May 28, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Beaches & Swimming
Have you ever swam in four different lakes in three days? I have. I live in Prince George, BC, and last summer I swam in four different lakes over the course of a long weekend. I began in Cluculz Lake, located approximately 70km west of Prince George. I spent the day floating lazily far out from shore, relaxing at my stepfather's cabin. After a good sound sleep, I headed back in to town.
Seeing the sign for West Lake Provincial Park (approx. 25km from town), I made my way to the lake and jumped in for a refreshing swim. The water was warm enough to jump right in, and I spent the next hour treading water and swimming along the boundary before finally deciding to head home.
Upon arriving home, I received a call from a friend who was making his way out to Ness Lake (approx. 35km from PG) to hang out with his roommates, who were housesitting a lakefront home. Soon after we arrived, everybody headed down to the dock and jumped in the water where we chatted as we cooled down from the heat of the day. After getting dried off and filling up our stomachs, we made our way back into town. I went straight home and fell into bed, exhausted.
The next day proved to be just as hot as the days previous, and I felt the need for a change of scenery. I headed 73km north to Bear Lake, in the Crooked River Provincial Park. The hot sandy beach welcomed me, and the water enveloped me and cooled me down. I floated on my pool noodle for a while before eating my picnic lunch. After lunch, I laid on the beach reading my book for a short time, and jumped back in the lake for one last dip.
As I drove home, I thought back over my weekend, and realized I had spent most of it in the water! I also came to the realization that I had swam in four different lakes in three days! Suffice to say, there is no shortage of cool, refreshing, inviting water to swim in around Prince George. You should come visit!
May 28, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. James, Historic & Heritage Sites
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Finally got around to checking out the heritage site at Ft. St. James. it was fantastic! We got a guided tour through the site by actors in period costume, had breakfast and dinner cooked for us on an old wood stove/oven, bartered with a shop keeper over a price for my pelts ;) but after spending the night in the "mens House" sleeping on a hay filled bed I got to take in this view... perfect
May 28, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Gardens
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I recently visited Ferguson Lake Nature Reserve with some friends for an evening hike, and to do some fishing. We brought the dogs along and they had a blast running in the swamp and through the forest, chasing away any potential wildlife.
All along the trail there was interprative signs reading about the lakes heritage of horse logging that once operated there. The bridges take you right into the swamps and their awsome, I got a chance to get up close and personal with a garter snake that took me by surprise and I almost ended up in the swamp!
Fishing the lake we caught a couple trout worth eating, but the pups stole them. Fergason lake is home to lots of wildlife such as Lynx, Blacktail deer, Moose, and Coyotes to name a few.
It is a very unique trail and I had a great time, the city has done an awsome job on the trail, the bridges look brand new, but you can still go on the old bridges which are literally at water level, watch out for snakes though!
photo coutesy of Joshua Laurin
May 26, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Salmon Arm, Outdoor Activity Tours
Jeff and I have our own bikes but we travel together. Over the last 3 years we have just gone crazy on these wonderful BC roads.
It is now time to slow down (a wee bit) and enjoy some of the amenities our Tourism BC has to offer.
Our trips are always enjoyed with any fellow bikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
I will try post these on a regular basis so you too can plan the trip.
Coming up (hopefully within the first 2 weeks of June), a 3 day trip (approx. 1500 km) starting in Salmon Arm BC and winding our ways through South Eastern BC.
First night stopping in
Ainsworth Hot Springs for a relaxing soaking. We want to spend some time in some towns, coffeeing/browsing.
Cheerio, Candi
May 25, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Fishing
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I love fish. I love catching fish, I love eating fish. I'm not crazy about cleaning fish but I can do it if I have to
(I'm not above asking someone else to do it for me). Hours spent with a hook in the water is one of my favorite activities.
Here in the Peace River Country, we have great fishing spots. This is one of the most pristine places in the world. We have access to vast wilderness and a variety of big and small fresh water sources.
You can park beside a river, set up camp at a provincial park by a lake or enjoy a picnic by a stream. As long as you have your fishing gear and the appropriate license, you can catch your supper.
How about a grayling, trout or white fish cooked in a cast iron pan over a campfire?
Make sure you are aware of the regulations before you put your hook in the water in any of the lakes or rivers in the area. You can find all the information on the area at the Visitors Information Center in Dawson Creek.
The fish are biting!
May 22, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Ucluelet, Accommodation
Hi all, we are on a trip around BC and have just stayed in the most wonderfull B&B there can be. Words cannot describe just how good the Ocean Mist B&B at Ucluelet was, from the welcome we had on arrival, the room, the information on the local area, the breakfast and the overall willingness of the hosts to please their guests. A definate place to stay.
mike and jenny from the UK.
May 21, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Tofino, Beaches & Swimming
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To anyone coming to Vancouver Island Pacific Rim National Park is a definite must see. The rolling surf lulls you to sleep at night, and sunsets like these come only in your dreams. During the day there are miles of pearly white sandy beaches to walk or frolic on. Fantastic!
May 20, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Nelson, Art Galleries & Artists
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Originally not from the Kootenays, I arrived here about a year ago. The astounding beauty of the place captured me, and I decided to stay for a while, hiking and exploring the area.
I settled down in East Shore of the Kootenay Lake to find myself ever more attracted to the colorful community, and in specific, to the abundant art forms.
This is when I started to take on the photography of the area as almost a mission. I am a photographer, and having arrived here, I found the opportunity to mingle my artistic talent with this community of art and this colorful nature.
May 19, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Comox, Outdoor Activity Tours
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In this episode Josie explores her own backyard and shows how
diverse Vancouver Island truly is. Downhill Mountain Biking,
Snowboarding, Skiing, and Surfing all in the same week!
Josie talks
with residents about their passion for the outdoors and how freeing it
can be. Visit Mt. Washington, Mt. Cain, Port Renfrew, and Tofino.
Featuring Downhill Mountain Bike Racer Simon Garstin plus Sitka and
Quicksilver surf team riders.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGPtCPlosH4
May 19, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Richmond, Historic & Heritage Sites
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Britannia Heritage Shipyard located in Steveston, BC, Canada is truly a unique step back in time. Steveston was the world's busiest deep water fishing port at the end of the 20th century, dotted with 15 fish canneries, hotels, saloons, and gambling dens. Her boardwalks reflected the voices of Japanese, Chinese, Native Indian, and European immigrants, as well as sailors from around the world. The Britannia Heritage Shipyard is now a
National Heritage Site. There is a cannery, boatyard, net loft and restored residences here.
As you slowly wander along the boardwalk,
you can hear the cries of seagulls, eagles,
and hushed echoes of the past. Or was I only imaging the past cries of fishermen who loved the sea and make their homes along her shores?