Tourism British Columbia Blogs

Fires in the Sky

k.bannerman — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 20:29:28 GMT

Every year, the Taiwanese Lantern Festival comes to Cumberland, BC. Colourful lanterns are displayed in a local hall for a week, and on the Saturday night, floating lanterns are released into the chilly February skies. They look like jellyfish, rising slowly through the darkness, and as they grow smaller, they create shifting constellations before vanishing.

Romantic Getaway or Ladies Retreat in the North Okanagan

Tourism BC Field Reporter - Kelli — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 09:36:02 GMT

When you need a break from the ski hill, you can relax at Sparkling Hill Resort or even take in some of the world famous Okanagan wineries. Wineries are not just for summer. Watch and find out more!

Snowshoeing in Coastal BC

Tourism BC Field Reporter - Kelli — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 09:34:31 GMT

There is a reason snowshoeing is the fastest growing winter sport in the world and there is no better place to try it out than beautiful British Columbia!

Escapes and Road Trips - British Columbia's Okanagan wine region

deborahmacneill photographer — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 01:49:29 GMT

Vancouver B.C. to Okanagan Valley, October 2012 - 397 km It’s true. We saw it for ourselves. We toured, we tasted and we were smitten. On the Eastern side of British Columbia’s Coastal Range is the land of wine, warmth and sunshine - by some records more than 2000 hours of it yearly. Bouncing off rivers, warming crystal lakes it ripens voluptuous apples, peaches, plums and pears in Okanagan orchards. It also provides ideal conditions for the growing of grapes, a fruit that produces 35 per cent of British Columbia’s agricultural revenue, in an area that is highly promoted for its climate and attractions.

Friends and family told us since our arrival in Vancouver from Toronto six years ago: “You must do an Okanagan wine tour” we had toured other wine regions in France, Switzerland, Italy, Argentina and Chile, but we had not yet driven the 397 kilometers to Osooyos B.C. where the “pocket desert” of the Okanagan hosts one of the nation’s best wine growing regions.

In late September, when a grey veil of cloud dropped out of the late summer sky and our neighbors disappeared in fog across False Creek we decided this was it. Time to see for ourselves if the sunny tales were true and if the wines really did have legs.

If you like to read the whole story please go to: deborahmacneill.com

Fall at Red Lake just outside of Kamloops B.C

ExploringKamloops — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 21:07:21 GMT

This past fall, while on a fishing trip up at Red Lake which is located about 50km North of Kamloops, Exploring Kamloops managed to snap some shots of the lake as fall sets in. The water was like glass, and the colors were well, gorgeous! If you have never been to Red Lake, you need to know 3 things.

The drive there is crazy. The only road that takes you up there is a winding gravel road that features 100ft drops (not sure on the exact height, but it's a mountain so it's high), steep inclines that take you up for kilometers and mountain cows. Mountain cows which are cows that wander the mountains and love to just pop out when your coming around a corner.

The lake is beautiful. The lake appears to be spring fed and is relatively clear. The elevation of the actual lake is about 950m so it tends to boast milder weather then some of the other popular lakes in the hills. The lake has a max depth of about 35m and is home to both Brook Trout and Rainbow Trout. This year the biggest Brookie we've pulled has been 4.5 lbs and the biggest Rainbow we pulled has been a 5 lb'er. However a friend of dad's brought in an 8 lb Rainbow last week, so there are some big ones in there.

Locals and visitors alike, are pretty awesome. There a few cabins sprawled along the North side of the lake that has both seasonal and year-round residents. Some lots have gorgeous permanent cabins on them, while some just have trailers and out buildings. Everyone we've met while at the lake has showen a high level of respect to the lake, the lifestyle, and the community in general. Each time we've been to Red Lake, we have always been greeted with a nod or a wave from the other boats on the lake and have been welcomed among the locals with no hesitation. In the past, when fishing at a lake with a close-nit community built around it, it has not been uncommon for us as visitors to be met by hostile, unwelcoming locals. There has never been an inclining of that at Red Lake.

On this particular trip, we didn't end up catching any fish. The weather has just turned colder and going up, we knew there had just been a hatch of the fish's natural food the week before so our bait did little to tempt the already full fish. However, the lake offered a beautiful backdrop to a relaxing day on the water.

If any of you are thinking about going to Red Lake, there is a copy of a depth map of the lake offered free by The Angler's Atlas.The lake has 2 very shallow areas where it's easy to snag your tackle that are best to avoid if you are trolling, as well as a handful of deep trenches that are awesome to fish on those hot summer days.

We definitely loved Red Lake this past summer, and are looking forward to fishing it into the fall and winter. Our freezer stash of Rainbows and Brookies we've caught up there is a great way to help us live local and makes for an amazing way to enjoy the Kamloops Area in any season.

Decision made - planning started for our trip to BC

Denise P — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 14:33:06 GMT

In July 2012, we went camping in North Carolina and South Carolina. It was one of the hottest vacations we'd ever done. If you are familiar with tent camping, you know that tents don't breathe, and although we did camp on the coast, the breezes never made it as far as our campgrounds. The ocean temperatures must have been in the high 30s (C).

Our habit is to discuss/plan/decide on the next year's summer vacation on our way home from the current one. We've planned our vacations to the Grand Canyon, Gaspe, Alaska, Newfoundland, the coast or Washington/Oregon, North Dakota etc this way. We have many trips on our bucket list.

We thought of a cruise up the inside passage, and decided it was time to see some of BC. While looking for an inexpensive trip on a cruiseline, I "tripped" across the offer from BC Ferries. For a reasonable price, we could start in Vancouver, travel the inside passage and drive back down from Prince Rupert. Being true campers/drivers of long distances to get where we want to be and see, this appealed to us.

I contacted BC Ferries, but found out I can't book a 2013 trip until January - when the new rates are published. So, I've left my name/email etc. with their promise to contact me as soon as I can book the trip.

Since then, I've sent for and received the BC Trip Planner package and I've purchased a current Frommer's Guide on BC, I've got my hiliters out, pinned up my map and planned our route. Because it doesn't cost a dime to reserve a rental car, I've booked the car. This past week, I've booked our flights on West Jet (I don't figure the price will go down between now and Aug 2, but it's a gamble, for sure). I'm paying for the flight with my TD Visa points, so again, I'm not yet out of any cash.

Cold Paradise

k.bannerman — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 10:30:40 GMT

Mt. Washington, located on Vancouver Island, is renowned for fantastic skiing in the winter and remarkable hiking in the summer. But when we arrived in late October, it became immediately apparent that this was neither season.

As we left our car, a gust of bitterly cold wind sliced through my sweater. A skiff of snow covered the leaves, as if all the world had been dusted with icing sugar. The red leaves and golden grasses had now been dressed in a ghostly lace of frost. We set out along the trails of Paradise Meadows and saw very few people. The two or three hikers we passed were well bundled in rain gear, and kitted out with scarves, gloves, and bright red noses.

The temperature started cold, then warmed, then snow billowed around us, then the sun burned through the clouds and warmed our faces. The weather lurched from one extreme to another. We felt like we were standing on the middle of a teeter-totter, with one end in August and the other in December.

It was silent and beautiful. During summer and winter, the mountain can feel crowded with skiiers and hikers, but autumn provides a time for quiet reflection, when we can peer into the icy pools and admire the last crimson leaves. This season of transition reminds us of change, and you can almost feel the icy breath of Winter on your neck, creeping closer. When we stopped on the trail to take some footage, a chipmunk scurried up to my boot, placed its paws brazenly on my toes, and looked at me with suspicion. Why are you here, it seemed to say, when you could be home with a cup of hot chocolate in hand?

The answer is simple: I wouldn't want to miss this! The dramatic greys and silvers, the brooding forest, the eccentric shifts in the weather, all provide a breathtaking way to welcome the change of seasons.

The Tourists

k.bannerman — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 16:18:30 GMT

As I tugged my wetsuit over my legs and my partner grabbed the camera gear from the trunk of the car, he glanced over my shoulder towards the water.

"We're being watched."

I turned, expecting to see someone on the beach, but all was still. Most of the beachcombers were on the other side of Goose Spit, a sandy finger of land that juts out into Comox Bay on the east coast of Vancouver Island. We, however, needed calm water for our underwater photography, and we were the only people on the protected side.

"No, look out farther,"; he replied quietly.

I raised my sightline a few feet offshore. There, a glossy black dome with two puppy-dog eyes and trembling silver whiskers bobbed on the surface: a harbour seal.

We were close enough to hear the whisper of her breath on the water. Under her curious study, we checked the camera, strapped on weight belts, and adjusted our masks. She watched us until we stepped into the bay. Then, she dropped out of sight, as quiet as a ghost.

We filmed jellies, crabs and fish, but while I was quite aware of her presence around us, we never saw the seal again. I caught glimpses of motion out of my peripheral vision as we dove. She flitted through the murky depths like a shadow, watching us fumble in her aquatic home.

Sometimes, on the BC Coast, it can feel like you're a million miles from civilization. But our silent friend provided us with a poignant reminder: whether on land, in the forests, or on the sea, you're never really alone.

St. Agnes' Well/Skookumchuck Hot Springs

j.c. — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 12:13:12 GMT

Labour Day weekend marks the end of summer and the beginning of fall in BC, and is usually one of the last weekends for fair-weather campers to head out before the cold weather sets in.

To make the most of the long weekend, a few friends and I decided to head far enough away (ie: meaning no cell reception), but still close enough to Vancouver that we weren't driving the entire time. We decided on St. Agnes' Well/Skookumchuck Hot Springs -- a remote campsite with natural hot springs located four hours north of Vancouver along the Lillooet River.

The campsite had the usual BC elements -- big trees, snow-capped mountains, situated along a rushing river (and a couple nearby lakes) -- with a dash of the Gold Rush History that's present in this part of the province: it's accessed by a gravel logging road that makes up a section of the historic Gold Rush Trail, and two small, overgrown cemetery plots along the way had headstones dating back to the 1960s.

The hot springs were the biggest draw (and such an affordable luxury for camping!). Fed from a natural spring, they've been developed into a series of rustic, outdoor thermal baths located in the middle of the campsite. There's a single- to two-person barrel, a few multiple-person "canoe-like" tubs, and one sheltered A-Frame bath house. The baths stay open 24-hours and at night are lit by candles.

We also brought rods to cast for fish in the river, and took advantage of the Sea to Sky Highway on the drive back: in Pemberton, we stopped for coffee and lunch, and outside Squamish, we jumped off the dock into Alice Lake, then tested the waters over at Murrin Lake.

There's certainly no shortage of things to do or scenery to take in along this slice of the province -- it was the perfect "official" end to summer!

tours for bc: Chemainus

faithiemash — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 11:25:25 GMT

The sweetest little town you want to visit. How it began and survived are depicted in little pictures on the buildings themselves all over the little town. A most enjoyable few hours. But if you care to stay it also boasts a sweet little live theatre and many other treats to keep a person very happy. I thoroughly enjoy visit after visit to this small treasure on Vancouver Island.

Fancy Fish?

CaitlinBC — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 11:08:59 GMT

If you ever come to Terrace and are looking for a good spot to see fish, Williams Creek is phenomenal. You can Park at Gruchy's Beach and take the trail upstream to see the fish. They are so close; it is beautiful, and so fascinating to watch them. You may also spot salamanders or frogs on the trail as well. It is child friendly, and a nice way to kill some time.

The nature at the area is great. You're surrounded by the trees, there are fish spawning in the creek right near the trail, there are birds singing, and frogs chirping, it's just wonderful. Going here with my friend we had tons of fun, doing the walk, taking pictures, and admiring the fish.

If you take the trail further downstream you would get to the beach. It's a nice sandy beach, and sometimes there is a volleyball net set up for you to use. If you go out on a windy day you may also see some people kiting. This is a great place to check out if you have time to spare; plenty of nature, relaxing, and sport to check out.

Marble Canyon Provincial Park

KamloopsVC — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 12:01:53 GMT

Marble Canyon Provincial Park is the ideal stopping point on the tail end of a journey for a few minutes or a few days. The park begins to be surrounded by lush trees and calm waters where you can pull off the highway into the recreation site. Just a few kilometres down Highway 99 towards Whistler from Cache Creek, you can find yourself in a whole new driving pace from whatever direction you originated your travel! During your time at Marble Canyon, you can fish, canoe, kayak, hike, rock climb, swim, and even scuba dive in some locations!! Drinking water is available by hand pump and there are picnic areas available for day use. Campfires are permitted when there is no fire bans in the area.

Smithers Fall Fair and Demolition Derby.

Alpine Alice 1 — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 14:04:06 GMT

The last week in August and first weekend in September means major events for Smithers. Our town turns busier then ever and the community comes together. First was the Fall Fair Parade with fire trucks, horses, and floats. The community came together to view the creativity of our valley's residents. People from all over come to enjoy these end of summer/begining of fall events. Alpine Al and I were in the parade together, we had so much fun waving at the kids and I threw lots of candy to everyone watching the parade. I went to the BV Exhibition (Fall Fair) and saw so many new and familiar faces. This fair has something for everyone; with the rides all day long, live entertainment, concerts, rodeo, extreme bull riding, horse competition, great food, and much more! A person never gets bored at an event like this. This up coming weekend is the 100th annual Telkwa BBQ (Demolition Derby), this is very exciting as I am a backup driver for the demolition derby heats. There is so much happening again with this event, such as, demolition heats, softball tournament, kids games, rock concert, country concert, famous beef out of the pit and onto a bun, and beer gardens, just to name a few. Trooper is playing on Saturday night and Aaron Pritchett and George Canyon are playing on Sunday night. So as many of the Smithers/Telkwa residents are saying......I must go now, I have a derby car to work on.

Rivers Trail

KamloopsVC — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 13:59:40 GMT

Paved path, scenery, birdwatching and wildlife. What more could you ask for on a multipurpose trail system? If you are itching to get outside on your bike, rollerblades, or by any other means, the Rivers Trail is a great place to spend a couple hours on a network of 17 kilometres of trails ride through Kamloops! It is ideal for all fitness levels with level ground and no hills!

Overlander's Beach Day

KamloopsVC — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 13:47:25 GMT

As the ice comes off the water and the beach begins to show, everyone gets excited that they can grab the Frisbee and head to one of several beaches in the Kamloops area! In town, Overlanders Beach is a popular spot to spend the day swimming, sunbathing and spending the day with friends and family! With sandy, dog friendly beaches and a central location with parking, you can't go wrong! The main entrance to the beach features outdoor volleyball courts, soccer/football fields and tennis courts!

Tubing @ Harper Mountain

KamloopsVC — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 13:33:37 GMT

During the winter there are many outdoor activities to participate in, but one of the most popular activities is tubing at Harper Mountain! Featuring three different runs, you can rip down the mountain in an inner tube and take a relaxing ride back up with the tube pulls! As the weather gets colder, you can make use of the firepits for hot dog roasts and to warm up in between runs! A recommended location to get out and play!

Kamloops Heritage Steam Train

KamloopsVC — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 13:22:34 GMT

All aboard! The Kamloops Heritage Steam Train tears up the tracks on an exciting adventure recreating the steam train experience of the 1800's! Staff members punch tickets, pick up trains orders using a message hoop and more! It is a great place to become a part of Kamloops history and keep up live spirits for a couple hours! You can ride aboard the Spirit of Kamloops, The Ghost Train or the Spirit of Christmas to get all the tours that the 2141 Kamloops Heritage Steam train features!

BC Wildlife Park

KamloopsVC — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 13:05:43 GMT

You've driven half way up BC and only seen a few animals, you would like to see more, but not sure where the locals go to find wild animals! The BC Wildlife is a gem of the area and is home to several animals that have been rescued and revived, inlcuding big cats, birds of prey, reptiles, falconry, small mammals and bears. All animal exhibits are closed to ensure your safety, but you and the family have many opportunities to take part in feedings and live shows!

In the winter months, the BC Wildlife Park hosts "Wildlights", a show of lights guiding you through the park and finishing with a light show in the stage area! When it gets a little chilly, you can warm up with more than one location of coffee and hot chocolate being served!

Music in the Park

KamloopsVC — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 12:54:59 GMT

The weather is heating up and everyone wants to get in on the sun! When it comes to trying something new, there are many options in Kamloops! During July and August, Music in the Park is hosted in Riverside Park with free nightly concerts featuring all kinds of music. It is an ideal place for the whole family and a relaxing way to wrap up a long day at work! Join everyone at Riverside Park at 7 pm for free entertainment!

Silver Sage Campground

KamloopsVC — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 12:39:51 GMT

Silver Sage Campground is one of few camping locations within Kamloops city limits. The location is right along the Thompson River with private sites and many trees. At Silver Sage, you are a few minutes walking and driving from the downtown core and can use facilities including showers, sani station, laundry, flush toilets and picnic opportunities!

To spend a night camping or relaxing in your RV, check out Silver Sage Campground for a variety of different sites!

Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park

KamloopsVC — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 12:29:18 GMT

A place often overlooked by locals, but a popular stop for visitors is the Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park. The museum is a perfect place to spend a couple hours and understand the history of First Nations in the area by looking at different artifacts such as basket weavings, a hand carved canoe and archaeology finds from over the years! Lots of information on the history of residential schools and including a photo montage and articles.

The outdoor heritage park features one kilometre walking trail that puts a spotlight on pithouses and the importance of storytelling in First Nations culture. There are many opportunities to contact the museum and request a guided tour of the museum and park, but also many opportunities to tour alone! The Heritage Park is also a great photo opportunity spot, while you enjoy your walk near the Thompson River!

Tree Top Flyers @ Chase Canyon

KamloopsVC — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 11:55:40 GMT

If you are looking for an activity, look no further! Treetop Flyers at Chase Canyon is a great (and affordable) place to spend a couple hours! The series of three ziplines sends you soaring over a waterfall and gets you at one with the beautiful outdoors of the Shuswap region! If you don't have time to complete the entire zipline trek, there is a one line option to still get the thrill you've been searching for! The staff are very friendly and you will always feel safe when ziplining in their care!

City Life Vacations!

KamloopsVC — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 11:28:50 GMT

Just got back from a three day vacation in Downtown Vancouver! Stayed at the Fairmont Pacific Rim with a room overlooking the Vancouver Convention Centre, cruise ship docks and ocean! The waterfront and gastown area are both great places to spend the day walking, exploring the shops and watching cruise ships set sail! Many options for rental bikes to ride along the seawall and stops to admire the ocean waves! The Fish House in Stanley Park is the perfect place to reflect on Vancouver heritage and taste fresh seafood!

Sun Peaks Summer!

KamloopsVC — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 11:15:39 GMT

You've visited Sun Peaks in the winter for various activities, but now that it is summer, you're looking for something to do! Although there are many great chances to find events and snow at Sun Peaks Resort, there are also several summer adventures you can take up your free time with!

Sun Peaks Resort is located 50 kilometres from Kamloops, close for locals and a key location for visitors to stop at! During the summer, you can join a voyageur canoe trip, rent mountain bikes and explore a large trail network, climb on a horses back for some backcountry adventure, hike in full bloom season and even stay the night for free concerts and prestigious events! Sun Peaks is ideal for a day trip, weekend getaway or long term accomodations!

BC Rod Rental Program

KamloopsVC — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 11:08:48 GMT

The summer is nearing end, but there is still time to hit the local lakes and try for some fish! GoFish BC has implemented a program in 6 BC Visitors Centres so you and your family can rent fishing rods and tackle boxes free of charge with no catch!

In the Kamloops area, there are several great places to fish for Kamloops Trout including Lac le Jeune Provincial Park, Knouff Lake (best from May-October), Tunkwa Lake, Stake Lake and Roche Lake. Each of these lakes are a great place to relax during the summer and fall to hook, line and sinker!

For more information on lakes and to rent in the Kamloops area, visit the Kamloops Visitor Centre at 1290 West Trans Canada Highway!

If you are not in the Kamloops area, but still interested in participating in the Rod Rental program, drop by Visitors Centres locations at Summerland, Williams Lake, Quesnel, Prince George or Terrace. Each location has rods and tackle boxes for you to rent up to a one week period!

Kayaking and whale watching on Vancouver Island

Anton — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 09:23:42 GMT

Kayaking in Nuchatlitz Inlet on Vancouver Island is an amazing, incredible experience.

I took a 5-day guided kayak trip in late August with Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures, a company specializing in multi-day kayak tours to Johnstone Strait, the Broughton Archipelago, Haida Gwaii and the west coast of Vancouver Island. I wanted to get "off the beaten path" so I chose Nuchatlitz Inlet/Nootka Island, a remote area on the north-west coast of Vancouver Island renowned for exceptional wildlife viewing (including sea otters) and spectacular scenery.

The wildlife viewing did not disappoint! We saw colonies of sea otters - sometimes up to 50 or 60 rafted together in kelp beds - and humpback whales lunge-feeding every day. We also saw black bears foraging along the beach, Orcas, porpoises and seabirds.

We paddled for four days and never saw another soul. We camped on remote beaches, ate fresh, gourmet meals (the fresh fruit/chocolate fondue on our last night was a nice touch!) and watched postcard-perfect sunsets.

This trip exceeded all my expectations.

Kamloops Museum and Archives

KamloopsVC — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 14:08:22 GMT

Looking for a place to sink your teeth into Kamloops history?

Kamloops Museum and Archives is a great place for locals, visitors and students who are looking to get a grasp on the history of the area. There are archives ranging from phone books to newpaper articles, as well as technology for you to view photos and slides! The location on Seymour Street is central to several arts, culture and heritage points in the community!

Take a stroll into the culture of Kamloops drop by!

Tatuk Lake Resort

Vanderhoof Visitor Centre — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 11:03:53 GMT

On our adventure out to the resort lakes we made our first stop at Tatuk Lake Resort. To get there we took Kluskus Forest Service Road to 59.5km where we turned on Gold Rd and then went 7kms down the road and turned left. The signage was good but the entrance to the resort was a very slow and a narrow road. When we got there we witnessed a beautiful view of the lake and the resort and received very friendly customer service. They showed us around the resort and had a look at their nice cabins they were clean and had cold running water only one cabin had hot water. The swimming is not great at the resort but if you take a 5 minute boat ride to a pebble beach there is nice swimming. The boat launch was decent and they also supply the wood for the people who stay there. The campsites were private and were shaded along the lake. Overall though a nice resort and the view is awesome, well worth the stay!

RV camping Castlegar

ferrychic — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 08:11:35 GMT

This is my first time out in our RV and I was a little nervous about what to expect for camp sites. Between the tourism site info and the phone app, we found a place just outside of Castlegar, there were many to choose from but this one caught the attention of my sister and I as having everything one would need. It's called Castlegar RV park and Campground, on Hwy 3 just before the city of Castlegar (3 or 4 min). Score on places to stay, I was so happy, the propriators are great, so friendly and relaxed. The first things out of both mine and my sisters mouth once we settled into our site was that it had everything plus how safe we felt. This site is quiet, friendly, clean and truly peaceful, there is a little highway sound in the site we are in but big deal. Check it out! Oh and if you are new like me and your husband loves tv, bring your spare satellite reciever, really well maybe not, LOL. Like this place and they will be seeing me again.

Family Fishing in BC

Tourism BC Field Reporter - Kelli — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 08:51:50 GMT

Fishing is a great family activity. For the best chance at getting a fish on for everyone, visit one of the Cariboo-Chilcotin region lakes that are stocked with Kokanee, like Chimney Lake. As Brian Chan of the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC says, "Kokanee are a schooling fish which means they stay in groups. Once you find the fish, everyone in the boat is going to catch one."

Watch and see just how fun it can be. Then go to hellobc.com to find a guide or a lake you'd like to try.

Fishing in Vancouver for anyone and everyone

Tourism BC Field Reporter - Kelli — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 08:45:43 GMT

There's a lot to do in Vancouver but if you're looking for something out-of-the-box why not try salmon fishing or crabbing? Just five minutes by boat and you're fishing with a backdrop of Stanley Park, West Vancouver and Kitsilano/UBC in the distance. When you find a guide on hellobc.com, it couldn't be easier. All you have to do is show up with a lunch!

Don't worry about your age or experience level. With the help of a guide, anyone can get their hands on a rod or help with the crab traps.

Watch our experience on a beautiful summer day and start planning yours, too!

White Water Rafting in Terrace Part 3: Finishing up an awesome Day!

Chelsea J.C. — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 11:23:43 GMT

After we finished our rafting rodeo, and everyone was once again soaked to the bone but having a truly grand time! We had a bit of a tight spot to raft through which took us rather close to some rocks, but we paddled our hardest and our guide took us through without so much as a pebble even hitting the raft! It was an easy rest of the way with some easier rapids and white water. Nothing like the spot we went through earlier that got us completely drenched and was a wild ride! During this trip we saw two Bald Eagles and unfourtunetly no other wildlife. Our guide, Hatha, informed us though that usually there is a large diversity to the animals seen. The water was a gorgeous jade colour, and as I said before a perfect British Columbian summer day!

We got to our stop and pulled the rafts out and carried the gear back up to the truck. Once there we got back into nice dry and sun warmed clothes and helped with some of the packing up! Then, Guido, our driver had set us up a great meal! Taco's with veggies and cheeses and meats! I ate two and it was a great meal after a great float! We mingled and chatted with everyone after and heard about some great stories and had a few laughs. Then we all piled on the bus and headed back home!

I learned some great stuff on this adventure! If you'd like to experience the awesomeness of a day on some white water you can go to www.skeenavalleyexpeditions.com and find out more about this company and contact. Or you can contact the New Hazelton or Terrace visitor centres and gather information from there! If there is one thing in your life you do, let it be floating down one of British Columbia's gorgeous rivers because it is so worth it!

White Water Rafting in Terrace Part 2: Hit the White Water!

Chelsea J.C. — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 10:52:39 GMT

It didn't take long after we'd launched for us to get into white water! Eric, from Kermode Tourism had his Go-Pro camera on and was hopeful he had it working since it was his first time using it! Eric and I were the first to get hit with the water, it was chilly but luckily our wetsuits kept us warm! There were two rafts, ours was first with all of us Visitor Councellors and then also a kayak in case something happened. We got so drenched! As we went through the white water we helped out our guide by paddling! However, once through the white water we took breaks and chatted away. It was so much fun! We went through so many spots of white water and we got so drenched!

After a while, when we were decidedly soaked our guides decided to take a quick break on a sand bar to stretch our legs. We hopped out and my co-worker and I made some sand castles in the sand and I searched for interesting stones. One of our guides decided he was hot and walked up the sand bar and jumped into some of the fast water! He floated down and then swamp and got caught in the eddy and swam back to shore! The guides then asked us of we'd like to take a dip and we did! One by one all of hopped into the water and copied what our guide had shown us! We cooled off in the glacial water and then warmed up fast in the sun which beat down on us. After a while we hopped back in the rafts and launched again into the water!

Seeing as there was not as much white water in this part of the river we proceeded to have awesome water fights by splashing the other rafts with our paddles! We went through a little more rapids and amng the water fights we'd have a Paddle Rally. This is where our guide counted to three and then we all pointed our paddles into the air and yelled at the top of our lungs to try and be the loudest! As it slowed down a bit we had a raft rodeo! We'd take a rope the connected across to the back of the raft and then we stood on the front and tried to balance as we floated. However, we'd go crashing in the water when our guide made sudden movements or our guide in the kayak bumped into us! We all took our turns, and would be rescued by Eric because the rest of us weren't strong enough to pull the others in and would often burst into a fit of giggles at our failures!

Read my last blog to here the end to our awesome adventure!!

White Water Rafting in Terrace Part 1: Safety Talk and Start of the Day!

Chelsea J.C. — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 10:03:51 GMT

This was not my first raft trip. I've been down the Kispiox river practically five times in a summer, and I've had my share of raft trips down the Skeena. However, though both these rivers are exciting and offer diverse wildlife sightings and bucket loads of fun neither can compare to the fantastic time i had white water rafting on the Copper River in Terrace B.C. My co-worker and I started the day early to get ready to meet the employee's from the Terrace Visitor Centre and make our way to Skeena Valley Expeditions.

Meeting the others at the Kermode Tourism in Terrace we had lively conversation as we waited for the rest of our group. Kermode Tourism is a lovely stop and I would definitely reccomend it if you ae visiting the Terrace area. Myself and Ashley, my co-worker, rode with the employee's from Kermode Tourism to our guides. Once there we mingled with other folks that would be on this trip with us. In total there were five visitor councellors and seven others, not including our three guides.

To start there were introductions and a safety talk as well as instructions on wetsuits and booties and splash tops. After signing wavers we got dressed in our wetsuits etc and then loaded up on the bus and made our way to the launch site. On the way our lovely guides mingled and told us about what our day could hold and our excitement grew! Our day would be: Safety talk and preparation of rafting at the launch site, quick check of life-jackets and helmuts and other equipment, get out and raft, take a small break on a sand bar, continue on with some water fun, then finish by taking out our equipment and rafts and take off our wetsuits and then eat before travelling back!

The sun was out and it was a gorgeous day, not a single cloud in the sky! We had to change our launch site because of how much higher the river was. We continued on our way to the launch site and once we arrived we unloaded all the equipment and rafts. We were given our life-jackets and helmuts and we helped take the boats down to the river. Once everything was ready we had a quick drink and snack then our guides went through the safety talk and what to do in emergencies, though, we had none on our adventure!

We were organized into our boats and then we were off! I was lucky enough to be at the front with Eric from Kermode Tourism!

Check out part 2 to hear how much fun we had!

Terrace Farmers' Market

CaitlinBC — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 12:24:49 GMT

The Farmers' Market is one of Terrace’s local favorite things to do. Every year people get excited to see what’s new, listen to some live music, now and then, and eat the amazing food. Local artists see the Farmers' Market as a great opportunity to show off what they can do; sometimes they work on a carving perhaps while people look at their work, it’s really fascinating to watch. They have everything from Filipino Foods, to Kettle Corn, to local vegetables. There is even homemade fudge sold! It is a great family event to check out, maybe go for a horse-pulled carriage ride with the kids? It is open from the first Saturday in May, until the last Saturday in October, 8am-1pm. If you’re ever in town on a Saturday during this time, feel free to head down to Spirit Square and enjoy yourself.

Suspension Bridge, Canyon City

CaitlinBC — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 11:20:30 GMT

Canyon City, or Gitwinksihlkw, is one of the Nass Valley villages. It is home to a 400 year old suspension bridge. Up until 17 years ago this bridge was the only way in and out of the city. The bridge is just over a metre wide; therefore the only access was by foot. That meant the people living within the city would have had to carry anything they had across, meaning groceries, furniture, and any other necessities they had needed. The bridge is now restored, so if you have the time, feel free to check it out, along with the beautiful view of the river it comes with, and the 25 foot totem poles inside the city.

100th Annual Prince George Exhibition!

Enrico Pollini — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 00:10:15 GMT

This year was the 100th Anniversary of the Prince George Exhibition (PGX) and it has been getting better and better each and every year leading up to this monumental anniversary. Like always, it was a huge success with numerous midway rides, 4-H competitions, bully riding, Bull Rider's Ball, number amazing food stalls with so many different amazing tastes, live music and shows on the Community Stage throughout the day, Home Arts and Horticulture competitions, Prince George Heritage Lane, logger sports competitions, and one of everyone's (including myself) favourites the pig and duck races. The fair has something for everyone! People come from all over the place to compete in different areas of the fair, and to come enjoy the amazing opportunities for fun with friends and family. With this years event being the 100th Anniversary, they made the fair bigger and better than ever before; with this years fair being topped off with an INCREDIBLE display of fireworks!

Next year the fair will be back yet again, but this time with a name change - the British Columbia Northern Exhibition (BCNE). So even with a name change I will be back next year yet again for another incredible year at the fair! Hope to see you all there!

Hunting for Hixon Falls!

Enrico Pollini — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 22:54:36 GMT

Heading down south the other day on Highway 97, I was continuing my waterfall search for this summer and decided to make my way down to Hixon Falls. Located a short distance off Highway 97 heading south from Prince George, and just before arriving in Hixon, is located the turn off for Hixon Creek Road. After driving down the road you will come to three different forks in the road, and you will take the left turn option every single time. Eventually after about a 5-10 minute drive you will arrive at the parking lot where you can leave your car and make the short hike into the waterfall. The falls are incredible for being such a hidden gem off the highway, as most people driving past Hixon would not stop at them, or even know that they were there. The falls are not the biggest in the area or the most magnificent, but definitely worth the stop to see. The day was made even better as it was a nice warm day and I went for a cool dip in the falls. Whichever direction you are coming from, take a break at Hixon Falls and enjoy the cool mist of the falls in the daily sun.

Rob's Restaurant Comfort & Style

Enrico Pollini — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 22:23:44 GMT

Found right along the Highway 16, right through New Hazelton, is a restaurant with a rustic ski lodge feel that serves some really amazing homestyle meals. The restaurant, Rob's Restaurant Comfort & Style, is a great little restaurant that cooks some really great meals at an affordable price. The building is a log house with a great atmosphere for everyone and their families. While I was there the restaurant was very busy with many different groups of people. It seemed like a perfect little local restaurant where people came and met for an evening meal. From talking to a few of the locals, it seemed like a great meeting spot and had a line waiting to be seated. Rob's Restaurant has the perfect feeling of the local restaurant and watering hole that you only read about in books or see in the movies. Make a stop into Rob's Restaurant for a great quality meal and you won't be disappointed.

Quaint Boutiques in Dawson Creek

DC2012 — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 11:23:09 GMT

Dawson Creek, though small, has some wonderful shopping opportunities. In the downtown area there are some spectacular locally owned and run shops that cater to almost every whimsy. One of the local treasures is the Olde Creek Store, located a block down from the Mile “0” Post. I love going into this store, their stock is always rotating and they always have amazing things in: old and new. If antiquing is your thing, then this store is a definite must. They carry an eclectic mix of new and vintage, some of the vintage stock is absolutely breath taking. My personal favourite collection of theirs is the antique books they have in the back. They are marvellous! There is an eccentric mix of books: from old medical journals to Hardy Boys. My mothers favourite part of the store is their jewelry collection. You honestly cannot leave this store without buying at least one trinket. The staff is always friendly and super helpful.

If after Olde Creek Store you’re shopping itch still has not been scratched be sure to check out Simple Pleasures, for another locally owned store with an array of stock: from kitchen items, to hand made soaps, to bags and purses. If you are shopping for little ones, next door to Simple Pleasures is the Northern Toy Box, a store that is sure to satisfy the kid in everyone! And, at last, if you’re a crafter, knitter, crocheter definitely drop by B&T Ceramics for all your hobby’s needs. Shopping in Dawson Creek’s downtown area is perfect for everyone and a great side expedition if you’re taking part in the Historical Downtown Walking Tour. If after all this walking and shopping, you’d like a cup of coffee and something to eat, drop by one of the many locally owned coffee shops and cafes in the area.

The Kiskatinaw River/Provincial Park

DC2012 — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 11:16:03 GMT

The Kiskatinaw River is a wonderful river to spend the afternoon. It is my favourite place to pack a picnic lunch and head out to! The Kiskatinaw is a generally pretty shallow, slow moving river which means that it is fantastic for swimming! All along the river bed you can find either polished river stones or wonderful sandy beaches. If river swimming isn't your thing, a hike along the river valley just might be! My favourite thing to do (after swimming of course) is to wander along the Kiskatinaw, there are some beautiful things to see! The best swimming is right under the historical curved wooden bridge, the river is slow and the sand is so soft!

Attached to the river is the Kiskatinaw Provincial Park, which is a nice place to stay the night after a long day of swimming or hiking. Each campsite comes with a fire pit and a picnic table, but no power hook ups or water supplied. The Kiskatinaw river valley is full of natural beauty and wildlife, and is a great place to spend an afternoon or even a couple days. The first thing you will notice is how quiet it is here, even though you're not that far from the highway, it’s still a very serene place to stop.

Kiskatinaw Curved Wooden Bridge

DC2012 — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 11:07:17 GMT

The Kiskatinaw Curved Wooden Bridge is a section of the original Alaska Highway and a true engineering wonder! The new highway is now rerouted due to safety concerns over heavier commercial activity on the bridge. The Kiskatinaw River stumped engineers because of its sharp turns and steep banks and because of this natural twist and turns of the river, the famous curved bridge was created in 1942 during the construction of the Alaska Highway. This marvel was constructed in only nine months and is still standing strong today.

I frequently take the trip out to the Kiskatinaw curved bridge; it is quite a simple trek! The bridge is located about 25 minutes from Dawson Creek, at mile 21 of the Alaska Highway. All you have to do is travel North on the Alaska Highway (97 North), and on your right hand side there will be a sign notifying you to turn off onto this historic route! The road is a little bumpy, but it is definitely do-able, even if you are in an RV. A lot of people, me included, park off to the side and walk the bridge. I highly recommend this, because the views of the river valley are absolutely breath taking and a must take picture for the photo album. This small detour is worth the history and the views!

Wildlife in the Peace Region!

DC2012 — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 10:58:34 GMT

The BC Peace Region is full of a wide assortment of wonderful wildlife. Since we are situated in vast areas of open wilderness, wildlife is never far from your front door. A very common visitor to country gardens is deer. You will probably see these everywhere, especially in the early morning and at dawn. They are frequent residences of farmer’s fields which, when you travel through the North East BC Region, are generally right beside the road! These guys are the smaller cousin’s of moose and elk. In our area, we have two species of deer: white tail and mule deer. You can distinguish these two apart by the colour of their tails! White tails, as you can probably guess, have a white, fluffy tail where as mule deer have a black tipped tail. Mule deer are the most common out of the two kinds you’ll see here, but every now and then you will catch a glimpse of a fluffy white tail bouncing through a field!

Another common face you’re going to see in the BC Peace is the deer’s big cousin: the moose! The moose has become synonymous with Canada, and is one of our most recognizable wildlife visitors. Moose are large, awkward, and generally placid animals but they should not be confused as being friendly. Their funny faces and knobby knees make it seem like they would be great company, but in reality these guys are better left alone. It's always best to use caution when traveling early in the morning and the evening, as moose are more active on the roads around this time.

There are more than just moose and deer in this area though! There are brown bears, black bears, elusive cougars, lynx in the mountains and of course the infamous grizzly bear. If birding is more your thing, natural wetlands that litter the Peace Region country side attract a large variety of birds that are sure to peak your interest! From loons, to Canadian geese, to (my personal favourite) the friendly whiskey jacks (or grey jay/camp robber, etc). There are many different kinds of small mammals in our area as well! Such as the temperamental wolverine, sly weasel, and majestic flying squirrels! The squirrels obviously don’t have wings up here, but they do have extra flaps of skin that work like wings as they leap and glide from tree to tree.

The Peace Region offers a wide range of different wildlife that you are sure to encounter up here, what I’ve talked about is not even the tip of it all! There is such a large variety here to discover that I am sure you’re constantly going to be entertained by our region’s wonderful wild animal activity.

Top 10 Things To Do in Dawson Creek!

DC2012 — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 10:56:30 GMT

One of the most frequently asked questions I encounter as a Tourism/Visitor Information Councilor in Dawson Creek is: “what can I do in this part of the country?!” My answer to this is usually “what can’t you do in this part of the country!” The Peace Region is filled with natural beauty, historical interests and adventure packed outdoor recreation for all you adrenaline seekers! So, to make things a little simpler for your Peace Region trip planning needs here are the top ten things to see and do around the Peace!

1. Learn about the rich histories that this region has to offer! Dawson Creek has some of the best museums and historic walks you can find! Stop by the Northern Alberta Railway museum located in the Visitor’s Centre, which is the original building that once housed the railway station from 1931; the same station that brought American Soldiers to build the Alaskan Highway! After you are done make sure to check out the other side of the museum which houses natural history of the region as well as history on Dawson Creek! For more historic tales about Dawson Creek, ask one of the T/VIC councilors about the Dawson Creek Downtown Historical Self-Guided Walking Tour and they would be happy to show you on your way for a fantastic tour of all the historic monuments and murals of the Mile “0” city. After you have finished at the NAR Park be sure to head down to the Walter Wright Pioneer Village. This heritage museum is a recreation of Dawson Creek pre-Alaska Highway. Walk along the boardwalk and check out historic houses, schools, churches and shops. Once you are done reliving the 1920s, head to the Village of Pouce Coupe and stop in at the Pouce Coupe museum. Though small in size, this museum is a treasure trove of different information on the region as well as the Village its self! For a little bit of a different history, be sure to take a trip down to the Tumbler Ridge Dinosaur Museum to learn about the Peace Region’s prehistoric inhabitants! Be sure to investigate the museums in Fort St. John, Chetwynd and Hudson’s Hope for even more of historical journeys through time.

2. Fulfill all your hiking needs on one of the many beautiful hiking trails in the region! Enjoy a leisurely hike with gorgeous views of the valley along the rim rock trails located at the Bear Mountain Wind Park. If you’re looking for a bit of variety, be sure to stop in at the Dawson Creek or Tumbler Ridge visitor centers to pick of a map of all the hiking trail heads in and around Tumbler Ridge. These trails come in a range of difficulties and lengths; there is sure to be a trail that will fit everyone’s needs and wants!

3. From August to May be sure to catch magnificent displays of northern lights in the night sky. This ten month span is the best to catch some of the most breath taking lightshows! So once the sun sets, be sure to turn your head towards the skies for a chance to catch one of the world’s most brilliant natural performances.

4. Get an insider’s peak at life in natural wetlands at McQueen’s Slough. Located about fifteen minutes outside of Dawson Creek, this boardwalk through a nature preserve is sure to excite birders and wildlife enthusiasts a like!

5. In early August, come down to Dawson Creek to check out the Annual Fall Fair and Rodeo. This event has been dubbed “The Biggest Event in the Peace” and is sure to please everyone in the family! There is a full sized midway, with rides for little ones and adrenaline seekers alike. The rodeo portion holds all sorts of events from bull riding to barrel racing. If you stick around long enough, you can catch the Pro Chuckwagon races, which draw in crowds from all over the USA and Canada.

6. Drive a portion of the old Alaska Highway and experience history and an engineering marvel as you cross the world famous Kiskatinaw curved wooden bridge. Located at Mile 21 of the Alaska Highway, this is a must see if you’re going North or if you’re just in the region.

7. The views off the bridge are spectacular but the swimming under the bridge is even better! So pack a lunch, bring your camera and a swimsuit because you’ll be sure to spend the afternoon enjoying all the Kiskatinaw River has to offer.

8. Go to the Rolla Pub, located fifteen minutes outside of Dawson Creek. This little pub out in the country is jammed packed with local history, endearing locals and friendly staff.

9. Dip your feet in the mighty Peace River! Drive ten minutes on highway 2 outside of Dawson Creek to Pouce Coupe and head down to the Pouce Coupe Park. The river is a five minute walk away.

10. Lastly, partake in one of the amazing day trips around the BC Peace. Leave from Dawson Creek, goto Fort St. John, Hudson’s Hope, Chetwynd and loop back to Dawson, or go from Dawson Creek to Chetwynd down to Tumbler Ridge... really which ever route you want to take is sure to be alight with majestic wildlife, quaint towns, and gorgeous natural scenery.

There are so many things to do in the Peace that it’s hard to fit them all onto one list. Be sure to stop in at a Visitor Centre or ask a local and you’ll embark on an experience of a lifetime!

Encounters with Wildlife

Steff — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 09:37:02 GMT

It always makes me smile when visitors come and ask where they can find wildlife, especially moose. Living in Houston all my life I take the wildlife for granted because I always see them; moose and deer, coyotes and foxes, and the smaller mammals that live in our forests. I always end up telling people that if they are lucky they will find animals, but we can never guarantee anyone will find anything. Last night I was very lucky. Driving down Buck Flats I ran into a variety of animals. Buck Flats is an area just passed the main town with a lot of forests and open fields, which is why animals enjoy the area I guess. The very first animal I saw was moose, and it wasn't just one moose it was a pair. I was able to pull over and just watch them as the crossed the road and into the bush. As I continued my drive I saw a mother black bear with two cubs. She ran across the road with the two babies following her; she quickly disappeared into the overgrown bush. They looked so sweet and moved so quickly I felt bad for disturbing them. Around almost every corner I saw wild rabbits sitting on the side of the road watching the vehicles pass. I also saw chipmunks scurrying around but they were faster than the rabbits and I was unable to get a good picture of them. Finally I saw a coyote wandering through the open fields close to the end of my trip. Now I know where to send people when they ask to see wildlife, even though it isn't guaranteed and there isn't a specific stop along the road that you can watch animals. In fact I was looking for Buck Falls when I ran into all of these animals. I guess you never know what to expect in our beautiful Northern wilderness.

Canoeing on Charlie Lake

Erin — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 09:31:47 GMT

If you haven't been out on the lake canoeing yet this summer, sit back and enjoy a virtual canoe ride. Charlie Lake is a wonderful recreational lake that is occupied by many swimmers, fishermen, boaters, or canoers at any given time. I encourage you to gather up some close friends, launch your canoe in Charlie Lake and paddle the day away!

Buck Falls

Steff — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 09:15:11 GMT

I finally attempted to find Buck Falls again. My first attempt was a failure; I ended up taking a wrong turn, I got frustrated and ended up going home without seeing the falls. This time I asked around to find the correct path. After turning on to Buck Flats off of Highway 16, I traveled all the way to the fork in the road. From here there is a sign directing you left to the falls. Drive another 3.5km, and stay left. That was where I made my mistake on my first attempt. The road to the falls instructs you to use a radio to call up, but it isn't necessary to get to the falls. Seeing that sign the first time is what caused me to question if I was going in the right direction. If I had of stayed on the road until you get to the bridge I would have found the falls. The trail itself is found on the left side of the road just on the far side of the bridge. The trail leads right down to the water in a few areas and provides great vantage points to see the river. I loved the view, but I was too nervous to travel too deep into the forest. I saw the first two falls and could see the top of the third, but I didn't go and look for the rest. The rushing water was so peaceful to listen to and the area was beautiful and peaceful. Now that I know how to get to the falls I plan on returning but this time I'll bring more people.

Houston's Art Walking Tour

Steff — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 23:34:46 GMT

I am inviting you to come with me on a sped up version of the Houston Art Walking Tour. The tour takes roughly 30 minutes to complete. Starting at the Houston sign in front of the Visitor Center and ending just across the street from the Visitor Center, the art walking tour is an easy sight seeing adventure to go on. For a complete description of all the attractions seen, please come visit us at the Houston Visitor Center.

Geocaching in Dawson Creek!

DC2012 — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 18:07:40 GMT

Geocaching is a growing activity in the Peace Region with more and more caches being registered and more geocachers coming to seek them out every day. For those of you who have never heard of geocaching it is a free real-world outdoor treasure hunt. Players try to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using a smartphone or GPS and can then share their experiences online.

Geocaching in the Peace Region is relatively new, but in Dawson Creek there are plenty of places to explore and pick up a few smiley faces. Each geocache location is a unique representation of the extraordinary nature of the Peace Region and of Dawson Creek’s distinctive history. There are geocaches of every level in Dawson Creek. For beginners there are some that are just on the side of the road or right by local businesses. For the more experienced geocacher there are caches that require more of a hike and some powers of deduction. These geocaches can also vary based on fitness level, while some are wheel chair accessible others require walks in the wilderness.

Geocaching is a great way to get to know any region and spend some time in the great outdoors. Whether you’re on vacation with the family or if you’re flying solo and just want some fresh air geocaching is the way to go. With new caches popping up in Dawson Creek all the time you’ll be hard pressed to keep up with all the amazing stories that arise with each find.

Go on an adventure with geocaching!

Cowgirl for the week

DC2012 — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 18:02:49 GMT

It is Fall Fair week in Dawson Creek, which means it’s time to trade in sandals for boots, khakis for a pair of Wrangler jeans and to put on a cowboy hat. It’s time to embrace the spirit of the west and become a cowgirl/boy for the week. Some might feel a little hesitant about this kind of environment, but everyone from the Peace Region knows that we’re all here to have a good time and try some new experiences.

The first step to becoming a cowgirl/boy for the week is the clothes. Try on your first pair of cowboy boots (they even come in pink, or flaming red!), maybe look around at the fair booths where you might find the right cowboy hat just waiting to be tried on. To complete the outfit, you can never go wrong with a pair of Wrangler jeans. Once you’ve got your get up on you may find that infamous western swagger coming naturally. There’s something about wearing a cowboy hat and or boots that just feels right. Don’t be surprised if you suddenly develop a strong southern accent as well!

Now that you’re properly outfitted why not take in some of the livestock exhibits and familiarize yourself with the famous livestock of the west. Cattle, llamas, sheep, goats and of course horses are all at the fair so you can not only admire them but also learn more about what they’re used for on ranches and their importance to the Peace Region.

Now that you’ve learned all about the horses it’s time to try riding one! If you go down to the Agriplex at the EnCana centre near the Fair Grounds in Dawson Creek they’ll be happy to talk to you about trail rides as well as riding inside the track for beginners. Learning how to ride a horse is an exciting experience and this is definitely the week to try it! Once you’ve tried it yourself you’ll definitely be able to appreciate the riders in the Pro Rodeo happening in the grandstands every afternoon. Barrel racing, calf tying and bronco and bull riding are just a few of the exciting events featured in pro rodeo. They’re speed, agility and horsemanship will leave you with your jaw on the floor.

Fall Fair week is always a fun time for the community in Dawson Creek where we can all come together to celebrate western culture. It is one of the best times of the year to try something new and will leave you with fond memories of “that one time” you got to be a cowgirl/boy for a week.