Tourism British Columbia Blogs

Bungee Jump at WildPlay - Nanaimo, BC

Chris Wheeler — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:59:18 GMT

The Harbour City Nanaimo in the Vancouver Island region is home to the first bungee jumping operation - WildPlay Element Park - in North America. BC Field Reporter Chris Wheeler hits the zipline and throws himself off a 140 foot bridge during his first time Bungee Jump... what a rush!

Share your secrets about Nanaimo by submitting your Youtube videos & Photos for a shot at getting some great prizes: http://www.secretnanaimo.com

Carly at the Beach

Margaret — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:54:06 GMT

BC Girl and Canadian Idol Finalist Carly Rae Jepsen shoots her latest video on the beaches of Vancouver. You too can build a castle and stay until the sun comes down. Enjoy!

Elvis was in the building!

Aaron — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:59:21 GMT

Wow! The Pacific Northwest Elvis Festival was a huge success. For the first time ever the two big events, the Saturday Night Tribute Show and the Sunday Judged Finals, sold out completely. This has become a very impressive event, attracting top talent from around North America.

Between the Elvis Festival and the Peach City Beach Cruise, it was really amazing to see the traffic in downtown Penticton. There were people everywhere because both events took place within the same two block radius. On top of that, the Penticton Farmer's Market STILL ran on Saturday morning.

Talk about things to do! Summer in Penticton is jammed with so many great things: sun, sand, festivals, fresh fruit, wineries... the list goes on.

Artisan Eats on Bowen Island

Margaret — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:30:35 GMT

Next time you are heading to Bowen Island, don't limit your visit to Snug Cove but climb the hill up to the lesser crowded Artisan Square. Not only will you find some delicious chocolate at Cocoa West and awesome local jewelry at by local jazz singer Christie Grace you will also find one of the most amazing bistros I have come across. Artisan Eats has just the right blend of fabulous local food, atmopshere and a small but excellent wine list to make it a reason in itself to go back to Bowen Island more often. I want to try everything on their menu!

Dinghy Dock Pub in Nanaimo

Chris Wheeler — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:59:48 GMT

When visiting Nanaimo, you have to check out the Dinghy Dock Pub on Protection Island. British Columbia Field Reporter Chris Wheeler takes a five-minute ferry ride to Canada's only floating pub and samples the seafood, talks to "Molly" the parrot and jives to a live band. What a place to enjoy an evening brew and watch the sunset... just watch out for pirates!

More videos showcasing the Nanaimo, The Harbour City at: http://www.youtube.com/DestinationNanaimo

Cimo=Fantastic!

Tourism PG — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:34:21 GMT

If you’re looking for a place to stop and have lunch, that will excite your taste buds stomach, try Cimo Mediterranean Grill in Downtown Prince George. Their daily lunch specials include such items as homemade spinach and ricotta ravioli with a tomato basil sauce and tilapia and goat cheese wrap with your choice of homemade tomato and caramelized onion soup or fresh baby greens salad. After you finish fantastic lunch, make sure you try one of the delectable desserts such as lime panna cotta or pot de crème with poached strawberries. While the food was as delicious as it comes, the best part of this lunch was the price which was reasonable on even a student’s budget. The next time I visit, it will have to be for dinner, which looked just as mouth-watering as lunch! Too bad they aren't open for breakfast too.

Krystin

Racing fun at PGARA Speedway

Tourism PG — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:25:00 GMT

The weekend of June 27, 2009 was the Hit to Pass Extravaganza at the PGARA Speedway Park in Prince George, BC. This event boasted over a dozen vehicles of all shapes and sizes. The cars drove around and around the track, crashing and smashing into one another until they couldn’t run anymore. At this point the pushercar had to shove them into the pit to be fixed. Parts were flying everywhere, so much so the track had to be cleaned of debris after every race. Other events of the evening included a trailer race, an appliance race (where coolers and ovens got strapped to the roof of each car) and a log truck car toss. All these events provided the crowd with much excitement for the entire evening. With many more events to come this summer, I highly recommend an evening at the PGARA Speedway.

Playing Hooky - Does this count as a 'staycation'?

Janice — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:15:11 GMT

I admit, there was a day last week that I just couldn't fathom spending behind the desk. Luckily, I had an exit plan in my back pocket, and took a friend up on her invitation to spend the day in North Vancouver.

Let's just say the day's experience ranged from serene to downright scary. We started with a gentle kayak from beautiful Deep Cove - quiet, calm, relaxing. But if I thought the heart rate was going to stay low for the full day I had another thought coming. By afternoon we were at the peak of Grouse Mountain ziplining at high speeds and heights through the forest. Yikes!

Amazingly, by 5pm I was safely down the mountain and home again. And when my husband asked how my day was, I could only say, "just another day at the office."

The Race Is On!

KristinNBCT — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:57:08 GMT

Ready, set , GO!
The stock car races were on full force this past weekend in Taylor, BC. Saturday and Sunday, June 27^th and 28^thsaw many local racers from around the Peace region take part in the Doug Babcock Memorial Points Challenge at the Taylor Speedway.
All different participants took part in the weekend of fun, from knowledgeable drivers themselves to family, friends, local supporters and visitors. The weather could have been nicer—many grumbled about the cool air and overcast sky (a sprinkle of rain provoked more frustration)—but the sun ended up shining for the last part of the day on Sunday, and although the race started late on Sunday, everyone finished and all was well.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the race is the variety of cars—the many makes and models, sizes and colors of the vehicles. That and the local spirit the race inspires: the cheering and support rang loud and clear!

Authentic Japanese Cuisine in Prince George

Tourism PG — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 13:16:31 GMT

If you are looking for a truly entertaining dining experience the Shogan Japanese Steakhouse located in the Coast Hotel in Prince George will be sure to provide a unique one. It is open during the weekday for lunch and guarantees quick and delicious meals for the lunch crowd or for dinner you can watch as your dinner is prepared right in front of your eyes in an incredible display of Teppan style cooking that is fun for the entire family. They have a large variety of sushi, bento boxes and stir fry dishes that will leave you wondering which one you should choose. The dining area is suitable for both large and small parties and the friendly staff make great efforts to make your meal an enjoyable one.

Mayor of the City supports Gay Pride Week

Cristian.Cano — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 12:11:38 GMT

Dean Fortin, Mayor of the City of Victoria, attended Paparazzi’s Pride Kick-Off Party on Saturday night. He gave a speech expressing support towards the LGBTT community of Victoria saying that he believes that Pride does not only involve LGBTT people, but it also involves everyone else. By celebrating Pride, they are building community with the entire city. Fortin acknowledged that families are very diverse and can be made in different ways. He explained how one of his daughter’s friends has “two mommies,” and they are very important to Fortin and his family.

Besides the mayor, David Tillson, president of Victoria Pride Society, was one of the special guests of the night. He received a $5,000 donation on behalf of VPS from Paparazzi owners. Tillson says that VPS is one of the few Pride Societies in the world that does not have financial pressure because the local gay bar is always supporting them with people and donations.

Now that Pride week has started, different events will take place in Victoria commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York.

Improv Everywhere Victoria - Slow Motion Fight Scenejj

Cristian.Cano — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 12:08:20 GMT

A new way of entertainment in Victoria was created a couple of months ago: Improv Everywhere Victoria. Ben Dunsmuir, organizer, has been coordinating different kinds of pranks that leave the public wondering what is going on. This time Improv Everywhere Victoria, organized a slow motion fight on Bastion Square. About ten people met at noon and two of them started a loud argument to get people’s attention. When one of them seems to lose his patience and is ready to punch the other one, the entire fight becomes very slow. Then, the rest of the people join the fight making the entire scene more bizarre.

The people at Bastion Square were completely confused of what was going on. Some of them thought that the participants were actors or public performers, not even the clowns knew what was happening.

Improv Everywhere Victoria has been around for only two months, but their Facebook group keeps growing and engaging more and more people in the city. They welcome all kinds of people to participate in their random shows.

After the “fight,” participants gave some of their ideas to Ben for future shows. One of them was having a fake celebrity picture, where one of the members would pretend to be a famous person and the rest would try to get his/her autograph and a picture taken with him/her. To know more about Improv Everywhere Victoria, join their facebook group or visit their website.

Relaxing with the Stars

Ali123 — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 10:10:23 GMT

Ever wonder what it would be like to star in a movie? I sure have but in reality, that’s just not going to happen and therefore I have to settle for the next best thing which is to sit back, relax in a comfy chair, and watch the movie on a big screen. Coming from a large city, I expected the cinema here to have one theatre, plastic chairs, and a tiny screen. I was most certainly proven wrong when I stepped into the Aurora Cinema at the Totem Mall. The large comfortable seats allow you to feel as though you are on that Pelham train with the stimulating John Travolta or soaring through the skies in the film, Up.

When I watch a movie, food is an absolute requirement. This theatre not only has a popcorn concession stand but they additionally sell New York Fries and Frozen Yogurt.

Have you ever gotten extremely frustrated with those audience members who feel it necessary to yell out sarcastic comments as if the actors can actually hear them? Well at the Aurora Cinema, the staff is required to ensure this does not happen in order to create a more enjoyable movie watching experience.

Furthermore, the theatres in larger cities can charge up to $12.95 for one admission. This ridiculous price is comparable to the $8.95 charged here. So if you are looking for a fun-filled family night that is also affordable, I would suggest seeking out the newest flick and making a trip to the Aurora Cinema.

Princess Louisa Inlet zodiac tour

Jake_T — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 16:15:09 GMT

I hadn’t planned to take the boat tour to Princess Louisa Inlet, but after seeing West Coast Wilderness Lodge’s sleek, red zodiac I decide to jump aboard. A smooth ride at forty knots takes us up a glacier-carved fjord with towering mountains all around.

After a dozen waterfalls I stop counting – we pause at Soda Pop Falls, where the boat pulls up close enough that a German couple in the bow can fill their water bottles. The Lodge's owner, Paul, has tagged along as our tour guide. He tells a tale of young First Nations who would challenge each other to hold a large rock underwater for long periods of time. They survived by gulping bubbles of air forced down from the falls.

Paul winds up his story with an offer to anyone on board to take the test – he’s brought along a rock for the occasion. Looking up to the icy snowpack high above, no-one takes him up on it.

The jokes and fun turn to respectful awe as we cruise through Malibu Rapids into Princess Louisa Inlet. I can believe that for many of the international tourists on board, this one tour has made their entire trip to British Columbia worth it. Imagine travelling through an inlet 500 feet wide, surrounded by mountains 6000 feet high. Majestic and breathtaking are the only words to describe the experience.

As we approach the end of Princess Louisa, Chatterbox Falls comes in to view – a huge, glacier-fed waterfall surrounded by rainforest. We dock at the provincial wharf where Paul fills our coffee mugs and sends us off to explore. Walking up the cedar boardwalk as I feel the mist and spray from the falls, it strikes me that a few hours ago this water was ice and snow from the alpine. The plants here are a lush shade of green I have never seen before.

On the return journey, we stop at some ancient pictographs – thirty feet up a sheer rock cliff. Thousands of years old and made from the bark of local Arbutus trees, the paint is still a bright red. We pause at the mouth to Vancouver Bay as well. Towering above this bay are Mount Churchill and Mount Vancouver, both named by the first European tourist to the area – Captain Vancouver.

Total trip time? Just over three hours.

Unbeatable Lakeside Camping at Whiskers Point

Tourism PG — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:07:09 GMT

Whiskers Point Provincial Park is the spot to hit up on a warm summer weekend in the Prince George area. Located only 130 km North of Prince George, the park is easily accessible to day trippers as well as for multi-day camping outings. The beach, which is one of the main attractions of the park is not to be missed. As the park name suggests, Whisker's Point Provincial Park is located on a peninsula which sticks out into McLeod Lake. The cool lake water comes as a blessing to anyone looking to escape the hot sun or pesky mosquitoes.

As I headed up to Whiskers Point just this last weekend, I relished in the freedom I was about to experience. There really is nothing like waking up in the morning, and opening your tent door to a view of the morning sun shimmering across calm lake waters. In addition to the warm sun rays, smell of campfire and roasted marshmallows, I was also lucky enough to be free of mosquitoes. The few days before my arrival at Whiskers Point saw a mixture of rain and sun which led to the absence of all but a couple of those annoying insects. The gently sloping expanse of sandy beach available to campers at Whiskers Point is greaty appreciated and utilized by all. In addition to one of the best beaches available within two hours of Prince George, Whiskers Point also has a 20 minute nature trail to stretch your legs on, as well as a boat launch and water perfect for any level of water-skiier, or fishing enthousiast.

All in all, with or without mosquitoes, Whiskers Point is a gem worth experiencing in BC's provincial park system.

Christina

An Uptown Birthday!

Ali123 — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:57:11 GMT

On the eve of June 25^th, my boyfriend and I were interested in finding a classy restaurant in Fort St. John to celebrate my 21^st Birthday. We decided to return to Uptown Grill, as I had visited and thoroughly enjoyed their delicious food during the “Be a Tourist in Your Own Town Week”. Since it was my Birthday, I had given myself permission to eat anything and everything in sight, so I was more than prepared to enjoy a delicious meal.

We started the evening out by selecting a wine from their wine list. Our waitress was very helpful and informative as she assisted us in selecting a fantastic wine. Afterwards, we decided to split the oriental spring rolls as an appetizer. They were absolutely incredible! We most certainly did not need them however, as our meals included a complimentary salad. I decided to try the teriyaki sirloin as a main course, which proved to be nine ounces of deliciousness! Unfortunately, since I had been such a birthday pig for most of the day, I could barely get through half of it. I am a carnivore and definitely love my meat but for those who are not, Uptown Grill marks all of their vegetarian meals with a small symbol in order to appropriately inform the customer. In addition, they have specials for each day of the week. Each day is a different theme and the daily features include an appetizer, main course, and a dessert.

During the meal, my boyfriend did the usual sneak off to the “bathroom” in order to inform our waitress that it was my birthday. The restaurant was so great that they allowed me to select a dessert and of course, it was on the house.

The general atmosphere in Uptown Grill provides for a relaxing and classy night out in Fort St. John. The outstanding cuisine and friendly service are sure to make the evening a success. I had a fantastic birthday and I will most certainly be returning there soon for our next festive event.

The Lone Wolf Golf Club

Scott — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:23:26 GMT

Hello, my name is Scott Schilds and I am a terrible golfer. After many years of failure, I have grown accustomed to this fact, and have been able to lead a healthy life despite my shortcomings on the links. So you can understand my trepidation as I learned that my first experience with my new co-workers at the DC Visitor Info Center was a trip to the Lone Wolf Golf Club. This was before I realised that this is a club that's about so much more than golf.

This, of coures, isn't to say that the golf facilities aren't incredible. It's a 18 hole, par 72, championship course complete with 86 sand bunkers and a CPGA pro on staff. The course is located in the picturesque Peace River valley, which keeps the winds low, and also allows the opportunity to see many kinds of wildlife along your way, including moose, deer, eagles and elk.

After our collective golfing adventure, me and the other counsellors headed into the licensed clubhouse to experience some of the hospitality offered by the friendly staff. Now, I may not be the next PGA star, but I do know good food. And the full restaurant on site served up some good food. For my money, there is no better day than one spent outdoors, capped off with a delicious meal and a playoff hockey game on TV at a local restaurant, and that is exactly what we were provided by our welcoming hosts at the Lone Wolf Golf Club.

And if it helps, that day held the best golf I'd ever played.

Bear Dens Trail

Erika S — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:39:28 GMT

The hike took us about 2.5 hours round trip. In this photo it shows Tesinkuit Lake, with a small strip of Francious Lake behind. I would think the mountains in the background are the tweedsmuir mountains. The trail there is mostly up hill. The rock formation is very interesting on the hike. If you like a little more of a difficult hike this is the hike for you!

Long Lake

Erika S — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:37:24 GMT

This photo was taken last year during the winter on Long Lake Trail, which is near Kager Lake. This picture was a snowshoe trip and it was a beautiful trip. This trail is very different during the summer with completely different scenery. It is a wonderful trail for anytime of the year!!

China Nose

Erika S — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:56:36 GMT

My family hikes China Nose as a yearly routine; it is a magnificant mountain. The scenery at the peak of the mountain is one of the most beautiful sights and it is right in Burns Lake's back yard. More so it is right in my back yard as my family has a cabin on elwin lake, which has China Nose as the central sight; as seen in the photo that is taken during winter. The mountain and the hike make me proud to live in Burns Lake; it is such an amazing place!

Sharing the Excitement

Brittney — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:23:21 GMT

Just this past Friday I had the pleasure of helping out with the Fort St John Visitor Centre’s “Share the Excitement” event for local school children. The event brought local children out to experience the excitement of the coming Olympic Games.

Children became athletes as they played Olympic inspired games (‘curling’ with beanbags and the house draw onto the sidewalk with chalk, for example) and decorated their own personal gold medals. They met the mascots via a selection of colouring sheets (unfortunately Northern communities do not always have the funds to fly the actual mascots up for events). Lastly the kids learned about all the fantastic things that are entailed in B.C. Tourism as they toured the Visitor Centre and watched the “Share the Excitement” promotional video which shows many of the amazing experiences that British Columbia offers. In the closing ceremonies the children were given “Share the Excitement” flags as keepsakes to remind them that the 2010 Olympics are as much for them as for the hundred of athletes from all around the world.

Local enthusiasm was staggering as teachers snapped up the six spaces that were made available for classes within mere hours and students eagerly cheered ‘Go Canada’ while Visitor Information Counsellor, Samantha Gibeault, explained the day’s significance to them. The day itself was a great success with marvellous weather and over a hundred happy children learning just how exciting Vancouver’s Olympics truly are!

Here in Fort St John, we may be hundreds of miles from the home of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics but the excitement was shared and the children of the North could not be more enthusiastic.

The two classes that were unable to make it were sent goodie bags filled with mascot stickers, Olympic tattoos, flags, magnets, and a “Share the Excitement” decal for the class to share. Any other children who missed the festivities can also stop by the Fort St John Visitor Centre for complimentary flags and stickers!

Adventure Just Beyond Your Doorstep

KristinNBCT — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:02:50 GMT

Sometimes you don’t have to wander very far off the beaten path to find a treasure!

One of the best things about summer is that an abundance of activities await you outdoors. Hiking trails, provincial parks, and campsites are all just a stone’s throw away from a good time.

No one appreciates these endless possibilities quite like an energetic pair of dogs! Feeling invigorated, inspired (and never one to turn down a chance to spend time with my puppies), I loaded my car with leashes (it always gives the appearance to outsiders that I am in control of my animals, though I haven’t, and never have had any intention of using them), a water bottle and DEET-free, dog-friendly bug spray and headed to Fort St. John’s Fish Creek Community Forest.

The forest is a family favorite. Ever since I can remember, we walked the trails throughout the year; walking in everything from shorts and t-shirts to stuffy snowsuits and sorrels. Having dogs to bring with you only increases the potential for memories.

There are three trails in this forest nestled behind Northern Lights College. I’m sure many families scope out the maps provided at the entrance to the trails to decide on the best fit for their group. I like to take a more organic approach, which entails letting the pooches loose and follow their lead! There are three main trails, the Anatomy, the Siviculture and the Multi-Purpose Trail. The one my sheltie and border collie-cross prefer is called the Adventure Trail. We made it up. A combination of off-roading, gravel and paved trails, thorny patches (not good for humans but my dogs don’t really take my legs into consideration!) and dark, leafy, mysterious coves of trees…this is my favorite place to go for a walk.

I watch my dogs frolic and play, running full speed ahead into the creek and out again, grabbing tree branches and playing tug-of-war. Oliver trots through a cluster of ferns so feather-like they appear to be nothing more than an emerald fog suspended above the ground. Through their frenzy, I still feel peaceful. The occasional jogger, training marathon-runner or power-walker greets me as we stroll. The forest is breathtaking; green and shining; ablaze with sunlight and constant creature-chatter. A gaggle of teenage boys cruise on bikes through the BMX trails, and suddenly, as we enter an archway of birch, a small sound startles my dogs into looking up and standing stoically; tails up and focused. Two moose: a cow and calf, moseying around the bushes, their quiet munching the only sound in the stillness, reminds me once again that we don’t have to venture very far to find a summer treasure.

Nothing Fishy About It!

Samantha — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:17:45 GMT

If you’re looking to experience a magnificent sight in Northern British Columbia, there is a forest in Fort St. John called Fish Creek Community Forest. With trails that are gravelled and partly paved, it’s easy to go mountain biking or take a stroll. The forest is a great way to get active in the city of Fort St. John because it is on the out skirts of the city but never too far away to experience some beautiful!

The great features of the forest are ones that set it apart. There are 3 main trails in the forest, ranging from 15 minutes in walking time to 1 hour in length. The forest is a great place to get active for all ages. Once in the forest there are many varieties of wild flowers, types of trees and of course wildlife, if you’re lucky!

When you are exploring the forest on the gravelled trails, all trails lead to and/or near the Fish Creek. Depending what time of year you go you can observe the beavers build and repair their dam.

Fish Creek is also a great place for mountain bikers, as there are some smaller, less travelled paths that can offer many different skill levels some fun and adventure. Also, during the winter the area around Fish Creek and the paved flat sections are great for cross country skiing and other winter fun.

A trail map is available through the Fort St. John website

Walking with the Wildlife

Brittney — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:18:05 GMT

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.

Wildlife in Northern British Columbia

Samantha — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:28:48 GMT

If you are ever in Northern BC and curious about observing wildlife you are in the right place! In this area of BC you can see a huge variety of different animals, and at times you can see them in your front yard!

At the beginning of the summer, I was entering Fish Creek Community Forest that is in the north part of Fort St. John. When I was on the path towards the forest, I came across an open patch of grass with a moose grazing on it. It was amazing! The moose was tame, I kept my distance, which is what everyone should do when they encounter a wild animal. It was the first time I saw this large of an animal up close and I couldn't believe my eyes! The texture of the animals coat was something I could not have imagined, the large head and big ears!

Another great experience of viewing wildlife was just the other night, when I was at a friends house. We were driving on a dirt road in the countryside and all of sudden there were two deer in the middle of the road. They were interested in who or what we were because they stood for awhile but the thing I found most spectacular is when we started driving they started running beside the car. There crisp white tails straight up in the air and the way they run almost looks like a gallop, it was a great sight especially with a beautiful sunset in the background.

Please make sure that you are aware of basic wildlife viewing safety.

Finding a little Peace in Peace Country!

Samantha — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:08:30 GMT

In mid June 2009, I ventured to a friend's piece of land outside of Fort St. John, toward Cecil Lake. While I was driving I was unsure of what to expect....will we be in a small hut in the middle of a forest? will there be deer? and bears? and moose?
But once we got there I was bewildered, it was breath taking! The vast rolling landscape caught my eye and heart.
After we took a long walk through some of the property, we built a campfire, toasted some marshmellows and made some amazing s'mores!
When we were about to leave, the sun was setting on a perfect cool summer evening. But once we saw the sun heading for the horizon, we decide to pull off the road and take some pictures of a single seed shed in the middle of a field.

The picture that I have attached is to show the amazing beauty that can be seen in this area of British Columbia, the days are quite long here so this picture was taken at around 10pm. That is the amazement that is Fort St. John and area!

Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre Opens!

Chris Wheeler — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 07:52:08 GMT

The Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre in Sidney, BC showcases the marine life of the Salish Sea! Tourism British Columbia Field Reporter Chris Wheeler attended the opening day and journeyed from "seafloor to seashore"! You'll love the sea elevator and all the spectacular marine life in the Gallery of the Salish Sea!

Say "Khutzeymateen" five times fast

Janice — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 22:08:08 GMT

Just north of Prince Rupert, near the Alaska Panhandle, is the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary. Although the sanctuary is remote and protected, travellers can visit the area on a boat tour from Prince Rupert. I recently joined Prince Rupert Adventure Tours on a visit to see the bears - we spotted five grizzlies that day! You'll get a sense of what the experience is like from my video.

West Coast Railway Heritage Park

Matt SamyciaWood — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:09:23 GMT

The West Coast Railway Heritage Park is situated in Squamish, between Vancouver and Whistler.

It is a great half day visit with activities for the whole family.
You can ride the 3km miniature railway, climb inside old trains or
enjoy one of the many historical displays (it has the only restored
Railway Post Office car in Canada).

Fun with the fishes!

maryann — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:39:33 GMT

This past weekend my husband, my 2 year old son and I took advantage of a rare rainy June morning and visited one of our favourite spots in the city ... the Vancouver Aquarium! The aquarium is one of the few places in town that we buy an annual pass for because my 2 year old son loves it so much and we visit regularly! This visit was particularly special because we were there to visit the aquarium's newest addition ... the baby beluga! It was kind of neat to see 3 generations of a beluga whale family together. As a bonus, while we there we had the good fortune to wander by the dolphin tank while they were doing some training and we enjoyed a private dolphin show! As usual, the Amazon Gallery was a big hit as we visited our duck friends and looked for the elusive sloth! No luck ... we couldn't find her. We'll come back again and I'm sure we'll find her next time! Rain or shine ... the Vancouver Aquarium is worth a visit.

A hike that started with a bang

Visitor Centre — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:06:00 GMT

Located 15.5 km's from Campbell River the ripple rock trail was a perfect way to spend a sunny day. This 4km (1 1/2- 2 hours each way) hike will take you down to a beautiful beach before you start the climb up in to the forest for views that will stop you in your tracks time and time again. As you scale your way up and into the tree line you would never know Ripple Rock is the home of the largest non nuclear blast. Once in to the tree line you pass thu old growth forest and there are 2 great lookouts which we found perfect for some lunch. The last part of the trail was a little bit of a grind but was well worth it once you come out to the stunning view of Seymour Narrows and Quadra Island. I would recommend this hike to anyone in the area for even a day.

100 Mile Marsh

GoCanucks17 — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:43:08 GMT

Attention avid bird watchers!! I came across this bird watchers paradise while hiking in the South Cariboo. Located by the South Cariboo Visitor Center, the 100 Mile Marsh is home to many bird species. I saw a red winged and yellow headed black bird, Canadian geese, ruddy duck, pilealted woodpecker, and even a blue heron. Nice 20 minute walk around the trail circling the marsh offers plenty of opportunity to view the wildlife. Good ideas everyone…happy travelling!

108 Heritage Site

GoCanucks17 — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:31:54 GMT

We loved the 108 Heritage site! A cluster of old buildings curved around the edge of the 108 Lake, near a rancher’s field. We were greeted by costumed guides that looked like they stepped out of the late 1800s, when the gold rush brought thousands of gold seekers in quest for a fortune, ranchers, and road houses (hence the name 108 Mile) The heritage site boasts a general store, post house, barn, church, black smith shop, school house, ice house, trappers cabin, collection of sawmill machinery and a HUGE Clydesdale barn… we were so surprised at how much there was to do and see. We could’ve spent hours wandering the Victorian styled ranch house admiring the restored parlour, kitchen, bed rooms and much more. We went for a long walk around the well maintained 108 Lake and Sepa Lake and had a picnic on the sandy beach. We enjoyed chatting with the friendly locals who also were enjoying the nice weather and relaxed, small town atmosphere. Hope to return again soon!

Sunshine Coast Splendour

Kathleen — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:33:55 GMT

Combine spectacular coastal scenery, first class accommodations and unforgettable cuisine and you get the Painted Boat Resort & Marina which I was lucky enough to spend a short time at recently. While the villas are comfortable and elegant, the infinity pool relaxing at any hour and the spa (which I did not enjoy on this trip) inviting, I was particularly impressed with the food at the Resort's cove-view restaurant. As it turns out, the Painted Boat Restaurant (open year round) has the ambitious but achievable goal of creating a "culinary trail" for the Sunshine Coast along with a number of other fine eating establishments that string the Coast from Gibsons to Lund. These restaurants focus on creative regional cuisine and they purchase most of their fish, fruits, vegetables, seafood, coffee and honey from local farms either on the Coast or off the nearby Gulf Islands. The Queen Charlotte Islands halibut we enjoyed for dinner was of the melt-in-your mouth variety and, when paired with the organic greens salad and white wine from BC, I was in heaven. If you plan on heading up to Madeira Park and the Painted Boat Resort, make sure you meander off the main highway from time to time to enjoy the communities (and the food) along the way - Gibsons, Roberts Creek, Sechelt, Halfmoon Bay & Secret Cove, to name a few. I can't wait for my next trip and my next splendid meal.

Spirit of the Peace Powwow

Alana — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:18:20 GMT

One of the major events in the Peace Region for Aboriginal peoples is the Spirit of the Peace Powwow. This year the event was held from June 19^th – 21^st,2009.

I had been looking forward to the event for sometime because it is a chance for me to get together with family and friends and celebrate my aboriginal heritage and history. Everyone is welcome to the event and it can be a very interesting and knowledge-gaining experience.

At this event there were four grand entrance times. At the grand entrance participating dancers, organizers, and elders entered the circle dancing to traditional and sacred drumming and singing. After the grand entrance there were different groups of dancers (dressed in traditional attire) dancing. I always enjoy the sounds of the bells jingling from the costumes as the dancer’s rock back and forth and jump to the drumming. It was very emotional for some people attending; even I began tearing up without an explanation.

Also at the event were people selling handmade jewellery, dream catchers, clothing and moccasins. I had my eye on a pair of handmade wrap around moccasins with beautiful beading on them, but someone was faster than I was. There were also food concessions. They had run out of bannock before I got there though.

If anyone should get a chance to attend a Powwow in the future, I would strongly recommend you take the chance, it can be a once in a lifetime experience. Many aboriginal people are happy to share their culture and traditions with everyone who is interested.

BBQ Beef & Rhubarb Pie

Alana — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 15:31:40 GMT

One of the true gems in the North Peace area is the Shepherd’s Inn restaurant. Located 40 kilometres north of Fort St. John along the Alaska Highway at mile 72, it is a bit out of the way for people not venturing north of Fort St. John but it is well worth the drive.

The Shepherd’s Inn is clean and simple, a classic diner style restaurant with cross-stitch pieces and local art on the walls. There are also some books and a few souvenirs and postcards for sale.

Upon arrival we seated ourselves by the window and were attended to immediately. My mother ordered coffee and I ordered the Iced Russian Tea. The beverage was a new experience for me. It was sweet with some spices in it (possibly cloves). It reminded me of a cold cider. I will have to go back just to have another glass and ask instruction on how to make it. After looking over the reasonably extensive and varietal menu I selected the barbeque beef (open faced beef sandwich with their special homemade BBQ sauce) with homemade fries (with REAL gravy!) and creamy coleslaw. The bread was homemade, thick and delicious.

After doing my best to finish the huge meal in front of me I decided that I just had to have a taste of the legendary homemade pie that people always seem to talk about after going to the Shepherd’s Inn. My mother and I decided to share a piece of strawberry-rhubarb pie and ice cream. The pie was warm and perfect with a packed brown sugar crumble as the top crust.

The entire experience was extremely enjoyable and I would certainly recommend this little Inn to anyone; whether to locals who haven’t been there, or visitors just passing through. It makes a perfect afternoon away from the kitchen especially at such a reasonable price. The bill for the two of us came to $32.00 (and that included drink refills and shared dessert!)

I will defiantly be back.

An Evening at Egan's

Brittney — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 12:15:19 GMT

Sometimes the kitchen just needs a night off. Last night was one of those nights. My mother and I didn’t feel like firing up the stove so we wandered over to Fort St. John’s Irish restaurant and pub: Egan’s.

Upon arrival, we were seated in a comfortable booth in the attractively decorated restaurant side. Modern decorative light fixtures hang from the ceiling and cast a warm glow on the dark wood and warm yellow painted walls, the old fashioned decor pieces and the rich, darkly toned tables and seats. I will, however, own that, given the number of windows in the restaurant and the length of the daylight here in the North in the summer, a rather strange lighting effect was created; somehow it was both dim and bright.

Despite the strange condition of the lighting the food was prompt and delicious. In under 15 minutes (from the time we ordered) we were served steaming hot meals which were satisfying and tasty. I had the “Our Very Own Egan’s Burger” with a house salad. So it wasn’t Irish, but it was still to die for! The patty was big and thick and savoury (without being too much) and all of the vegetables on the burger and in the salad were crispy and fresh. I would even dare to suggest that the salad was NOT from a bag! Pretty rare for your average restaurant pub.

My mother got the steak sandwich which, she reported, was perfectly cooked and very pleasantly seasoned. She found the bread that it came on a bit too well buttered but then, she is quite picky about butter content in her food.

Overall it was a very tasty supper and, with a 2 for 1 coupon from a local fundraiser the meal (for both of us) cost under fifteen dollars. So next time you need some fresh hearty fare in Fort St. John, stop by Egan’s and enjoy fabulous (and fairly priced) food!

Photo shows the Pub side of Egan’s.

Sushi Heaven Indeed!

Brittney — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 16:19:11 GMT

It may strike some as strange but Fort St. John has more sushi restaurants than Tim Horton’s-es. For the sushi lover in all of us, there are three great places to go: Masataro Sushi, Little Tokyo, or Sushi Heaven. They all serve surprisingly good sushi given how far the fish has to be shipped to reach our northerly (and inland) location, but there is one that holds a special place in my heart: Sushi Heaven.

I first stumbled across Sushi Heaven shortly after Fort St. John was inundated with the sushi craze when I decided that it was high time for small-town-girl-Brittney to try a taste of this strange Japanese meal replete with raw fish. I was mildly apprehensive but almost instantly fell in love with the fishy dish.

Sushi Heaven offers a delectable selection of inside-out rolls, maki rolls, dons, sashimi, and nigiri sushi. My personal favourite is the Dynamite combo (six pieces of dynamite roll and three pieces of nigiri sushi) which I found myself savouring a few nights ago with friends.

It tends to be quiet in the evenings (being more of a lunch venue) and so, we waited mere minutes for our meals to emerge. As expected the food was fantastic and the service was positively excellent. We chatted the evening away at a simple table beneath one of the many painted Japanese paper lanterns suspended from the ceiling, whilst periodically amusing ourselves with the Japanese quotes and wall hangings enrobing the walls around us. I probably consumed a good 3 cups of complimentary green tea before we trooped out of Sushi Heaven and slowly drifted back to earth.

If you happen to be in Fort St. John the next time you get a sushi craving or just need a taste of heaven manifested as a simple but charming Japanese restaurant, check out Sushi Heaven; it is a touch of paradise in seaweed and sticky rice.

Barn Dancing the Night Away in FSJ

Brittney — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 15:56:51 GMT

I have never been fond of country music; in fact, I have been known to cry out in abject misery at the twanging strains of a country tune. All that changed at my first barn dance.

Towns with large rural populations like Fort St John are famous for their cowboy hat wearing and merry two-stepping but I had never fully appreciated the charm of folksy northern tradition until I was dragged (kicking and screaming) across the threshold of a local family’s barn for my first ever barn dance. That was almost two years ago and I have yet to regret it.

Fort St. John barn dances are a family affair, from toddlers in frilled dresses to stately two-stepping seniors, everyone is welcome. However, being as they are hosted in a homey, though unheated, barn, they only run once monthly from May to October. I periodically think that I would be willing to brave December’s -40 chill if only to get out dancing.

Just last night I attended a barn dance celebrating this year’s highschool graduates. All ages were present and dress ranged from ballgowns and tuxedos to jean shorts and cowboy hats. It was a marvellous night. We polka’d and two-stepped, even waltzed, and of course danced a few classic folk dances like the butterfly and the schottische.

Anyone who knows how to dance is always willing to teach others and newbies are warmly gathered into the fold. So, next time you are in Fort St. John, I encourage you to get out and meet the locals, if you’re lucky you might even be invited out to come barn dancing with one of the warmest, most charming groups of people that the world has to offer.

Whistler Hidden Gem

Sheryl — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:42:50 GMT

If you're looking for a unique breakfast experience you need look no farther than Elements Restaurant hidden away in the Summit Lodge Hotel! You've never had French Toast like this! The bread is soaked in a sumptuous egg mixture and baked to crispy perfection - I think it's about 4 inches thick! It's also stuffed with banana and pecans with syrup on the side - a truly mouthwatering experience that I would highly recommend and well worth the calories! If that's not your style, the Eggs Benedict is equally delicious. While the place is small and may require a short wait, hang in there, as I guarantee you won't be disappointed! For evening fare they switch to Tapas which looked tempting when we checked out the menu and we plan to try it on our next weekend escape to Whistler!

Fernie is the spot for Downhill Mountain Biking

Northern Explorer — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:23:00 GMT

Everything you love about Summer is available in Fernie, British Columbia. Summer is short here in the land of Deep Snow (for those skiers) but it is sweet in the Elk Valley. We made a trip here specifically for the epic mountain biking...many go to Fernie for the cross country mountain biking trails but what really rocks here is some of the best downhill mountain biking at Fernie Alpine Resort. We found a great variety of trails from mild to scary...well some very technical riding for sure! What I liked is that my kids are just getting into the sport and there were fantastic intro trails that had nice berms and good-lines to make it easy to get used to the speed and excitement of downhill mountain biking. With over 37 trails we enjoyed a solid week of riding! we also mixed in some great hiking and did the Ridge traverse on the Lizard Headwall- don't miss this one if you like views and pure natural scenery!

Lynn Canyon - An Affordable Adventure

travelabroad — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 23:13:45 GMT

As a resident of Vancouver British Columbia and an avid hiker, I am always looking for new hiking places to keep myself busy during my spare time. I had heard about Lynn Canyon Park several times but had never gone there. Last weekend I decided to venture out to the park and see what it had to offer hikers of the lower mainland.

I headed out to catch the cool air as the weather has been exceptionally warm lately. At 9am the park is just gorgeous! I couldn't believe how peaceful the park is! Any local resident in that area is blessed with an amazing backyard. I took a walk over the suspension bridge which gave me a shiver as I crossed (Small fear of heights). Then I made my way down towards the "Twin Falls" area. I came to another bridge and rather than crossing I walked further down river which was a lovely flat hiking trail. I kept seeing markers for the "Baden Powell Trail" so I assumed that it was part of the same trail that crosses the North Shore Highlands. I'll have to check out the rest of it at a later date.

After a half hour or so, I decided to turn back as I had parked at the main entrance. I decided not to take my chances with the suspension bridge again and walked across the twin falls bridge instead. This followed with a large amount of stairs and a short trail. Before I knew it I was back at the main entrance and stopped at the Lynn Canyon Cafe before I called it a day. They had great coffee, and some lovely meals to choose from.

I would recommend Lynn Canyon Park to anyone, local or foreigner. The best part - It's A Free Attraction!

Happy Hiking!

Onboard the Northern Expedition

Janice — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:30:25 GMT

Just a few short weeks ago BC Ferries introduced one of it's newest vessels into service, the Northern Expedition, sailing from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert. I recently jumped onboard this 15-hour scenic extravaganza through BC's Inside Passage - check out the video to see what I found.

The Big Hill - Highway 20

kamloopstraveller — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:07:25 GMT

To get to Bella Coola, you have to drive the Big Hill. It is on highway 20, and heads through Tweedmuir Provincial Park before winding through to the Bella Coola Valley. It was definitely one of the top drives I've done in a long time. From the top of the hill, you have large snowcapped mountains, crystal blue lakes and thin trees. By the time you get to the bottom of the hill, which is only 22km in total, you are into lush, rainforest type vegetation yet still with the spectacular coast mountains.

It is a great drive, and even though its steep, and the hairpin turns may be little scary, but the views are great, and the destination is fantastic. Besides, you're allowed to wear the "I drove the Big Hill and survived" t-shirt when you are done!

Driving Highway 20

kamloopstraveller — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:57:46 GMT

If you travel through the Chilcotin, highway 20 will take you to many of the areas you'll want to visit. There is so much along the road: there are endless stops to make for photo opportunities or just sightseeing. One of these stops was close to Alexis Creek, a little cemetary on the side of the road. The beauty of the mountains in the area really adds to the stop, and the golden grass growing around the plots made it a very calming resting place, even though its along a major roadway. Be sure to keep your eyes open all along this highway as there is so much to see!

Organic Farming and animals at Chezacut Ranch

kamloopstraveller — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:51:30 GMT

When we arrived at Chezacut Ranch, we had the chance to take a little tour of the farm. Having been to many ranches growing up, I thought I had seen them all, but Chezacut was quite different. We saw the typical cows, pigs, sheep and other critters found on farms but learned about how the Ranch operates more sustainably and enivronmentally friendly. Although the ranch itself mostly operated horseback adventures, the hosts can tell you all about the practices of a organic farm, and the steps they take to ensure a high quality, ethical product.

And for those with kids, there are plenty of cute dogs and baby animals for all to enjoy!

Breakfast at Eagle Lodge

kamloopstraveller — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:40:32 GMT

We got up fairly early the morning we left the Bella Coola area, but we did have breakfast at the Eagle Lodge, which is right outside town of Bella Coola. We had a fantastic little breakfast of pancakes and eggs, which was absolutely appreciated after our long day touring the coast!

The Lodge itself was quite beautiful and well kept, complete with a little hot tub, cozy rooms and friendly hosts. We had a wonderful chat with Rose, the owner, who had lots to tell us about all the great things to do in the area; from hikes to sights, we could have easily spent another week there with the new info she gave us! Too bad... guess I'll just have to plan another trip!

Coast Mountain Lodge and Bella Coola

kamloopstraveller — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:35:27 GMT

We rolled into Bella Coola a little exhausted from our trip down the 'big hill' and were relieved to settle into Coast Mountain Lodge, just outside of Bella Coola in a town called Hagensborg. It was a beautiful little lodge, with easy access to all the activities in the area and a real modern design inside the log cabin exterior. There was a little cafe bar inside the main office where you could get a nice specialty coffee - this was certainly not expected but was absolutely appreciated.

The lodge was a great homebase for our quick stay in the Bella Coola area and it was only a quick drive to the ocean, to hikes, to restaurants and other activities. Definitely would love to go back and spend some more time and maybe take a wilderness tour offered by the hotel!

Horseback riding at Free Rein Ranch

kamloopstraveller — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:27:14 GMT

The morning after our stay at Free Rein Ranch, our host took us out on a 2 hour trail ride. We had the opportunity not only to ride, but also to catch our own horses, prepare and saddle them as well. That was a pretty cool experience. Apparently for guests who stay they quite a bit of time are taught a whole bunch about horsemanship and riding. Would have been cool to spend more time learning!

The ride we took was quite pleasant and gentle, but we saw quite a bit. From rolling farm lands, to a little creek bed and heavy wooded areas, the scenery was every changing and quite relaxing. My horse, Casper, was as 'friendly' as can be and I really enjoyed having the chance to ride again after many years of not riding. Hey, and they even suited us up with real cowboy boots!!

Free Rein Ranch

kamloopstraveller — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:19:38 GMT

We spent an evening at Free Rein Ranch, just off of highway 24 and south of Bridge Lake. It was a lovely evening out and we go ourselves a canoe and kayak and headed out onto the essentially private lake on the property. Paddling around the lake at sunset was incredible. What a way to spend an evening: still lake, gorgeous scenery and a a little bit of wildlife (loons!) to top it all off!

The evening continued with a little game of pool with the host of the ranch, Debbie. We stayed in one of the lake front cabins, which was very comfortable and private. In all, I would love to go back just to paddle a little more on the little lake!