lifestyles
with CHERYL MacKINNON
&
Canadian Travel and Lifestyles While the gorgeous creature to the left sleeps soundly, the people of Northern British Columbia are wide awake amidst the splendour of winter. Warm hospitality abounds across the entire region with this week’s profile on Terrace, Smithers and MacKenzie. Popular with locals and visitors alike, there’s no end to fantastic fun on the nearby ski hills and the backyard ice rinks. The snow is flying and the sun is shining (mostly), with great getaways aimed at outstanding fun in the great northern outdoors of British Columbia. Full details showcased on the enticing web site at www.northernbctourism.com. A SPECIAL REPORT PROVIDED BY GLOBAL TV'S CHERYL MACKINNON AND
TRAVEL
Naturally…In Beautiful Northern British Columbia
The northern tourism region of British Columbia is absolutely spectacular – any time of the year. Abundant with a natural beauty that reflects authentic gifts of nature – towering mountains, deep, lush forests, to rivers, lakes and the ocean, winter brings a magic of its own to this provincial territory. So while some of us may be moaning and groaning at yet another dump of snow on our driveways, the people of Northern B.C. embrace the cold and snow with passion, inviting travellers to come experience the fun to be had in the great outdoors.
Travel & Lifestyles is a weekly information report from Cheryl MacKinnon, Founder of ‘kid friendly!’ family tourism and Tourism Industry of Canada 2006 Travel Media Award Finalist for outstanding tourism promotion of Canada. Watch Cheryl on Global TV Morning News every Wednesday at 8:50 a.m. in B.C. www.cherylmackinnon.com
Please contact me at
cherylmack@shaw.ca" WHEN YOU GO For route and general travel information please visit www.northern bctourism.com. Interested in more on Terrace, then please visit www.kermodei tourism.com, for Smithers, see www.tour ismsmithers.com and for Mackenzie, see www.district.mackenzie.bc.ca. Some of the individual adventure outfits have good informative sites too – visit www.skismithers.com and www.nordic.ca, www. shames mountain.com, www.neheliski.com and www.snowvalleynordics.com.
Terrace Is a Gem
Smithers – Of Mountains and Music
Mackenzie – Winter Serenity
Located on the banks of the Skeena River in Northwest British Columbia, Terrace is a city defined by its natural good looks (snow-capped coastal mountains complemented by soul-stirring views throughout the valley do the trick every time), and its spirit of congeniality, history and culture. In the winter, this intimate community affords an opportunity to escape the noise and clatter of big city living and set out to explore the rich landscape of the north. Outdoor activity beckons with one having to look no further than Shames Mountain, a mere 30 minutes outside of Terrace, for big and I mean big, powder days. Boasting more snow than any other lift operated ski area in North America, with an average annual snowfall of over 40 feet, this is what downhill skiers and gutsy snowboarders live for…the rest of us simply enjoying the runs and hospitality at our own pace. Cross country skiing is fabulous on the Onion Lake ski trails, where beginners to experts will find well-maintained routes, some lit to accommodate both day and night skiing. Another way to experience the beauty of the region while burning off more calories than two hours at the gym, is to strap on snowshoes and head out on the trails. For all you thrill seekers, Northern Escape Heli-Skiing will get your adrenaline rushing with some of the most inspiring settings you’ll ever ski or board down. Once you’ve discovered your favourite way to put the rosy pink blush back in your cheeks, check out the area’s natural hot springs for après snow fun. Mount Layton Hot Springs Resort is the closest with a quick 15minute drive south of Terrace. “Lots” happening in town too, so check out the calendar of events and cool places to stay and dine at www.kermodeitourism.ca.
Smithereens, as the locals are fondly referred to, are passionate about their mountains and their music! Located approximately half way between Prince Rupert and Prince George, the town is accessible daily via Air Canada and Hawkair out of Vancouver. In winter, you’ll find this near 100-year-old community reveling in their winter wonderland, especially at their centerpiece – Hudson Bay Mountain. The mountain hosts the alpine resort of Ski & Ride Smithers, which offers a variety of terrain spread over 300 acres. There are four lifts providing access to 36 runs (great glade skiing here) with 1,750 vertical feet. Cross-country fans will love the Bulkley Valley Nordic Centre with 55 km of groomed track, including nearly 5km of lit trails. There’s something quite romantic about a night run on the trails. The sky awash in stars, snow glistening beneath the soft lighting and no sounds really, other than the gentle swoosh of skis and your breathing. Even with the kids along, their chattering and laughter punctuating the run, I can almost guarantee everyone will feel a delightful sense of peace while taking in this sport at dusk. Back in town the affinity to music becomes clear as locals share bragging rights of the impressive list of Bulkley Valley musicians, including Juno Award winner, the AlexCuba Band, and the very special town favourite minstrel, Mark Perry. For cozy places to stay and dine, visit www.tourism smithers.com.
A recreational hub, Mackenzie lies at the southern end of Williston Lake, the largest man-made lake in British Columbia. The town was literally carved out of the wilderness in the 1960s to service large pulp and manufacturing facilities. Today the community places a good emphasis on its natural resources relating to tourism. Located approximately 150 km from Prince George, the area is well known and highly respected for its fabulous snowmobiling trails running clear to the top of Morfee Mountain. Local outfitter, Rocky Mountain Trench Adventures, offers customized packages for riders of all levels, encouraging the novice to expert rider, to come out and explore the incredible beauty surrounding the region. Packages include avalanche certified guides, transfers between Mackenzie and the trails, accommodations in Mackenzie, the snowmobile and full days out on the trails. Their web site shows visitors from around the world experiencing the thrill of a lifetime as they discover this great sport - visit www.rmtaadventures.ca for inspiring visuals. And while Mackenzie is most popular for snowmobiling adventures, there is cross-country skiing across 32 km of groomed and partially lit trails. If you’re looking for more world-class skiing in the north, head over to Powder King Mountain, an easy 40-minute drive from Mackenzie. To plan a getaway, visit the town’s informative web site at www.district.mackenzie. bc.ca. This is truly one of three great destinations in Northern British Columbia, which offer getaways for families and couples who place an emphasis on healthy, outdoor fun.
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