May 18, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Quesnel, Farms & Markets
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At Pine Meadow Farm (also a B&B) outside of Quesnel, there is a wide array of farm animals, from horses to pigs to chickens to rabbits, but the feature animals are the lamas!
They are really neat animals and owner Wylie is so knowledgeable that we learned a huge amount about the animals, as well as the challenges and joys of running a farm that size.
We were able to feed all of the animals and had a great time interacting with them. Another unique attribute to the farm is her pet Dalmatian ‘Spring” who comes with an appropriate accessory, an old fashioned fire truck!!
May 18, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Quesnel, Farms & Markets
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A great morning farm stop just outside of Quesnel is Moose Meadow Farm. They have a wide array of animals including lamas, ducks, chickens, horses and even a dog that looks like a spirit bear! The lamas are friendly and it was so neat to see them come running in from the fields when owner Heloise called them from the fence. She showed us around the farm after giving us a tour and explanation of birch syrup production (the farms main product) and it was really neat to see all of the animals wandering around in the sun and interacting with one another without issue. The farm is a lovely setting and the little gift shop that she has is a great place to stock up on souvenirs such as the birch syrup made on site, alpaca socks (from wool sheared from their alpacas), as well as other crafts and keepsakes made by local artisans.
May 17, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort Nelson, Sightseeing Tours
Along the 2.5 hour drive northwest of Fort Nelson my family and I saw some beautiful scenery. We wound our way up the Steamboat Mountain to see breath taking mountain ranges and the Muskwa River way below. Then we drove further to the highest lake along the Alaska Hwy. – Summit Lake. It was beautiful and cold with some snow on the mountain tops. There were tons of mountain sheep climbing around on cliffs right beside the road and they were on the road too licking salt. Finally we came down off of the high mountain roads to Toad River town, we saw some elk and moose down near the town. Past there we wound our way along a very twisty part of the highway, right beside the Racing River. About an hour after Toad River we were at Muncho Lake. We got to stop at the Double G services and eat lunch at the bakery. It was a nice friendly place with really good home cooked food . . . I ate way too much! Then we poked around the area. We hiked up some of the old washes from the flood of ‘74. It was really easy walking and we got to see the awing effects of Mother Nature. There was so much debris that had been washed down to the lake and the amount of rock that made up the wash was dumb founding. Then we drove just past the north end of the lake and on the left side of the road we saw there was sheep licks that we could walk too. There was a nice gravel parking lot with a great view of the mountains. We walked down the short trail to see the salt saturated ground that the animals in the area come to get salt. Unfortunately we didn’t get to see any wildlife but it was interesting to see none- the- less. After that we drove on to the Laird Hotsprings. The road was so hilly and I couldn’t believe that the mountains were still so beautiful. Slowly we wound our way down to cross the Laird River then up onto an old terrace on the other side. On our right was the Laird Hotsprings Lodge which we stayed the night at. And the hotsprings was on the left. So we walked over through the campsite and down the boardwalks over really swampy ground. After a 5 minute walk we could see the hotsprings. It was getting cool out so the warm water was very nice!! I am too much of a wimp so I stayed in the lowest pool because it was cool. But my family went into the upper pools because they were way warmer. It was too cool walking around the lowest pool and there was willow trees and others leaning in over the pool.
May 14, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Mackenzie, Fishing
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I'm not much of a fisherman so I cannot take full credit for this massive lake trout caught on Williston Lake. If you know what you are doing or use a guide (like I did!) there are many more trout like this waiting to be caught. After fishing, we spent the rest of the afternoon jet-boating around the lake and then went back to shore for a BBQ dinner ... hamburgers, not trout! We released this big guy for someone to catch another day.
May 14, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Hudson's Hope, Attractions
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Ever wonder when you turn on a light in BC, where the power comes from? There's a good chance it came from Hudson's Hope!
There are 2 major hydro electricity projects near the community - WAC Bennett & Peace Canyon Dams, and BC Hydro runs tours of the facitlilites to show you how it all works. We went on the tour at WAC Bennett where they take you deep into the base of the earth-filled dam to see the massive turbines and power generating equipment. The shear size and scale of the equipment is amazing! The tour is a must if you're in the area and would be fun for the whole family.
May 14, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Hudson's Hope, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
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The drive into Hudson's Hope from Fort St. John is one of my favourites. As the road sharply descends into the Peace River Valley, the view of the surrounding countryside and the river snaking through it is really stunning.
We had the chance to explore the area on horseback and it was a great experience. Our guide from Williston Lake Resort took us on a trail ride and picnic lunch. We started near the shore of Williston Lake, about 10km north of the lodge and spent a few hours riding in the hills that surround the lake. I'm a novice rider and hadn't been on a horse in 10 years so I was glad that my horse Sugar knew the route well! We crossed fast running streams and climbed steep hills without any problems. It was a relaxing afternoon and I can't wait to do it again!
May 14, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Historic & Heritage Sites
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Dawson Creek is a great little town tucked into the northeast corner of BC and surounded by rolling prairies. When we visited, we had a great time exploring the town's museum and saw some amazing local artists' work at the gallery, which is housed in a restored grain elevator.
But the main draw to Dawson Creek is probably the start of the legendary Alaska Highway. The Alaska Highway House interpretive centre was a highlight - especially the PBS documentary on how the road was built. Definitely make time in your schedule to watch it before setting out on your journey north to Alaska. I haven't travelled the Highway yet ... but now I want to!
May 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
100 Mile House, Hiking
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After only a brief exploration of the Hills Health and Guest Ranch and its surrounding property, it’s hard not to be humbled by the extent and range of activities offered throughout the year for those wishing to embrace the great outdoors. We were excited to learn about hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding available once the snow had cleared, and shocked when Pat informed us that the Ranch had much to offer when the snow had fallen, as well.
Tube runs serviced by a t-bar, ski and snowboard runs and terrain park, and a vast network of cross country trails will keep the outdoor recreationalist busy while waiting out the winter. And with no need to transport your own gear as the Ranch offers an ample line-up of ski, snowboard and mountain bike rentals to its patrons.
May 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Quesnel, Dining
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Arriving in Quesnel a little earlier than expected, we set out on foot to find a warm drink to warm our bodies and calm our nerves. After speaking with some friendly locals and sympathizing with some striking paramedics, we arrived at Granville’s Coffee. In close proximity to the often-overshadowing Timmies, the unique café seemed to be pretty busy. Everything looked delicious, from their array of specialty drinks to the fresh baking on display. The décor was retro and vibrant, the staff warm and friendly, the atmosphere was welcoming and casual, and most importantly the Lattes were top notch. A cappuccino chocolate chip muffin reminded me of home and on top of it all, it was modestly priced. Needless to say, we liked it a Latte.
May 13, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Wells, Art Galleries & Artists
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Setting out on the road heading east from Quesnel, we arrived in the still snowy community of Wells, BC. With preconceptions of a vibrant artists’ community in mind, it was at first disappointing to see the community in its dreary shoulder season state. There was hardly any sign of life in town and most services were yet to be opened for the summer months. However despite this initial impression, we were not giving up so easily.
After cruising a few blocks in our versatile off road Toyota Yaris, we were drawn to Island Mountain Art Gallery’s by its effervescent exterior mural as well as its open door and signs of human life. The gallery staff were cheerful, helpful and genuinely excited to meet us and shed some light on their community. We were in fact just a few weeks premature to witness Wells in all its splendor, as the snow had only recently receded and the village was in Spring clean-up mode. The artwork within offered a preview of the local talent, showcasing the works of talented local artists as well as assorted books, poetry, and jewelry produced in, and showcasing the region.
We left the gallery with a newfound appreciation of Wells as well as the natural beauty of its surrounding landscape, with aspirations of returning in late July for the notorious ArtsWells Festival; a celebration of all things art.