Jackie’s Camping Hiking and Travel Suggestions:
I love road trips. Tunes and the open highway. I call it my Highway Zen!
I have been on countless road trips all over British Columbia Canada so I will highlight my travel suggestions. I travelled with four kids for many trips and many more alone.
I realized in going back through social media posts and answers that I have had lots to contribute to discussions on road trips and local sights to take in. I decided to round up a bunch of my information and put it together here for you. I have gathered a few flight destination travel tips as well.
First important tip:
Intend for peaceful travel:
I, _ (your name) ___, place myself, my vehicle and my passengers/ travel companions into a Full Court Of Atonement for the purpose of Bless-ed Travel. I ask to analyze our timelines, and to correct any and all conflicts. I ask for amenable dissolution of these energies.
In no particular order, enjoy:
First off, get BCAA membership or some other roadside assistance. Peace of mind for any unexpected mishaps is invaluable. BCAA has been a godsend for me a few times as they have rescued me in some memorable predicaments. Bonus is the discounts you can get for attractions and accommodations. Consider that the cost of a year membership is much less than the cost of one emergency call. I highly recommend BCAA.
Its worth it. I’ve had it since 1998. It’s how I’ve done so many road trips with my kids.
Summer 2023: Friends don’t let friends miss out on a good deal. I’m a BCAA Member and want to share this great offer with you. If you join BCAA, you can save $20 on a new BCAA Membership and I get $20 CAA Dollars. It’s a win/win for both of us!
To get this special offer, you will need to provide my Membership information:
Membership number: 620 273 3502570 012
Full Name: Jackie Rioux
Phone Number: 250.961.6190
For more information, visit bcaa.com/frienddiscount
Next, get the BCAA Travel books for the area you are traveling. They have all sorts of “must see” attractions and everything a traveler needs for recommendations and ideas.
Several times on road trips it was thanks to a recommendation or idea in their travel guide that I found some hidden gems and huge memory treasures.
We have found such hidden gems as Craigdaroch castle, wax museum, royal museum, bug zoo, and miniature world
in Victoria BC; Telephone museum, Fort Edmonton historical site, and Muttart Gardens Conservatory in Edmonton. Calgary had a fairy garden and a dinosaur adventure playground. Just get the travel book. You never know what you will find that may be of interest, and often there are discounts for admission fees.
Packing Lists for every adventure: https://www.mec.ca/en/explore/mec-packing-lists
The 11 essentials for backpacking
1. Navigation
2. Nutrition
3. Hydration
4. Sun protection
5. Insulation
6. Illumination
7. First-aid supplies
8. Fire starter
9. Repair kit and tools
10. Emergency shelter
11. Communication device
Parks Canada link with a ton of excellent info here: https://parks.canada.ca/voyage-travel/experiences/sports/randonnee-hiking
BCAA Refer a friend. Give my name and membership number when signing up and receive discount. #620 273 3502570 012 https://www.bcaa.com/membership/rd/refer-a-friend
So much information is online these days. In years past, I wrote to tourist information centres in the areas I planned on traveling. They often sent out maps, brochures, local gems to discover, and oftentimes promotion coupons. Search tourist info websites to find updated information for the areas in which you are traveling.
Edmonton Mall: Go to admin office and see if they have coupon books available. If you know someone in the areas you’re traveling, check if there are local charity groups fundraising with coupon books as well.
Best Trails in Prince George https://www.alltrails.com/canada/british-columbia/prince-george
WITHIN REACH: WATERFALLS AROUND PRINCE GEORGE https://tourismpg.com/2021/06/15/within-reach-waterfalls-around-prince-george/
Prince George-area waterfalls you need to check out before summer is over: https://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/local-news/prince-george-area-waterfalls-you-need-to-check-out-before-summer-is-over-1651781
Go to The Exploration Place Museum & Science Centre (Prince George or your local museum science centre) and get a year family pass. They have a list of all the museums and science centres across Canada you can get into with their reciprocal agreement. We used this pass for admission to places in Edmonton, Vancouver, Victoria, and Calgary. Well worth it and we found some hidden gems this way as well. The Vancouver science center and planetarium are great attractions and have IMAX theatres. We enjoyed 3D movies.
The Star Theatre in the Vancouver Planetarium is an “astronomical wondrous show” set to music.
In Edmonton we got to see the Body Worlds exhibit, the Human Body exhibit and my daughter spent hours in the Crime Scene lab exhibit.
https://www.canadiansciencecentres.ca/Reciprocal-Agreement
British Columbia license plates say “Beautiful BC”. We have the Rockies, and the most amazing nature and wildlife you will ever see. These are my favorite photographers to follow for spectacular photography across our region. Google search each of them and enjoy their incredible talents.
Brandon Broderick Photography: I have his Skeena II book of photos across the Pacific Northwest. So many magnificent captures around my home town Terrace. In 2022 Brandon moved to Tumbler Ridge and now shares many phots from that area.
Collin Ball, C Ball Exposed: Located in Tumbler Ridge BC, Collin shares many hiking photos that showcase spectacular scenery
Pat Suter, Picture at a Time Photography. Pat is actually a former postal co-worker. Now retired, you will find her at many small business and craft sales with a selection of greeting cards and framed photography.
Chuck Chin is an iconic Prince George photographer. You will find him at local events capturing moments with local residents. He also has a selection of incredible photo shots of local bridges, wildlife, sunsets, and anything else that can bring a smile. Many of his photos can be found in local business establishments and our Prince George YXS airport.
More cost effective saving tips for road trips:
We camped in RV parks. Slept in our vehicle or tents then had showers in the morning. Much less expensive than hotels. Check restrictions on vehicles and campfires where ever you decide to stay.
Check hotels for breakfast and parking included benefits as well as pools and other attractions. (In my older age I appreciate hotels and a nice bed to sleep in with hot showers).
Pack light with emergency extras for everyone in the vehicle and travel partners. Blankets, snacks, etc.
After three times going up Mount Robson, the best advice was packing light and taking along light travel slippers to wear when boots came off for the night.
You can get water purifier products if you are hiking along a river rather than carrying so much water at once.
Invest in good footwear for hiking. Your body and feet will appreciate you in years to come. On that note. My eldest daughter Chantelle is manager at Walk Rite shoes in Prince George BC. You can order great footwear online: https://walkriteshoes.com/
If you hike in winter, make sure to dress in layers. Find wool and Thinsulate clothing, socks, and gloves. There are hand and feet warmer sachets you can use for extended periods out in the cold, just remember the number 1 rule out in the bush is “pack it in, pack in out” meaning clean up after yourself to keep our environment clear of human trash.
Bring along ice cleats for your feet. In all my experience as a mail carrier, I loved the titanium spike type of ice cleats. Do not get the coil type. We had the coil type at work years ago and there were some serious enough injuries that they were banned from our available gear. The rubber wears and breaks, and the coil flings out causing falls and injuries. Get the titanium nail type instead and stay safe.
I save the hassle and just travel light with a carryon luggage when going to a warm place. A friend that ran tourist charters suggested to her customers to travel with minimal clothing, and pack a collapsible extra luggage piece, if you plan to shop as you will find all sorts of new clothing and souvenirs. This has proven to be a wonderful bit of advice through all my vacations. Carry on size luggage fits overhead. Pay luggage fees only one way.
I knew a very well dressed lady years ago. When asked her secret to her eclectic designer wardrobe, she admitted that she shops thrift stores in any areas she visits. Every area has their own culture and fashion choices. You can find some amazing deals and some one of a kind items using this fruitful bit of travel advice.
Going on a cruise? Remember to pack a multi outlet extension or power strip as most rooms are tiny and have limited outlets for your phone and other electrical items. Do check safety ratings and precautions!
Find out their electrical system and see if you need adaptor or just a electrical outlet extender (3 in 1 kind). Another thing travellers pay dearly for en route.
Have you heard of the Flashfood app? I personally have very limited apps, so you know this is a good one if I recommend it! This is a discount item app from Superstore and affiliate grocery stores. Download app and set up. We check this app several times a day for new additions.
Use my code to receive a discount on your first $10 order: JACKXSZV
Order items, complete purchase, go to customer service for your items, and walk out. That’s it! Quick and easy!
We have filled our cupboards and freezers with items off Flashfood.
Great for traveling on a budget as well. Superstore was directly across from our hotel on one trip. We found all sorts of nourishment, snacks, and treats for grandkids visit.
A mini first aid kit of basic meds. The worst is getting a sore throat, runs, or headache and having to buy them en route. They ding you expensively because you will pay for it in emergency. Best be prepared. Pack simple medications for any trips. This is one area that tourist places cash in on costs. If you get sick while traveling, you’ll probably pay anything to feel better. Gravol/ motion sickness, Pepto Bismol/ antacid, throat lozenges. What else might you use? If traveling by air, be sure to find meds in tablet form rather than liquids.
Bandages, wash cloths, ear plugs, safety pins, hair pins, zap straps, bug spray/ cream, and duct tape are good ideas as well for emergency kits.
Empty light weight water bottle that you can fill on the other side of security. Another travel cash grab when you have to buy drink fluids. An empty soda bottle works well enough and is disposable if necessary.
I always taught my kids to keep a swim suit in their travel bag at all times. You never know when it will come in handy. Expensive and inconvenient to find far from home. A lightweight cotton shirt, dress, shorts is great for emergency wear in your carryon luggage. Oh and extra underwear. Too many stories of lost luggage. Prepare for the worst but expect the best.
To pack luggage, roll items instead of folding. Takes less space and can minimize wrinkled clothes as well.
Travel size containers for facial creams etc is best for traveling rather than lugging around full size that adds to weight and airline liquids restrictions. Secure in a plastic zipper bag to avoid potential leakage issues.
Entertainment: If you find yourself in waiting rooms, lounge areas etc, I love to pack one lightweight book to read, then several PDF type on my phone. On road trips, I love to take in scenery while driving but books are great to have if you’re a passenger and it is dark out. If you’re bringing a tablet, stock it with Ebooks. I prefer a device that handles generic type files rather than a proprietary app where only their files can be read.
Air travel: bring your own headphones, another little added expense otherwise if you plug into in-flight movies.
Look for real vanilla on tropical trips. Look up casein vanilla flavor… you’ll never buy fake vanilla again.
Get out your maps and search engines and check out these places for the scenery and attractions I recommend here.
Terrace BC, where I grew up:
Terrace’s mascot is the Kermode Bear otherwise known as the Spirit Bear. It is not an albino, but a unique gene black bear. Good luck finding them to see a real one. They’ll show up when they feel like it. There are taxidermy stuffed Kermodes at the visitor center and at the airport. Look up the story behind “Gimpy”, the Kermode.
While at the tourist center, look out the front door over the city to see Sleeping Beauty Mountain in the distance.
A hidden secret gem is Bert’s Deli where you can get lunch then sit in Library Park across the street. Many Terracites have fond memories of childhood visits to Bert’s Deli.
At the Tourist Centre and get a map of the Nass Valley lava beds area. There are 14 scenic stops from Kalum Drive all the way up to Kincolith/ Gingolx, a little village on the ocean. You can explore the entire Nisqa’a Highway with a regular car too. The highway is paved, but there are two 16% hills between Greenville and Kincolith. There are scenic waterfalls, lava bed hike, and an amazing modern museum of cultural arts. One of the villages has a suspension bridge you can walk across and there are places you can view local salmon fishing. Even though this area is only 90 km from Terrace, be sure to allow a whole day for this adventure alone.
https://www.nisgaanation.ca/lava-bed-park
If you are a winter sport lover, check out Shames mountain ski resort. When I was growing up, there was a place called Kitsumkalum where I took some skiing lessons. Unfortunately after I had some mishaps with a tree and a snow bank on the bunny run, I never continued with a passion for skiing.
Summer time is a great time for mushroom picking. Pine mushrooms are a delicacy and can bring in some good cash returns. I recommend finding a local guide if possible. Personally, I loved just frying up mushrooms with garlic and butter.
Kleanza Creek has a moderate nature hike and is also a campground.
Bornite Mountain is where I went on an all day hike with my high school class then later years went on some driving adventures as well.
Summer time attraction: Riverboat Days parade and festivities.
Lakelse Lake is in between Terrace and Kitimat and has a few different beaches worth checking out.
Lakelse Lake entry has the best water for swimming with a gravel and sand type shoreline.
Furlong Bay has an adventure park climbing area, camping spots, and a boat launch. If you go out a few feet into the water, there is a floor of squishy greenery that not everyone appreciates lol.
Grouchies beach is a fair bit of a hike in to the secluded beach. A friend published a story in a local Terrace book about our adventure camping there before it became a provincial park. We had an interesting night thinking there was a bear in the area, then falling asleep on the beach and waking with quite a memorable red tan.
Also look for Pine Lake, Red Sands Lake, Kitselas Canyon for some more scenic areas to visit.
Kitimat BC.
Tour the Alcan aluminum smelter.
Dip your feet in the Pacific ocean.
Look at a overall map of Kitimat. It drove me crazy driving around in circles eons ago until I realized that the streets are actually laid out in a design that is easy to follow. A big square with a whole bunch of cul-de-sacs.
Summer time attraction: Drag races on the hill into town.
Boating enthusiasts: Wewanne hotsprings is down Douglas channel. This Channel is also where I took my junior open water scuba diving lessons and caught King Crab dinners on the boat.
Prince Rupert BC:
Dip your feet in the Pacific Ocean.
Cow Bay along the Oceanside: Get a cow-puccino at the cafe.
Take in a walk on the wharf. Be sure to stay for the sunsets.
Check local tourist center and ask about boat tours. We went on a Navy ship tour years ago.
Work Channel is also a place I went scuba diving as a teenager.
Dolly’s and Smile’s are the best local seafood diners. We met the local BC band Trooper in Smiles back in 1986. They have a song about the Rainy City.
Manicured sunken gardens behind the government building.
Museum has extensive cultural arts and historical items.
If you like history, drive in to Port Edward and visit the North Pacific Cannery. It’s a very interesting historical site.
Book a vacation on the Port Hardy ferry to Vancouver Island.
Book a vacation to Haida Gwaii islands on the Hecate Strait ferry. (Locals call it “hectic straight”. Best to book night ferry and sleep through. Bring tummy relief and motion sickness meds).
Attractions:
Miles of rocky, seaweed filled beaches with all sorts of shells and barnacle rocks.
The “Blow Hole” hike.
Legend of the Golden Spruce Tree.
Houston BC has the world’s largest fishing rod.
The highway from Prince George BC to Terrace BC is 573 km. I have traveled that highway numerous times through my life. Generally, this trip takes about 6 hours driving. In 2016 I took some Aussie friends on a road trip and we took 12 hours because we stopped at every scenic and historical site along the way.
Take your time through this area, you’ll see why I am a mountain girl! There are mountains, rivers, waterfalls, extensive forests and wildlife. Our license plates say “Beautiful British Columbia”
By the way, yes, this Highway 16 corridor is called the “Highway of Tears”. There are all sorts of signs deterring the idea of hitch hiking. I know some of the names on the missing persons list. Stay safe!
Train option: There is a scenic passage from Prince George to Prince Rupert, generally a 10-hour trip.
The Prince George to Jasper train passage is apparently absolutely breath taking as well. This one still on my bucket list.
From Prince George traveling East you will pass the “Prince George Regional Correctional Facility”, also locally known as the “Prince George Hilton” as inmates get “3 hots and a cot” during their long-term residency there. This location was used for filming the “Reindeer Games” movie many years ago.
From Prince George to McBride, there are no other towns for 2.5 hours drive. Summer driving is gorgeous scenery with all the mountains and trees. Take care when driving in the winter. This is one stretch of highway I found a fair bit intimidating in white out conditions as the highway has deep sides. This is also a stretch where wildlife such as moose, deer, and bears can seemingly come out of nowhere, up onto the highway into traffic. Dawn and Dusk are times to be particularly vigilant.
In McBride, we always stop at Killin Restaurant close to the bridge for the best Chinese food.
Just past McBride, watch for signs to Dunster BC, a small community where the Robson Valley Music Festival is held.
There is a turn off to Valemount BC just before Mount Robson Park area. Just across the bridge on the left side there is a tourist centre and a park. Years ago, we went here to view the salmon run, before it was all turned into a park area. We were able to walk the unregulated trail all the way down the side of this river. As you can well imagine, this area became too popular and restrictions were needed to protect the fish spawning habitat. There are now many informative signs explaining the salmon run. There are now fences and viewing platforms as well. Definitely make this a bucket list visit if you are in the area! The best time to view the salmon run is later in August.
Mount Robson area:
Make allowance for an extra night or two to spend in Robson, Jasper or somewhere through ice fields.
Look up these attractions:
Zip line
Columbia Icefields
Lake Louise: There is a hotel and a whole tourist area for this iconic lake in the Rockies.
Glaciers view points
Bring a camera! This is what I call Highway Zen to God’s country, Mount Robson. I am sure my heart strings are tied here. This Rocky Mountain is 3 hours from Prince George. Go one more hour to Jasper. I have often said that if Mount Robson is in your rear-view mirror, you’re going the wrong direction.
Watch for Rearguard Falls on your right just before getting into Mount Robson area. This is a short but steep hike down to a fenced viewing area of the Rearguard Falls. In late August you can see some salmon spawning and jumping through the rapids. You may also see white water rafting participants take a break to walk through the forested area to get to the other side of these Level 5 rapids.
We did Robson White Water Rafting adventure a few times thru the Valemount office. You can buy a USB with pics after your trip. We also did the morning float down the calmer part of the river. This is a nice fairly peaceful ride that is great for all ages and more gorgeous scenery.
Watch for the small field area on your right-hand side where you will find Terry Fox Mountain and others in a mountain range. You can view through telescopes provided at the location. There are informative bulletin boards that explain the stories and the icons of the area. In summer time, you may find a mobile ice cream stand or other food trucks.
At the Mount Robson visitor center area, you will find a restaurant and gift shop. Inside the visitor center, you can go downstairs to watch introductory informative videos about the area. These videos are a required to watch if you plan on hiking the Berg Lake trail.
The Berg Lake trailhead is at the end of the road behind the visitor centre. You can view the glacial river here and go to Kinney Lake for a day hike. Only 7km and not too strenuous. Well worth it.
The hike to Kinney Lake is not too difficult but it is definitely a few hours round trip. It is short but very steep in some sections. There are a few places that are more than 45-degree angles. The first part is pretty rocky and uneven too.
Go on the hike early so you can park your car in the parking lot rather than further down the road.
Overlander Falls is just after visitor centre on the right side pull out. This is short hike, about 20 minutes with an impressive view of spectacular sprawling falls. You can access this hike straight from the side of the highway, or you can go on a hike from the visitor center. This hike is to the right of the building, along a trail there. You can choose the short hike to Overlander Falls, or you can do the approximately 3-hour hike up the mountain for birds’ eye view of Mount Robson.
Berg Lake is an overnight trip as it is 23 km to the top. It is recommended to book ahead to secure your space, and to plan your hiking trip. Reserve your spots then just show up. They also have the cancellation list so you may be able to adjust your plans accordingly. We have done two- and three-night stays. Book according to your plans to take in as much as you can while respecting the time and distance.
Some points to consider when hiking Berg Lake Trail:
There are 7 designated camping areas along the way.
From 11km to 20k it is a steep elevation gain, 4 km of switchbacks between Whitehorn and Emperor Falls. Take that into consideration for your days out there and chosen camping spots.
Pack light and condensed supplies.
Bring a day hike pack and leave some heavy and bulkier supplies at campsite.
Bring slippers for evening resting time.
I have seen some hikers bring a wagon made for mountain terrain. Solid or air-filled tires. Lightweight and easily maneuverable.
One year I used my dual sided postal satchel.
No campfires allowed, so light weight efficient cooking options are best.
We were able to visit a cave above Berg Lake.
We didn’t get to Snow Bird Pass because of weather conditions during that trip.
There is a hike to the Alberta Border as well.
Always check current conditions and restrictions and closures.
Terrain has changed due to flooding and land slides
Jasper:
If you go across tracks right at the beginning of town, there is a nice hike back in there. Old Fort Point. A local recommended so just ask. We went in winter and slid down the mountain side. We also got to see a herd of mountain sheep up close.
Stop in Jasper for the day and check out all the stores that are on the two main blocks
Look for Northface pizza. I went on a four-hour drive just to have Northface Pizza once.
Wildlife museum downstairs of Whistler hotel. Ask at front desk, inexpensive token to get in. Just a small hallway museum but a bucket list hidden gem showing all of the area wildlife in replicated scenes.
Last hotel usually has ice sculptures in winter time.
Some hotels have outdoor pools.
Fairmont hotel is quite scenic and window shopping is dreamy with all sorts of unique gift ideas.
Skating at the Fairmont hotel grounds is a huge local attraction whether you stay at the hotel or not.
Christmas decorations are a sight worth seeing. They have a life size gingerbread house. Don’t eat the gumdrops though. They are covered in varnish and taste gross. We learned that by experience lol.
“Jasper traffic jam” is usually a lot of wildlife, including elk, just cruising around and over running the highways and roads. It is their home. Please respect them. Remember also they are wild animals. Do not get too close. Use Zoom on your camera settings.
Maligne canyon is an absolutely breathtaking hike in both summer and winter conditions. You can choose the length of hike you prefer.
There is an ice walk tour and a cave accessible only in winter. I have been to the entrance of the cave but didn’t go inside as you have to crawl through a small opening to get there.
Maligne Lake is a scenic long drive and an iconic view you will often find on postcards. Gift shop and restaurant, plus telescopic platform views available.
Check out local information for the Sky Tram and Columbia Icefield Glass Sky Walk
We visited a train museum, a hidden gem found in the BCAA travel book.
Banff is a bigger version of Jasper with an alpine themed village. The Fairmont hotel is called the Castle in the Clouds. We stayed there for a model convention twice. Expensive but quite a memorable stay with scenic views.
Edmonton:
Note: the streets are all numbers and they run both vertically and horizontally on a map. I did not know this before GPS and was using a paper map. We ended up inadvertently driving in circles and going through the University parking lot looking like a bunch of orphan tourists in our minivan.
Specifically check out:
Science center, IMAX theatre. Plan an entire day for this alone. I lost all four of my kids for hours on end of entertainment and learning.
Ikea: It is huge like an adventure land of window-shopping experiences.
Fort Edmonton Historical site: Travel back in time with characters and buildings of a long-passed time period.
Muttart Gardens Conservatory is a huge botanical garden offering glass pyramids with tropical & arid biomes, plus events & courses.
The Edmonton Mall is the biggest attraction. Get a coupon book from the admin office or ask around local deals. We found that it was more cost effective to pay for family rate in the Adventureland and Waterpark attractions.
I had no intention of going on these attractions myself, but since I paid family rate, my then teenagers corralled me into going on the highest waterslide. Once I got over my height fears, I had fun. The Cannonball is best enjoyed in a well fitted one piece swim suit. There are voyeurs that take advantage of the views of unsuspecting bikini clad divers.
Note: the foghorn signals the waves coming. I did not know this on my first visit and was caught in the deep end when the waves came.
My teens also got me on the 45 second roller coaster. I screamed the entire ride, but it is definitely a family memory.
We also took in the undersea adventure tour and the Build A Bear workshop.
I made this trip with 4 kids from Terrace BC to Edmonton AB and only spent $800 including gas and accommodations. We hit up attractions for a week-long trip and had a lot of fun. I am not sure we could get away with such low costs these days, but see some of the tips above to create a fun filled quality vacation.
Going South from Prince George:
There are small towns along the way about an hour or two apart. Best to ask locals what stores and restaurants are current gem attractions.
Quesnel: Be sure to take in the Pinnacles hike and the local museum with the famous Mandy Doll. (Yes, the doll is apparently “haunted”. According to a talk show about the doll, a psychic explained that it was owned by twin boys who had been sick and died. I have only seen it once, and I prayed and cleared energy the whole time in there. Never went back to check if anything changed).
Barkerville highway: From Prince George direction, you can turn at McLean Road, a shortcut before Quesnel and cut about 40 minutes off your drive.
Watch for the candy store that looks like Hansel and Gretel house.
Barkerville:
A historical site where you can spend a few days taking tours with period time characters. I recommend the waterwheel story, the story of the man who buried his wife 3 times, the main tour and the Chinese tour.
Also see gold panning, the candy store, the bakery. Wake Up Jake restaurant serves delicious meals.
William’s Lake is fondly called Willy’s Puddle.
If you turn off the highway by Little Fort outside of 100 Mile House, you’ll find several scenic camping places and lakes as well as a back highway to Kelowna area.
If you turn onto Highway 99 from Cache Creek, you can go to Vancouver this way as well. Through this area you will a winding highway with breathtaking scenery.
Pemberton is small village with population about 2000 where Pemfest 2008 was held and over 40 thousand people gathered for a 3 day/ 40 bands festival.
Whistler is known as a popular ski resort and a huge tourist attraction. My sister Nolita Ananda lives here through part of the year, and the rest in Thailand. Several years ago she held the Top Esthetician position in their local Pique Magazine for a few years running.
I usually go through the Fraser Canyon. Winding highway through mountains with a river to follow.
There are 7 tunnels in the Fraser Canyon section of Highway 1: Yale, Saddle Rock, Sailor Bar, Alexandra, Hells Gate, Ferrabee & China Bar.
Jackass Mountain‘s history is almost as peculiar as its name. Named after the mule trails that led to the Cariboo gold fields, the route was also known as “the hill of despair”. Many mules fell to their deaths as it was so steep and narrow.
Through Highway 5 you will find Othello Tunnels. Beautiful area to visit. Check current conditions as flooding closed this area a few times for safety because of damages.
The Coquihalla Highway is a bridge between many interior communities; however, it is also one of the most treacherous highways with unpredictable weather patterns through mountainous regions. Always check driving conditions before going through here. I remember a summertime sunrise over the horizon and another white out conditions drive through the night here. There is often no cell service as well.
Watch for roadside fruit stands in summer time offering locally grown and harvested fruits veggies and honey. This is an essential part of road trips in Beautiful BC.
Enderby has a Goat Farm and Market that is a fun place to visit with goats having their own road crossing overpass.
The Parrot Island Sanctuary near Peachland BC is a great educational place to visit. I love birds but I will not support having parrots as store bought pets after all I learned there. They mate for life and can be awfully lonely and detrimentally affected if they choose a human as their lifelong companion.
Prince George BC:
The Northern Hub Capital of British Columbia and our home since 2001.
Teapot Mountain: Steep quarter mile hike with a view of the continental divide and the convergence of the Fraser and Nechako rivers.
Ferguson Lake: easy hike around a small lake. Great for kids and dogs.
Huble Homestead: Historical site where you can learn about days gone by in this area.
The Ancient Forest: only 111 km east on highway 16. Like a magical world of awe. It is a rainforest of freshness.
Fort George Canyon Trail. This is on the Blackwater Road, west towards Vanderhoof. A moderate hike that leads down to the river where sternwheelers used to float through the canyon.
Buckhorn logging road: This is South towards Quesnel. There are many little lakes and camping sites through this area. You can also go all the way to Quesnel through this backwoods highway.
Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park (formerly Fort George Park): There is a water park and a band shelter. You’ll find Exploration Place Museum close by. This is the location of the extensive July 1st Canada Day Celebrations and many other festivals.
CN Centre (Formerly the Multiplex): venue of many festivals and concerts. This location is just a few blocks from our home so we get the privilege of faintly hearing the festivities going on there that make our city a huge attraction for neighboring communities.
Honeybee Inspirations Wellness and Creativity: Of course I have to add this here. Melissa operates out of our home location and has occasionally accommodated a few clients from out of town. Book ahead whenever possible to enjoy Reflexology relaxation.
In February, check local sources for details of Snow Daze Festival celebrations.
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Found on social media, this is exactly what we did on road trips. Our cooler was bright yellow and orange:
As a kid I took it for granted with my grandparents, that no matter where we would go, there would always be the old brown Coleman cooler packed with hard boiled eggs, cold grilled cheese sandwiches, cut up veggies, thermos of coffee and a thermos of tea. They would say “you just can’t always know if you will get to where you are going around here”. These road trips from their past, a reminder of what we may face.
Always be prepared, you have the room to always pack a few more things in case of an emergency. Always have a good emergency kit packed up when traveling.
At a minimum you should always have on hand:
1. Well stocked first aid kit, with personal medications
2. Non perishable foods/ snacks (Lots, I mean LOTS)
3. Lots of potable water to drink.
4. Good quality jumper cables or a mini booster pack
5. Matches/ Lighter, a flashlight and some candles
6. A good socket set and basic tools.
7. Spare charging cable for your smart phone
8. Always carry a bit of cash, can’t rely on your cards
9.Small shovel/ Multi tool (some cool ones out there)
10. Nice warm blanket
Cars are sealed up enough that one candle can be enough of a source of heat to keep you warm enough when you are stranded. Always check the tire pressure in your spare tire, always try to keep as much fuel in your tank as you can in between long durations with no stations.
Most importantly, ALWAYS TELL SOMEONE your trip plans! Where are you going? When you plan on reaching your destination? What route are you taking? Promise to call or text when you reach your destination.
There is always someone important in your life to relay these crucial pieces of information to. At the very least, write down your plans and leave them at home in a visible place in your residence before you leave. It may be more important than you want to think.
Check back periodically. Will add more specific area recommendations and hidden gems as I think of them. Stay tuned!!