sound that echoed through the valley. We were told the canyon itself and the water flowing through it makes its way down to the Bella Coola coastline.
In all, it was a great stop, but you would definitely need to stop in at the Lodge or at ask a local for directions, as the location is not signed from the highway. It is well worth the effort!
May 18, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Anahim Lake, Accommodation
View a larger image on flickr.com
When we arrived at Escott Bay, I thought it would be just a fishing resort but it turned out to be an impressive cowboy experience (and fishing resort!). We not only were treated to a great view of Anahim Lake, but we were delighted when Bill, the owner, demonstrated how to pack a pack horse for an overnight trail ride and shared with us his admiration and enthusiasm for the beautiful area around Escott Bay.
May 18, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Anahim Lake, Accommodation
View a larger image on flickr.com
We spent two nights at the Clearwater Lake Lodge, and I must say, it filled my expectations of a perfect, relaxing retreat! The main lodge and suites are comfortable, cozy and complete with a giant, hand built fireplace. The view from the lodge onto the lake is extraordinary and was coupled with various bird sightings throughout our stay.
The host, Gisela and Bernward, were absolutely delightful, and fed our group the most wonderful homecooked meals. Sharing their experiences in the area, they had plenty of local lore and history which added a great value to our stay. Berward was a great tour guide who led us on hikes and brought us to some of the many highlights in the area, such as Tatlayoko Lake. We had great fun learning and exploring with him! He even brought us out to see a nearby osprey nest.
Essentially, after having a great day exploring the Chilcotin, it is wonderful to come back to a place offering luxury, urban amenities with a flourish of great hospitality and company.
May 18, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Richmond, Whale Watching
Find more information about Richmond - Whale Watching
I am an absolute sucker for whales and marine animals, and knowing that the ocean playground near my home in Vancouver is teeming with life makes it that much more interesting. So when I had the chance to go with a local company, Vancouver Whale Watch, on a four-hour whalewatching tour, I had to jump at the chance. Their shuttle bus collected me from downtown Vancouver, and took us to the historic fishing village of Steveston, in Richmond, BC, where we jumped on covered boat and headed out to sea.
It being late April when I made my trip, it was still a bit early in the whale season, but I learned that all the whalewatching companies who share the waterspace around Vancouver Island, San Juan Islands in the US and around the Vancouver Islands "talk" to each other over their radios, to alert others if they've spotted a pod. So the likelihood of seeing whales is actually really high between late April and October.
And even if you don't, there was no shortage of other water life! We saw dozens of eagles pearching, California sea lions, a Dall's porpoise, and literally tons (of fun) Stellar Sea Lions, who we got up close to (keeping a safe distance, of course!) and got to hear them grumble and belch at us.
But so far, the whales had eluded us. Until... success! Two enormous Grey Whales, who the naturalist said hadn't been in these waters for two years, were spotted by another boat crew. So we headed over to find these shallow-water feeders munching happily and loping around us.
Alas, we didn't see any whale tails, or the typical Orcas that one sees at the height of the season. But we did see lots of spouting off - and Orcas or not, it's pretty incredible to see these things in their natural habitat.
It was an absolutely fabulous way to spend a sunny day!
May 18, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Anahim Lake, Sightseeing Tours
View a larger image on flickr.com
Tatlayoko Valley is about a 45 minute drive from Clearwater Lake Lodge. On our second day at the lodge Bernward took us to do some sightseeing. The drive is mostly on dirt-gravel road so drive safely and take a vehicle that can handle it…small cars will probably have troubles. Our first stop was at Tatlayoko Lake which is a long skinny lake that hugs the eastern boarder of the Homathko River–Tatlayoko Protected Area. The park was created by the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Land Use Plan and is a wonderful destination for the rugged wilderness adventurers. The strong thermal winds on the lake create the perfect location for windsurfing aficionados. The lake is also a beautiful location for sightseeing and capturing that picture perfect moment. With the spectacular mountains surrounding the lake on one-side and the grassy rolling hills on the other the spot is surely to take your breath away.
Our Tatlayoko Valley experience continued on to Horn Lake and Bluff Lake were we stopped for lunch at a reclusive provincial park picnic and camping area on Bluff Lake. Although the water was a bit chilly in early May I can just imagine the swimming in this glacier clear lake on a hot summer day would be superb.
A trip to the Valley would not be complete without a stop at the famous rock face. Tatlayoko Valley is somewhat famous for being one of the many locations for the film ‘Seven Years in Tibet’ with Brad Pitt. If you are lucky Bernward will show you the rocks Brad himself climbed during the film!
May 18, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Williams Lake, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
View a larger image on flickr.com
Chezacut Wilderness Adventures Guest Ranch is a must stop when travelling on Highway 20. This guest ranch retreat is the perfect place to ‘Get Away’…literally. Located 7.5 km off the main highway and 150 km west of Williams Lake, when you are here you are really away. The western accommodations and unique organic food is a great way to experience living off the land. I definitely tried some unique foods during my short stay…ask about the juice it is like something I have never seen!
The horsemanship lessons are really what the whole experience is about. Dominique is absolutely amazing with the horses and with us silly humans. She is very patient and descriptive when trying to explain the lessons. Our few hours spent with the horses were very interesting. We learned how to communicate with the horses; how to get them to back up, come forward, pivot on their back and front legs, how to run in a circle around you, and how to load them into a trailer. The most amazing thing I found was the simplicity in the ways to communicate with them. Dominique has trained them so well that when I simply stared at his rear end my horse would stop what he was doing and stand right in front of me, just amazing!
This is a great time for anyone, horse lovers and those who have never even touched a horse. Dominique is a superb teacher and will help you master the skills needed in your own time!