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March 17, 2010 | Tips from Travellers > Dawson Creek, Parks
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When you are ready to take a break from driving and want to spend some time hiking, fishing or wildlife viewing, Dawson Creek has several great provincial parks just for you.
Swan Lake Provincial Park: 35 km/22 miles south of Dawson Creek on Highway #2 towards the Alberta border. There is a short drive off the highway on a gravel road. Swan Lake is open from early May to early September and has 42 vehicle-accessible campsites, a boat launch and dock. A great place for boating, hiking, walking, and bird watching.
One Island Lake Provincial Park: One Island Lake is an hour and a half or so south of Dawson Creek on Highway #2 (for 30km /18 miles) and then a right turn off the highway for the rest of the way with some gravel. This park is noted for its trout fishing, so make sure you bring your fishing gear. One Island has picnicking, boating and swimming. This is a favorite getaway for locals.
Kiskatinaw Provincial Park: Open mid May to the end of September each year, this beautiful park is tucked below the world famous curved wooden bridge over the Kiskatenaw River (a historical piece of the Alaska Highway). The bridge has been bypassed so it is quiet and a great place to stop. You'll want fresh batteries in your camera.
If you are looking for more information on camping and RV sites/services available in Dawson Creek, make sure you check out the Visitors Information Center located in the N.A.R. Park on Alaska Avenue.
Depending on your needs (power water, sani-dumps, showers etc), the folks there can point you in the right direction. Time to relax...
March 16, 2010 | Field Reports > Victoria, Other
The Paralympic Torch Relay arrives in BC! Torch Relay Reporter
Chris Wheeler joins the Norwegian Wheelchair Curling Team to learn more
about the sport before he sees the flame travel from Esquimalt to
Victoria where he speaks with Rick Hansen the "Man in Motion"!
March 15, 2010 | Tips from Travellers > Dawson Creek, Walking
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Geocaching is alive and strong in Dawson Creek! If you like exploring historic and natural sites you've come to the right place!
Also known as GPS Stash-Hunting, Geocaching is a high-tech version of hide 'n' seek where you explore the outdoors in search of hidden locations, treasures and adventure. All you need to find the cache is a sense of adventure and Global Positioning System (GPS) devise.
A typical cache consists of a small, weatherproof container that holds such items as: a logbook, stickers, an information sheet about the area and some inexpensive trinkets.
As the finder, you are encouraged to write a short note in the log book (including such details the weather that day, thoughts on how easy or hard the cache was to find), take a trinket, leave a little something in it's place and re-hide the cache for future geocachers to find.
When you get home, make sure you send a note to your geocaching website and describe your experience.
Our local geocaching enthusiasts have hidden treasures in a variety of locations around the region.
A day in the city or an out of town jaunt will reveal coordinates with exciting highlights such as an historic train trestle, an original Alaska Highway bridge, and inner-city nature walking trail, some of nature's best rural scenery and much more!
March 12, 2010 | Tips from Travellers > Sechelt, Horseback Riding
In April 2007 we took our family to an area of BC that is a treasure trove of hidden gems woven along the highway that reaches from Gibson's to Earl's Cove. I am speaking of the Sunshine Coast and while it was our first visit it certainly won't be our last. During our stay we stayed in the Roberts Creek neighbourhood (tucked half-way between Gibson's and Sechelt) as well as Daniel Point in the area of Pender Harbour.
Reaching Pender Harbour requires a good 30 minute drive from Gibsons and a bit longer than that if you stop at Halfmoon Bay General Store and other quirky stops which are a must! During your stay stop in at Malaspina Ranch - a few kilometres north of Madeira Park which is the hub of Pender Harbour community life. Tucked away off the Sunshine Coast Hwy is a ranch with well groomed and cared for horses that will happily carry you away on a relaxing 2 hour trail ride where you will enjoy views of the Caren Mountain Range as well as the Pacific ocean. Stunning scenery is part and parcel of this largely unsung area of the BC coast and certainly makes the time to drive worthwhile!
March 12, 2010 | Tips from Travellers > Sechelt, Hiking
Find more information about Sechelt, Hiking
In April 2007 our family had the pleasure of spending a week visiting the Sunshine Coast for the first time. Undaunted by the lack of hotel chain type of accomodations in this area we easily scored two great vacation rentals that were both affordable, comfortable and well outfitted. Here is my suggestion for a cost free, family-friendly activity near Roberts Creek (a neighborhood just south of Sechelt):
Cliff Gilker Park. A must-see for first time visitors to the Sunshine Coast. Just a very short walk from the parking lot will find you at the foot of a hiking trail that winds through lush forest of old growth cedars with lots of fallen trees that our teens scrambled over and under like mountain goats. Such an enjoyable, rejuvenating hike - not too long or difficult with the right balance of beautiful trees, streams, bridges and rocky ledges. Bring your camera and your dogs - they'll love it.
March 12, 2010 | Tips from Travellers > Dawson Creek, Scenic Drives
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Dawson Creek has 4 distinct seasons. Regardless of the season, you will need your sunglasses! We have
big skies and lots of sunshine!Spring is right around the corner and you can expect cool mornings, warm days and chilly nights. You'll want to have a jacket, gloves, and sturdy footwear.
Summer is very sunny with long days and warm nights. For the most part, summer is hot and dry, making tees and shorts the most comfortable choice. It does rain, so carry a sweater/sweatshirt and a light (possibly fleece lined) weather proof jacket to layer (an umbrella is optional).
Pack the footwear you are most comfortable in, sandals for the hot days and sneakers/walking shoes for the rest of your adventure.
Fall is cool and usually dry, you will want to be outside well into the evenings to soak up the beautiful evening skies.
Make sure you have that cozy jacket to wrap around you as you sit around a fire, watching the stars.
Winter comes in all shades of cold and all depths of snow. Make sure you have warm boots, coats, hats and gloves.
A winter walk on a moonlit night when you are all bundled up is an adventure you will enjoy.
Whatever the season, remember to bring your sunglasses!
March 10, 2010 | Field Reports > Squamish, Aboriginal & Cultural
I live in Squamish and so I was was very thankful to hear that the Paralympic torch relay was going to come through town on Sunday, March 7th.
The flame was lit by members of the Squamish Nation and then brought by
canoe across the water to the downtown celebration. The Paralympic
torch was ignited and then brought through the streets by individuals
each having a personal story of overcoming obstacles and finding
inspiration. An incredibly memorable day for Squamish!
March 10, 2010 | Tips from Travellers > Victoria, Whale Watching
Find more information about Victoria, Whale Watching
I can still not say enough about the whale watching experience, with Wild Cat Adventure Tours, we had several years ago.
If you want to go whale watching, this company launches right from the inner harbour, and guarantees whale sightings (if there are no whales in the area, the boats don't go out and you are not charged).
I have had various friends who have gone whale watching in various other parts of North America only to be dissapointed.
We used this company and saw many whales and porpoises, not to mention the friendly, no hassle service from the tour staff.
March 10, 2010 | Tips from Travellers > Silver Star Mountain Resort, Cross-Country Skiing
Find more information about Silver Star Mountain Resort, Cross-Country Skiing
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Can you believe all the snow? It’s still Nordic skier heaven at Silver Star. Had a fantastic time again this year during our annual early March ski trip. The majority of the lower village trails are good for beginners and intermediate skiers. We took the chairlift up to ski the mountain trails to Alder Point and came back to the village on Comin’ Round the Mountain.
One of my favourite trails is the Step Turn Hill. You gotta pay attention to the corners on this trail – it’s a whole lot of fun and a great trail to practise your step turns. If you’re looking for a nice spot to grab a bite, then I’d recommend Bugaboos Bakery & Cafe in the village. They serve the best coffee - the place is always hoppin’ and never disappoints! For a different dining experience we took the sleigh ride trip up to Horseman’s Cabin for a traditional home-cooked style meal. All in all another super Silver Star trip!
March 9, 2010 | Tips from Travellers > Dawson Creek, Gardens & City Parks
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When you come to Dawson Creek, and need to loosen up from driving; park your rig, put on your walking shoes and go check out the outdoor fitness park located right beside the walking path in Kin Park across from the health unit.
The unusual looking equipment is an outdoor version of what you would typically find in a commercial gym. Utilizing the user's weight for resistance instead of the traditional weight stacks, the machines and park were designed with seniors in mind although everyone is welcome to and does use them.
Intrigued by the big yellow and grey machines, I went to check the park out one afternoon and was completely impressed by how sturdy, user friendly and safe they are.
Each machine has a set of clear instructions displayed on it explaining how to use it properly. I personally liked the body twist and the air stride machines.
Open from dawn to dust, the best part of the outdoor park is that it's completely free to use.
You can get a map of downtown that will show you how to find both the walking path and the fitness park at the Visitors Center located in the N.A.R. Park.
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