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Rod Reid Nature Trail - Burns Lake

July 22, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Burns Lake, Walking

If you’re looking to stretch your legs while driving the west from Prince George on the Yellowhead Highway, take a wander around the Rod Reid Nature Trail in Burns Lake.  The short 2.1 km trail circles around the lush marshland pond named Lock Lomond and features several of the areas native birds.  There are several interpretive signs along the way that describe some of the natural processes which are taking place at the pond, many of them are visible from the trails two viewing platforms.  So put on some comfy shoes and enjoy this relaxing stroll around the pond.

 

Tasha and Jen

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Posted by Tourism PG, Prince George at 12:57 PM

Dawson Creek Walking Trail

July 21, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Dawson Creek, Walking

Hello my name is Brenna and I live near Dawson Creek. Yesterday I was in town and had a few hours to kill so I decided to do the Walking Trail through town. I was pleasantly surprised at how lovely the walk was. I didn’t have time to do the entire trail so I started at the Dawson Creek Public Library and walked west. At first I met a number of people on the trail; most had baby strollers or visitors going out for an afternoon jog.  But as I got further from the Library and out beside the farm fields there were very few people. As I walked along the fields, the grass was rippling in the wind; I hope to go back in the beginning of August when the canola is in bloom – it would be very picturesque. I walked past some beautiful houses and through gorgeous parks. The entire trail is paved but I was able to get off to the side and jog in most places. I wound up and down along the trail and through the trees, with the Dawson creek always close by. Near the end of my adventure at Pioneer Village, I crossed the creek on a quaint little wooden bridge. I personally did not really enjoy the few blocks that I had to walk along 17^th  street but the rest of the trail more then compensated for those five minutes. After I walked from the Library out to Pioneer Village and back, I decided that I had not walked enough so I wondered through Kin Park. There was a nice playground and tennis court near the Hospital, which I walked through on my way down to cross the creek on another wooden bridge. After the two hours of brisk walking, I decided that the stone benches across the road from the Library were looking pretty good to rest on. It was definitely an enjoyable walk and I hope I can do it again soon.

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Posted by VIC Gals, Dawson Creek at 04:28 PM

Evenshen and Rod Reid Nature Trails

July 8, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Burns Lake, Walking

After driving for hours one needs to get out and stretch their legs a little bit, I know, I was also the one who posted the information about loving driving around. I found that Burns Lake has just the trails for needing to have a stretch break. With a quick stop into the Burns Lake Visitor Information Centre/Chamber of Commerce one can get the brochure, or just verbal information, about the Eveneshen and Rod Reid Nature Trails. A traveler could walk these trails seperately or together, however long a walk they need.

The Eveneshen Trail is 1.3km and is mostly an uphill stretch that goes along a mini creek. The Rod Reid on the other hand is a 2.1km flat walk that borders the Loch Lomond pond that is also known as Beaver pond for it once housed a large beaver den that is still visible. Taken together the trails offer a nice unity of uphill exercise and then a flat retreat and then a down hill walk back. Seperately they offer quick exercises. The Rod Reid Trail also has informative signs about local wildlife and plantlife as well as viewing platforms and several benches for those needing a brief rest.

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Posted by Kari, at 03:30 PM

Walking with the Wildlife

June 24, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Fort St. John, Walking

 I woke up this morning to lovely weather and a dog bouncing merrily off of the walls with excess energy.  It was clearly time to find somewhere to walk.  I took off on the sidewalk but soon stumbled across the Fort St. John Community Walking Trails.

The trails loop around the north half of town through forest and field, and even into a few of the local parks.  Eventually the city hopes to wrap the trails around the entire city and perhaps even add a section leading out to Charlie Lake (a small community built around a lake just northwest of Fort St. John).  Being pet and bike friendly, the trails encourage healthy, green living and save walkers from the trauma of being driven off a walking trail by some madman on a dirt bike as motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trails.  

Today we found ourselves jogging through mature stands of poplar on paths lined with bluebells and wild roses.  It was like running through a perfumery!  Though the trails are often quite busy we had them almost entirely to ourselves.  The only thing we ran into was a healthy young moose.  

He was stripping branches of new leaves just off the path as we jogged by and I will admit that I was quite startled and not a little frightened by his sudden appearance.  Fortunately my dog decided against barking and getting us trampled and we were able to walk by without incident.  At a mere 2 meters away it was the closest I had been to a moose in years!  He watched us as we walked by, all the while munching on the trees.  

By the time we got back home, my dog and I were both hot and tired but somehow exhilarated from our brush with the wild on Fort St. John’s Community Walking Trails.  So if you happen to be in Fort St. John and in need of some fresh air and exercise, be sure to check out the community walking trails, you might even meet some locals whether they are wild or just walkers.  


Tips for Meeting Moose:
-    Don’t take dogs out on the trails unless they are used to wild animals and know better than to bark
-    If you don’t want to run into any animals, make lots of noise while walking, but if you do encounter one remain quiet and do not make any sudden or loud noises
-    Walk by the animal calmly and don’t make any sudden movements
-    If you are as close as I was, don’t take pictures, a loud camera noise or a flash may startle the animal
Moose are generally quite docile but if you startle them you may run into trouble, so proceed with caution (be quiet and calm: don’t ever run and scream when you stumble across one) and try not to make any impact on the animal.

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Posted by Brittney, Fort St. John at 01:18 PM

Odgen Point

March 26, 2009 | Tips from Us > Victoria, Walking
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Feel like sitting down with a warm bowl of veggie chili and a hot cup of coffee (or a cold beer) after a long walk in the fresh air? This is the place for you! I recently moved to Victoria but I have already discovered one of my new favourite hang-outs. Odgen Point Cafe & Dive Centre. It's off Dallas Road and next to the cruise ship terminal.

The cafe is a cozy, neighbourhood kind of place with warm smiles and local papers being passed around, as well as the pastries and quiche. I could sit here for hours, and every second I would get a different view.

The cafe is located at the start of the Ogden Point breakwater, and sits on top of the dive shop. There is a rocky beach close by, a seawall walkway leading to Clover Point, and a small marina within view. Between the divers hitting the water (one of the best dive sites in Victoria), the joggers jogging, the kids skipping rocks, the dogs walking their owners, and the tugboats and cruise ships going to and fro, the view is ever changing. (You can often see the dog from the owner of the dive shop hitting the water too!) People watching at its best - especially if you get a coveted seat on the patio.

I recommend wearing a jacket on the breakwater as the wind can get a bit intimate - especially if you make it to marker #5. But then, what a good excuse to head into the cafe to warm up!

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Posted by Susan, Vancouver at 06:37 PM

Romantic Victoria - Top Five Places to Kiss

November 14, 2008 | Tips from Us > Victoria, Walking
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 My significant other and I felt we should do some research on making your Victoria vacation a memorable one…we thought we’d share a few of our findings.

 

#5 Mount Douglas Park – Drive or hike to the top and share a view of Victoria – go at sunset and watch the snow-capped Olympic Mountains turn pink – are you melting yet?

 

#4 Sipping martinis at Vista 18 – Every seat in this rooftop restaurant in the Chateau Victoria Hotel offers unforgettable views - cityscape, the Inner Harbour, ocean, mountains – I know a few people who have asked a very important question here…

 

#3 Westsong Way – From the west side of the harbour, you’ll get the best views of the Victoria skyline including the Empress Hotel and Parliament Buildings. Pretend you are tired and snuggle up together in one of the Victoria Harbour Ferries on your way back into the city. Oh yes I did.

 

#2 Dallas Road – Walk along the waterfront from Ogden Point to Clover Point; there are plenty of places off the pathway to take in the scenery – several sets of stairs along the walk lead to quiet pocket beaches. Views of Juan de Fuca Strait and the Olympic Mountains.

 

And the #1 place to set off some sparks…

 

Willows Beach – pack a picnic and blanket; watching the moon rise over the ocean on this strip of sand in Oak Bay is a smooth move. Let’s just say you won’t need hot chocolate. 15 minute drive from downtown Victoria and transit buses drop off/pick up here.

 

I like research…

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Posted by Christian, Vancouver at 10:05 AM

Long Beach Photo on Vancouver Island

November 2, 2008 | Tips from Travellers > Ucluelet, Walking

 This was taken a couple of years ago near Combers Beach parking area. I love how the walkers have their shoes in their hands. And how the flock of gulls are nearly hidden in the fog. And how she has turned to watch a gull flying. The peace, tranquility and agelessness of the beach.

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Posted by Rainbird, Port Alberni at 05:53 PM

Long Beaches and Big Trees

March 3, 2008 | Tips from Us > Tofino, Walking

 It doesn't matter how many times I go out to the west coast of Vancouver Island, I'm always amazed at the raw beauty of our natural wonders.  It was even more evident as seen recently through the eyes of our two English guests who while well travelled, seemed totally delighted with everything British Columbia had to offer.  Of special interest to one was the old growth forest and the other the expansive and tantalizing beach. 

So they are both coming back, one to explore our coastal rainforests and the other to body surf all summer long. 

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Posted by Margaret, Vancouver at 12:56 PM

I love BC

February 7, 2008 | Tips from Travellers > Vancouver, Walking
Find more information about Vancouver, Walking

Vancouver is a beautiful city....

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Posted by T4G Geekfest, Toronto at 10:13 PM

Bull Loose in the Park

July 14, 2007 | Tips from Travellers > Kamloops, Walking

 The newest addition to our Riverside Park is a lifesized bronze bull. Its perfect for riding and having your picture taken.

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Posted by PlusMuchMore, Kamloops at 01:25 AM