Monday, August 31, 2015

Summer/Winter Bulkley River Telkwa British Columbia (Pictures/Videos)


Above Picture: Telkwa's beautiful Gazebo which sits along side the Bulkley River and seen when driving through Telkwa along side Highway 16.

I took the photos/videos in the Winter and recently Summer at Telkwa, British Columbia, Houston’s neighbor. I thought it might be nice to show how the river looks in both season's. 


Above Photo: Summer time photo of the Bulkley River in Telkwa, British Columbia


Above Photo: Winter time photo of the Bulkley River in Telkwa, British Columbia

Telkwa, B.C. has a population of roughly 1,403 people. The small community has some fantastic Steelhead, Trout and Salmon fishing on the Bulkley River. From the Highway you are only yards away from catching that hard fighting fish.

You can view a number of heritage buildings in the town, and for the outdoors person there awe some awesome hiking trails, wildlife, such as Deer, Moose, Bear and other smaller critters. 

In the winter, there is  heli-skiing throughout the Bulkley Valley, and you can view some fossils at Driftwood Canyon Provincial Park. One of Telkwa's next door neighbour is Smithers, in Smithers they have the Hudson Bay Mountain ski hill. 

You can find information on this at: http://www.hudsonbaymountain.com/homepage

Folks come from around the world to ski the mountain.

Also you can visit Tyhee Lake Provincial Park where you can bring your picnic basket, a blanket to sit on and have a great view of the lake. You can camp and try your luck fishing from your boat.

Below are a number of other photos I took in Telkwa, B.C.








Video Below: Winter Scene - The Bulkley River in Telkwa, British Columbia.
The clip can be found on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/_fWRvP6Kync

Video Below: Summer Scene - The Bulkley River in Telkwa, British Columbia.
The clip can be found on YouTube at: http://youtu.be/q1vIFk8FlAU

Information about Telkwa, British Columbia

If you have a picture or story you would like to share on the Travel British Columbia with Brian Vike blog, please contact me at b_vike@telus.net

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Saturday, August 29, 2015

Burns Lake British Columbia (Photos)


Above Photo: The Burns Lake tourist Information Centre and Museum. 

The Visitor Information Centre looked great, it was tidy and spotless. The grounds were beautiful, lawns cut and scattered around the property were pieces of old farming equipment, a rock crusher and old, old wagon. 

Also beautiful flowers were noticed around the property, and throughout the town. Inside the centre you were met by warm and friendly staff, who wanted to share what Burns Lake has to offer. 

The residents of Burns Lake are certainly proud of their home town, as it shows.



A Little Bit About Burns Lake.

Burns Lake is a rural village in the North-Central Interior of British Columbia, Canada, incorporated in 1923. The village has a population of 3649 including the residents of the First Nations reserves within the town limits according to the 2011 Canadian Census.

Burns Lake acquired its name after Michael Byrnes, who was an explorer for the Collins Overland Telegraph scheme. Byrnes passed Burns lake in about 1866 while surveying a route from Fort Fraser to Hagwilget.

The Village is renowned for its rich First Nations heritage, and for its extensive network of mountain biking trails, which have received international acclaim by becoming Canada's first IMBA Ride Centre. Burns Lake is located in the midst of a large networks of lakes called the Lakes District, with fishing and hunting year round, and water activities in the summer months.

There are two First Nations reserves that are part of the town, and another four nearby, making it one of the few communities in the province that have almost equal populations of native and Canadians of European descent. Local nations include Wet'suwet'en First Nation, Lake Babine Nation, Cheslatta Band, Burns Lake band, Skin Tyee band and Nee Tahi Buhn band.

The town serves as a hub for the local logging, saw-milling, mining and tourist industries. It also serves as the main commercial centre for the surrounding area including Francois Lake, Colleymount, Grassy Plains, Rose Lake, Topley, and Granisle. There are three pubs, many cafes and restaurants a selection of stores and services , a library and a hospital. It is the location of the head offices of the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako.

Source Information: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
(Additional Information) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burns_Lake


Above Photo: Burns Lake Museum.

Below are some photos of some of the old equipment that can be seen on the grounds at the visitor centre.



Below Photo: The Bucket of Blood.

Located adjacent to the Burns Lake Museum, this square-cut log building is a former fur trade post which later became a gambling den. Due to the nature of gambling, fights broke out in the building, earning its name. It now contains a display of historical artifacts from the life of Craig Wafflehouse, one of the founders of Burns Lake.


Below are more photos of some of the old equipment that can be seen on the grounds at the visitor centre.


Above Photo: An old wagon someone used to haul around their goods.


Above Photo: An old rock crusher that was used at the Taltapin Mine Ltd., two miles sounth of Babine lake on Pinkut Creek.




Lake Fishing My Favorite - Tchesinkut Lake

Fishing, when it comes to fishing, the Burns Lake and area has some fantastic lakes to fish. I should know, as I have fished many of them. One of my favorite lakes is located 16 kms south, from Burns Lake and is called Tchesinkut Lake. 

A great place to stay, is at the Beaver Point Resort. There is camping, cabins and areas for RVs with hookups. Also there are coin operated hot showers, laundry area, sani-station, and an area fish to clean your fish. Also Wi-Fi is available which you can check out at their website. Beaver Point Resort pretty much covers everything a person would want, from camping to fishing and so much more and is a nice place to bring the family to.


Please visit their website at, Beaver Point Resort.

Burns Lake, British Columbia Tourism.

If you have a picture or story you would like to share on the Travel British Columbia with Brian Vike blog, please contact me at b_vike@telus.net

Travel British Columbia with Brian Vike.

Monday, August 24, 2015

Bulkley Valley Exhibition Smithers British Columbia



Above Photo: Two little ones, my son and daughter ready to head off to the Bulkley Valley Fair, looking for treats and rides.

On Thursday, August 27, 2015 the Bulkley Valley Fair opens it's gates again from Thursday, August 27th to Sunday, August 30th 2015 for the crowds of folks who travel from all over heading to Smithers to take in the fair.

The Bulkley Valley Fair grounds are located along side the Bulkley river, which is one of the world’s best Steelhead fishing rivers in the world. Tourists come from all points in the world just to fish the Bulkley. (Video’s of fisherman catching Steelhead on the river). 

The Bulkley Valley Fair grounds are located at, 2701 Pacific Street, Smithers, British Columbia.


The Bulkley Valley Fair welcomes families, with a petting zoo, all kinds of treats and amusement rides. There are musicians to keep you entertained and the Topley 4-H auction. For more information on the Exhibition, please visit: http://bvfair.ca/

Don’t forget, when your not at the fair, take in some of the breath taking sights in and around Smithers, B.C.

Places To Stay:








Camping RV Areas.



Camping, RV Areas Close To Smithers.



There is so much to see and do, come join us at the fair.


If you have a picture or story you would like to share on the Travel British Columbia with Brian Vike blog, please contact me at b_vike@telus.net

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Radio Stations From Across British Columbia



I have them listed in alphabetical order, starting with the name of the town, city, etc. 

Hopefully you will find the music to make your driving just a little bit easier.

































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“Lets Explore Houston” In British Columbia (Topley 4-H Club)


Above Photo: Members of the Topley 4-H Club.

On August 23, 2015 I left home and drove over to the Houston Mall. From there I walked around town looking at what the town merchants had on display. There were a lot of things happening, and I will post each one on their own.

There was one display which really caught my eye, which was the young people from the Topley 4-H Club. These kids put a lot of time, money into raising an animal which they called Haybale. 

I knew some kids from Houston years ago who were part of the 4-H Club, and the purpose of raising the steer was to later auction it off and the funds went to help others in their community.

Same thing with these 4-H Club members, they raise the steer/care for it and later at the Bulkley Valley Exhibition in Smithers, British Columbia, auction it off. The money raised helps out others in the community. 

These young people really deserve a lot of credit for what they do, they get up, work at caring for the steer and everything else that goes with it. They take on a roll of responsibility, not doing for themselves, but doing for others.

For myself, it was the highlight of the “Lets Explore Houston” day.

The below message is from the Topley 4-H Club members, inviting everyone out to the Bulkley Valley Exhibition to enjoy a day of fun, and to bid on their steer which raises funds for worthy causes around their home community. In their letter, they describe just where the funds go for.

A big thanks to a great group of kids. 


Above Photo: Haybale, one good looking Steer.

Dear Sir/Madam

The Topley 4-H club would like to invite you to the Bulkley Valley Exhibition August 27-30th. 

There are many things you can do at the fair, and while you are there enjoying the rides, come back and check out all of the 4-H projects.

On Saturday the 28th at 2:00 p.m. the 4-H auction will be held, and our donation steer Haybale will be auctioned off, after all the other projects have been auctioned off.

The profit that we make on our donation steer will go to the Houston Public Library, Pleasant Valley Senior Housing, and the Bulkley Valley 4-H Council. The Houston Public Library will be using the money for further developing the technology they have.

The Pleasant Valley Retirement Housing will be using the money towards continued building of the 6 plex, and the Bulkley Valley 4-H Council will be using the money towards financial support.

We hope to see you at the Bulkley Valley Exhibition.

Thank you.

Topley 4-H Club.

If you have a picture or story you would like to share on the Travel British Columbia with Brian Vike blog, please contact me at b_vike@telus.net

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Sunday, August 23, 2015

Canadian Geese Flying South For The Winter Above Houston British Columbia (Photo/Video)


Above Photo: The annual migration of Canadian Geese flying over Houston, B.C.

It appears the annual migration of Canadian Geese is well underway. I filmed this bunch of Geese on August 23, 2015 and they have been flying overhead for at least two weeks in large numbers.

The Canada Goose  is a large wild goose species with a black head and neck, white patches on the face, and a brown body. Native to arctic and temperate regions of North America, its migration occasionally reaches northern Europe. 

It has been introduced to Britain, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands. Like most geese, the Canada goose is primarily herbivorous and normally migratory; it tends to be found on or close to fresh water.

Extremely successful at living in human-altered areas, Canada geese have proven able to establish breeding colonies in urban and cultivated areas, which provide food and few natural predators, and are well known as a common park species. 

Their success has led to them sometimes being considered a pest species because of their depredation of crops and issues with their noise, droppings, aggressive territorial behavior, and habit of begging for food, especially in their introduced range. 

Source Information, From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

A short video clip of Canadian Geese heading south for the winter.

If you have a picture or story you would like to share on the Travel British Columbia with Brian Vike blog, please contact me at b_vike@telus.net

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White On White On White Party

Judy Basso Events has created a very exciting event that will become an annual event.  The White on White on White Party is going to be away of celebrating the end of summer, like never before!

The event benefactor is the B.C. SPCA – Kamloops Branch.  Each year the event benefactor will change. Following the event, the attendees will have an opportunity to vote on who they would like us to have as the event benefactor for the following year.

We have designed an event that will be unique and memorable.  It will be something that people will be excited to attend again and again each year. All of the guests from this year will have the first option to buy tickets for next year, and will also be able to invite two people to attend the event. This group of people will then be able to be the next inline for the available tickets. Any remaining tickets will only be available by being on a waiting list.  We are only selling 158 tickets. By using this model, the growth of this event will grow quickly, and makes the event sustainable. It like being part of a club; the “WoWoW Club!”

We are making every attempt to make this event something that is different from anything else in town. It is very crucial that this first time event be done very, very well.

The intention is to have future WoWoW events on a week night, as this is.  It will be held at a secret location, and will be done by 11:00 pm.  Guests are transported from and back to Aberdeen Mall staff parking lot. Once on the busses they will be transported by motor coach to the venue.


 We have secured some fabulous sponsors: The DoubleTree by Hilton – Kamloops, Cooper’s Foods, Caroline Slade Photography (they approached me to be a part of this event when they heard about it), Aberdeen Mall, DiVine Tours and Vida Creative.  We also have an amazing Organizing Committee that comprises of Terri Axani, Helen Morris (of Cooper’s Foods),  Cheryl Doolan, Ken Hueston, Caroline Purjue, Kaitlyn Methot and Jamie Mayes – all who are dedicated to making this a huge success!

Judy Basso Events has been in business for 25 years and is very, very well known and established in Kamloops for creating amazing and memorable events.  The fact that this event is produced and presented for Judy Basso Events will make it even more special.  We are able to run with it and make it what we truly want it to be.

We really want to leave people with a “Wow” feeling and want them to return year after year. By doing this each year the event benefactor will benefit.  Over the years, it will have a very positive ripple effect on many people in our community – in so many ways.  Having this infusion of extra cash will certainly help us to achieve that.

For FAQ’s and ticket information: www.JudyBassoEvents.ca   

Please let us know if you have any further questions. Cell: 250-851-5247 or jbassoevents@gmail.com.  

Kind Regards.

Judy Basso Events.





Enter to WIN a Weekend Getaway for Two in Kamloops, BC!
This prize package includes:

2 nights accomodation at The Hotel 540 for 2 people.
Stand Up Paddling for 2 people with Paddle Surfit.
Wine tour for 2 people with Tastefull Excursions.
Dinner for 2 at The Noble Pig.
$125 gas card.

To enter, please visit the Tourism Kamloops website.



Information on White On White On White Party.  


If you have a picture or story you would like to share on the Travel British Columbia with Brian Vike blog, please contact me at b_vike@telus.net

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Thursday, August 20, 2015

Lonely Sunflower Awaits The Oncoming Storm Houston British Columbia (Photo/Video)


Above Photo: Sunflower stands ready for battle with a 
shrinking blue sky and storm clouds rolling in.

With a storm moving in fast, my wife spotted a lonely Sunflower standing in the
field behind our home.

It looked awesome, but with major storm clouds building fast, and the wind starting to howl, the  Sunflower looked really fragile and I wondered if it would make it.

With thunder starting to roll across the sky, I decided I had to have a picture, so I ran back into our home, change my shoes, grabbed my cell and iPad mini and charged back outside and into the field.

With the wind blowing like crazy, it was hard to capture the Sunflower, but I did and I am glad I decided to take the lonely Sunflower’s picture.

I took a short video of the Sunflower, you can view it on YouTube at.

If you have a picture or story you would like to share on the Travel British Columbia with Brian Vike blog, please contact me at b_vike@telus.net

Travel British Columbia with Brian Vike.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Big Little Science Centre Kamloops British Columbia (Photos)


Above Photo: My grandson trying on the fun, bug-eyed goggles. Actually, we all had them on. 

On one of my trips to Kamloops British Columbia to visit family, my daughter mentioned that we should take in the Big Little Science Centre, as the kids and the rest of us would have a lot of fun.

Not far from her home we arrived, we jumped out of the vehicle and went inside. There is a small fee, which we were happy to pay as it went back into the Big Little Science Centre.

There are many different rooms in which are set up for the kids to have a hands on experience with each of the displays. 


Above Photo: My granddaughter working on a case by reconstructing a face in hope of finding the bad guy. Of course this is another tool to show the kids what technology there is when trying to solve a crime.



Above Photo: Where did the rest of his body go ?

There is so much more to see, so please do drop by, have some fun and support such a
 great place for the entire family.

Below Videos: I took the video clips, three on demonstrating static electricity 
and the last, blowing bubbles.

Big Little Science Centre Kamloops British Columbia. Showing the kids how static electricity works. My grandson was the volunteer. Video clip #1 http://youtu.be/_VOSVrQaSXA

Big Little Science Centre Kamloops British Columbia. Showing the kids how static electricity works. My grandson was the volunteer. Video clip #2 http://youtu.be/EVnWFe6GDMg

Big Little Science Centre Kamloops British Columbia. Showing the kids how static electricity works. My grandson was the volunteer. Video clip #3 http://youtu.be/c214fAcOBcY

Big Little Science Centre Kamloops British Columbia. My grandkids blowing bubbles. 
Video clip #4 https://youtu.be/B8sr0O8259M

BIG Little Science Centre website: 

Location map for the BIG Little Science Centre: 

Kamloops Visitor Centre: 

Tourism Kamloops: 

If you have a picture or story you would like to share on the Travel British Columbia with Brian Vike blog, please contact me at b_vike@telus.net

Travel British Columbia with Brian Vike.

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Fishing Guides And Charters From Around British Columbia


Above Photo: Sunset Over Kamloops Lake, in Kamloops British Columbia. The lakes around the Kamloops area have been known for its great fishing. Large Kamloops trout up to 10 pounds plus on a fly rod, most would say is heaven.

Kamloops Area Lakes.
http://www.best-in-british-columbia.com/kamloopsarealakes.html

Over the winter months I will be adding a lot of other fishing guides and charters to the list.

Below I have compiled a list of fishing guides and charters from around British Columbia.

There are charters for Salmon, Steelhead, Halibut and Trout fishing. 

Here in B.C. we have some of the best fishing available to everyone who enjoy the outdoors. There is nothing better than to wet a line in the fresh air on a river, lake or the ocean. 

So many of us pack up the RV, tents, or head to a cabin or resort to get away from the everyday rush in hopes of catching the large fish that got away. 

There are 1,000 of cold water lakes and rivers that hold that prize of a Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Lake Trout (Char), Whitefish, Bull Trout, Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Coastal Cutthroat Trout.

There are other species of fish, such as the Dolly Varden, Kokanee, Walleye, Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, Arctic Grayling and White Sturgeon.

Some huge White Sturgeon are being caught on the Fraser River, a really nice place to stay, is at the Fraser River Lodge which has everything you would need to catch and land that whopper of a White Sturgeon.

These folks can be found at: The Fraser River Lodge - http://fraserriverlodge.com/site/fishing/fish-species/sturgeon.html

We also have some of the best Steelhead fishing in the world, in my home town of Houston British Columbia. Folks from all over the world fish for Steelhead on the Bulkley river, and know one walks away disappointed.

I have posted some YouTube links to video clips on the Steelhead fishing here on the Bulkley River. You should check them out.

Steelhead Fishing On The Bulkley River (Videos)

We also have Chinook, Coho, Chum, Pink and Sockeye salmon in the ocean and rivers. The main prize is the Chinook/Spring and Coho salmon.

Also there is some great Halibut fishing as well. There are so many different species of fish in B.C. waters that you will never walk away skunked. 

Hope to see you with your Fishing Rod in hand !

There will be a lot more fishing guides and charter websites placed into the blog, with 5 months of winter, this will give me a lot of time to work on doing just that.
 

If you are a fishing guide, or own a fishing charter anywhere in the province and would like to be added in the list I have on my blog, please write with the name of the business, where it is located, and website. This is for British Columbia only, and I will add you straight away. 

Also if you have a photo of what the folks caught while on your charter, please do send it along and I certainly will add that as well.

Thank you, Brian Vike.

British Columbia Mainland.

For the British Columbia mainland, I have the charters given address for contact, but check with their webpages as they might do both, salt water and fresh water fishing. Of they stick to one or the other.


Chilliwack, B.C.

Great River Fishing Adventures.
Cascade Fishing Adventures - Sturgeon Fishing Charters.



Coquitlam, B.C.

M & M Salmon Fishing Charters.



Fraser Valley.



Kitimat, B.C.

Nautical West Sport Fishing.



Masset, B.C.

Escott Sport Fishing.



North Vancouver, B.C.

Chromer Sport Fishing.



Prince Rupert, B.C.

Terry's Prince Rupert Fishing Charters.
Thunder 1 Adventures.
Frohlich"s Fish Guiding.
BC Style Fishing Charters.
BC Fishing Charters | Water Witch Excusions | World-Class Salmon.
Sunset Charters.
Fishmaster Charters.
Northern Bounty Fishing Charters.



Richmond, B.C.

Langara Fishing Adventures.
Westcoast Resorts.


Rivers Inlet, B.C.

Rivers Inlet Sportsman's Club Fishing Lodge.


Sandspit, B.C.

Avid Sportfishing.




Squamish, B.C.

Valley Fishing Guides Ltd.



Surrey, B.C.

Ultimate Sport Fishing.


``Terrace, B.C.

Skeena Wilderness Fishing Charters.
Kalum River Lodge.



Vancouver, B.C.

Biteson Salmon Charters Vancouver.
Lang’s Fishing Adventures.
Salmon Charters Bayshore West Marina Vancouver.
Bon Chovy Fishing Charters.
Silversides Fishing Adventures.
Ocean Adventure Center: Vancouver Salmon Fishing Charters.


Whistler and Pemberton, B.C.

Whistler Fishing Guides.
Pemberton Fish Finder.

Vancounver Island, British Columbia.

For the Vancounver Island, British Columbia, I have the charters given address for contact, but check with their webpages as they might do both, salt water and fresh water fishing. Of they stick to one or the other.


Campbell River, B.C.

Coastal Wilderness Adventures - Campbell River Salmon Fishing Guides, Charters and Trips.
Painter's Lodge.
East West Fishing Charters.
Salmon fishing Campbell RIver (Guided Salmon Fishing Charters) Profish Adventures.
Fishing Storie Charters.
Mid Island Fishing Charters.



Cedar, B.C.

North King Lodge Ltd.



Nanaimo, B.C.

Invictus Charters.




Port Alberni, B.C.

Alberni Charters.


Port Hardy, B.C.

Starfish Charters Ltd.



Quathiaski Cove, B.C.

AG-Fish Enterprises Salmon Fishing Charter.



Sooke, B.C.

Sooke Salmon Charters Ltd.
D&D Fishing Charters.
Bluewolf Fishing Charters.


Tofino, B.C.

Clayoquot Ventures Tofino Fishing.
Tonquin Fishing Charters.
Cleanline Sportfishing Charters Tofino B.C.
Tofino Fish Guides.



Ucluelet, B.C.

Salmon Eye Fishing Charters.
Canadian Princess Fishing Lodge & Marine Adventures.
Pacific Rim Fishing Charters & Guest Lodge.
Wild Pacific Charters.
Long Beach Charters.
Castaway Charters.



Victoria, B.C.

Adam's Fishing Charters.
Foghorn Fishing Charters.
Reel Obsession Fishing Charters.
Beasley's Fishing Charters.
Spencer's Sport Fishing.
Island Outfitters.
Oak Bay Marine Group.
King Coop's Fishing Charters.


Zeballos, B.C.

Island Tides Fishing Lodge.
Reel Obsession Fishing Lodge.

If you have a picture or story you would like to share on the Travel British Columbia with Brian Vike blog, please contact me at b_vike@telus.net

Travel British Columbia with Brian Vike.