May 18, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Hope, Attractions
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Saturday afternoon was a great summer day, so a friend and I headed out to Hell's Gate near Hope to check it out. Part of the fun was the drive itself - within an hour or so you can leave behind the hustle and bustle of the city and drive a scenic, winding road along the Fraser River and through a series of tunnels (don't forget to hold your breath & make a wish!).
Once we got to Hell's Gate (about 3 hrs. from Vancover), we hopped on the airtram that crosses the Fraser River at its narrowest point. This section is notorious for its current - twice the volume of Niagara Falls passes through there! After a short ride across, we got to the other side and spent some time walking across the suspension bridge and checking out the displays on the history of the river. To cap it off, we ordered a delicious salmon burger from the cafe and ate it on the patio in the sun - so nice and relaxing!
May 15, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
North Vancouver, Hiking
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On Thursday, May 13, 2010, myself (60 years old), my daughter( 22 years old ) and a friend (24 yrs), hiked from Lynn Canyon to Deep Cove. The estimated time for the hike was 5 hours but we wanted to do it in 3 1/2. No Problem! It was 22 degrees celsius, no rain, a perfect day for a hike. We started at 8:40 a.m.
The first part of the hike was up, very steep in some places and less steep in others. The scenery is BC at its best, sun filtering down thru the fir trees. The trail is excellently maintained, bridges over the many creeks, well marked except near the end (the last 1.6 km.) We missed the trail at the Indian Arm Lookout and went down a long way and had to hike back up so the hike ended up taking us 4 hours, plus the friend had a breathing problem and we had to go slow. Could easily do it in 3 hours next time. Today is Saturday and going up and down stairs has been difficult to say the least but I went for a bike ride today and I'll be out running tomorrow.
BC has got to be the most beautiful place in the world to hike, so accessible, so close to home and yet far away.
May 13, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Delta, Bird Watching
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One of the best bird watching areas in the Vancouver area is the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, located in the community of Delta, a short drive south of Vancouver.
Serious birders will know that there have been over 280 species of birds recorded here, but for the casual observer (like me) all you need to know is - this place is FUN!
You can easily spend a few hours meandering along the trails and raised dykes that criss-cross the estuary. If you're feeling lonely you can buy a bag of feed from the onsite Visitor Centre and you will instantly have more "friends" than you know what to do with!
The Reifel bird sanctuary is a great place to take the family, or for anyone just wanting to spend some time outdoors. The scenery is fantastic, and you'll see tons of cool stuff - the Sandhill Cranes are huge!
Cool tip: watch for the funky community of houseboats along River Road when you drive in.
May 05, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Museums
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I read the following Help Wanted Ad in an old recruitment notice for the building of the Alaska Highway.
"
Men hired for this job will be required to work and live under the most extreme conditions imaginable. Temperatures will range from 90 degrees above zero to 70 degrees below zero. Men will have to fight swamps, rivers, ice and cold. Mosquitoes, flies and gnats will not only be annoying but will cause bodily harm. If you are not prepared to work under these and similar conditions, do not apply."
Yikes!
I wonder how excited the men who considered the ad felt about the prospect of getting the job.
I went to the
Alaska Highway House in Dawson Creek and looked at the artifacts and original photos of daily life on the highway construction project. Some of the words that immediately came to mind were: brutal, harsh and unimaginable.
Even with today's equipment, the project would be considered monumental. But the crude equipment, the challenges of the untamed wilderness, and the harsh climate made the realities and scope of the project unbelievable.
The recruitment poster said a lot, but for more of the realities of what those men endured, make sure you check out the Alaska Highway House Interpretive Center when you come to Dawson Creek.
See for yourself what the day to day life was like for the builders of the highway.
May 01, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Dawson Creek, Golf
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Every year when our family comes to visit, we take a day to play golf. I am not an avid golfer, but I do enjoy a round with friends on a beautiful day and Dawson Creek and area has 2 great courses to enjoy.
The Dawson Creek Golf and Country Club is nestled in the junction of the Hart and Alaska Highway. It is beautiful spot just minutes from the heart of the city. This 18-hole, par-72 course is well groomed and is enjoyed by visitors and residents alike. There is a pro shop, a driving range, rentals, restaurant and lounge.
The last time we played there, it was a beautiful warm sunny day and we shared the course with a small herd of deer. They were obviously used to people, because although they kept their distance, they didn't leave. Our visitors live in a city so really enjoyed this added bonus. Many photos were taken that day.
There is also a great par-36, 9-hole course a short 10 miles out of town on the Alaska Highway. It's called Farmington Fairways and is really popular with people who want to relax and stay for a couple of days at the on-site RV park & campground. This is a really pretty spot in a very natural setting. Farmington has a 300-yard driving range, a pro shop, cart and club rentals and a fully licensed clubhouse. The campground and RV park has everything a traveler could need/want.
As a resident/host, I am so proud of what we have to share.