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July 26, 2010 | Tips from Travellers > Vancouver, Other
I have lived in Vancouver my entire life and have travelled a bit around BC, but I need help from you fellow travellers. I am wanting to go away and get married but want to stay in BC. Does anyone have any suggestions? My fiance is really interested in Blue River but we are open to other locations. We are looking for an outdoor location with lots of activities around to have a "weekend" away for everyone.
Thank you for your help, Wendy
July 28, 2010 | Tips from Travellers > Terrace, Hiking
Find more information about Terrace, Hiking
We took a trip up to the Nass Valley up Hwy 113 and got to participate in a guided tour up to the volcano cone. It started at the Visitors Centre and then we drove part ways up a mountain, and then continued to hike the rest of the way to the cone. It was a beautiful trail, and an interesting experience, as our guide shared stories of his ancestors and what they used certain trees and berries for. When we reached the top of the cone, we were graced with a legend told by the guide, as well as a 'Taste of the Nass', which featured samples of food from the Nass Valley such as oolichan, dried salmon, fried bread, blueberry jam, salmon hash, and smoked sea lion. It was a wonderful experience and I would highly recommend taking the tour. The tour leaves every morning at 10am from the Visitors Centre and be sure to phone at least 24 hours in advance for the 'Taste of the Nass'.
July 27, 2010 | Tips from Travellers > New Hazelton, Aboriginal & Cultural
Find more information about New Hazelton, Aboriginal & Cultural
Kispiox Village, located about 18km north
of New Hazelton, is home to 15 totem poles ranging in age up to 160 years old.
The rushing water of the Skeena River provides an eerie song as one wanders
through the totem poles and curiously imagines the stories the crests on the
poles tell.
One cannot help but feel the history of the people who lived here
and treaded the same ground amongst the poles to admire the work of a carver
and the story of their history. In present day, one can lay one’s hands upon
the poles and touch the skilfully, thoughtfully, and passionately carved crests
that range up to 160 years of age.
It is an incredible feeling to be able to
tangibly touch a huge part of Canadian west coast heritage. Each pole in
Kispiox is diverse and a must see while you are visiting the Hazeltons!
July 27, 2010 | Tips from Travellers > New Hazelton, Artists & Art Galleries
10,000 tiny colourful salmon compose the
scales of 28 large salmon, which line the banks of the Skeena River in
Hazelton. The salmon were all uniquely decorated by students aged pre-school
to grade twelve from communities in northwest BC and are part of an art exhibit
that will be displayed until October of 2010.
The salmon serve to carry forth
the excitement generated last summer when Ali Howard swam the 610 kilometres of
the Skeena River that salmon journey every year. Ali’s swim united the
communities who live along the Skeena river and brought attention to and opened
dialogue about the salmon’s natural habitat and the threats the salmon face if
industrial development of the headwaters of the Skeena River progress.
The
colourful salmon display certainly ignites excitement in viewers and the
colourful display cannot be missed. Be sure to check out the salmon as you
venture through Hazelton this summer as they are only visiting us for a short
time before the continue their journey up river.
July 27, 2010 | Tips from Travellers > Ucluelet, Festivals & Events
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The people gathered on both sides of Main Street, Ucluelet, BC. Some held up cardboard signs, others were packing water guns and balloons. The race was about to start and the contestants prepared at the start line. That Friday night was the kick off for Ukee Days – and I was about to witness The Whiskey Dock Run. Before the days of trucks and haulers, workers would have to wheel cargo and supplies off the boats tied up to the Whiskey Dock up Main Street into the village of Ucluelet, which boasts a very steep hill. The Whiskey Dock Run is a relay race that simulates the old way of doing things and it’s become an anticipated Ucluelet tradition. The teams, each consisting of 4 members, line up behind wheel barrows full of tin cans and wait for the ready, set, go! Dressed in West Coast themed costumes the first team member of each team takes off pushing their wheel barrow up to the top of Main and back again. The crowd goes wild splashing the contestants with water and opening fire with their water pistols. The soaked runner returns the barrow to the start line, passes off his wet outfit to the next team member who squeezes into it before taking off for their lap. The catch: the more cans left in your wheel barrow, the more points you earn. That combined with your speed makes up the final score. The crowd is fickle. One moment they were helping a contestant return spilled cans to his barrow, the next they were whipping water balloons point blank at his face. At the end of the race the street was soaked, the contestants were soaked, the crowd was soaked, and everyone was very happy! The first place title went to the Ucluelet Volunteer Fire Brigade and their prize was an Official Ukee Days Whiskey Dock Run Winners 2010 T-shirt designed by a local artist. As the crowds dispersed I noticed arms going around shoulders, hands patting wet backs, and hundreds of smiling faces. This event was so ridiculous and equally heartwarming. Editor's note: Learn more about Ucluelet here.
July 27, 2010 | Tips from Travellers > Burnaby, Canoeing
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Who knew? Renting a boat at Deer Lake in Burnaby
is really, really AWESOME! If I hadn't a reason to go, this local
would've scoffed at the suggestion of spending a prized Saturday
afternoon at lake buttressed by major traffic congestion routes.
SCOFFED! And I would have been wrong. Here's what great about
renting a boat at Deer
Lake: - Deer Lake is big. Big enough for a couple of hours tootling around it. -
Though it's off Hwy 1 and Canada Way (yuck), all you can see are
mountains, greenery and the lake. - They rent rowboats, kayaks, canoes and peddle boats for 1-4 people. Huge
selection! - The staff are extremely proactive, friendly and
helpful. - In just 20 mins from downtown, you can feel like
you're at an imaginary friend's lakeside cabin, dragging your toes in
their water, sunning yourself caring only for how much humous and goat
cheese is left. - It's serene, pretty and easy (who doesn't like
that combo?) rejuvenating one's passion for living in this magical place.
July 26, 2010 | Tips from Travellers > Prince George, Hiking
Find more information about Prince George, Hiking
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I could see Teapot Mountain long before I arrived there. Being a volcanic plug (it's been around for a while!!), it sticks out like a sore thumb from the otherwise gently rolling landscape, and it doesn't require too much imagination to actually see the teapot shape. When I got there with the dogs we started up the hill and were surprised by the steepness - while the trail may not be very long, it does pack a punch in some places as far as elevation gain goes. However, once on top we were rewarded with beautiful 360 degree vistas from the four viewpoints and saw some waterfowl on the lake below. I enjoyed hiking at Teapot Mountain, and it's special in that it is one of only two volcanic plugs in the area. Roam plenty and roam safely, Your Traveller13 Editor's note: Learn more about hiking around Prince George here.
July 26, 2010 | Tips from Travellers > Kitimat, Forestry
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A photo of my brother and I (also works for Tourism Kitimat) located at the giant spruce. The giant spruce is one of Kitimat’s main attractions. It is BC's largest registered Sitka Spruce tree, and although it is weathered it is still a living tree. The tree is protected by environmental law, but if it was cut down it could provide enough lumber to frame 9 average houses. The tree itself is situated in a lush forest environment with thick greenery covering the area. Paths are setup to view the giant spruce, and other large Sitka spruces in the area which are just as awe inspiring as the Giant Spruce itself. Looking up at the trees, reaching high up into the sky, is a magnificent experience not to be missed while you are in Kitimat.
July 25, 2010 | Tips from Travellers > New Hazelton, Hiking
Find more information about New Hazelton, Hiking
On an overcast and slightly rainy June
afternoon my family and I headed for the canopied forest that Station Creek
Trail climbs through for a relief from the drizzling rain. Our 4.9 km hike led
us to an old packer’s cabin that’s old age is made evident as only three logs
remain from its original structure.
The trail winds through a peaceful forest
and the perfume of the mossy landscape permeated our noses as we trekked up
this steep trail. This trail is an excellent training route for eager
individuals as it ascends 600m in the first 4.9km. This trail also gives quick
easy access to the northern section of the Roche De Boule Mountain Range.
The
trail continues on past that packers cabin featured in the video for those who
are looking for a longer day hike. One can also access the route up Hagwilget
Peak by leaving Station Creek Trail at the 3.3km marker. Another route to take
is to continue on the trail to the alpine bowls on the upper reaches of Station
Creek. Station Creek Trail can be accessed from New Hazelton by leaving Highway
16 and turning south onto Laurier Street, turn east on 13th Avenue and south on
McBride Street. One can start walking here or continue driving up the gravel
road for a total distance of 800m. One can park near the blue gate. Watch for
Station Creek Trail signage as you continue up the gravel road by foot. The
trail leaves the road another kilometre past the gate. Happy Hiking!
Editor's Note: Learn more about hiking in New Hazelton here.
July 25, 2010 | Tips from Travellers > Oliver, Festivals & Events
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My family and I were embarking on a vacation to Osoyoos BC,
as we used to do every year when I was a kid. On the way there we stopped in near by Oliver and I couldn’t
believe how much it’s changed.
Did
you know that they host the Half Ironman Triathlon? We ended up staying for a couple of days taking in the
amazing wineries, restaurants and guesthouses. There was music in the park that was great for my husband
and I, as well as our 4-year old daughter. We are planning on coming back in the fall for the Festival
of the Grape! Editor's Note: Learn more about things to do in Oliver here.
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