It’s been a slow news week in the communities of the Fraser Canyon and so, short of making something up, I’ve decided to take this opportunity to tell about some of the things about town that you might not be aware of.   Think of it as my version of Oprah’s “Favourite things”.

 Canyon Country Creations

    You may have seen ads for Canyon Country Creations, our new arts and crafts cooperative store.  This lovely little shop is a showcase of local art, providing an opportunity for artists and crafters to show off their talents in a professionally managed retail outlet. This facility also houses a meeting room, a community info centre, a computer lab and second hand children’s clothing , toys and books for sale on consignment.  This project is managed by a committee of volunteers, but the group is looking for more members to become involved. There are great incentives for people who volunteer, including reduced rates for use of the facility, access to workshops, and the opportunity to greet visitors to our community.   If you are looking for something to do in your spare time, this would be great way to get out, meet people and have fun.

     The committee is currently discussing ways to fundraise for the coop, if you have ideas or just want to help out, come to the building on Friday afternoons and join in the committee meeting. This project has provided part time employment for one person for over six months. 

Even if you decide not to volunteer at the centre, please buy a ticket for the “mystery” raffle. You could win BIG bucks!!  Drop into the store to check it out, and remember, check out the store for that last minute gift, you might find just what you’re looking for.

“The Fraser Canyon- Then and Now”

This is an extremely interesting little book produced by the Boston Bar/North Bend Enhancement Society.  With history, information on businesses, the community development, local figures, and tourism points of interest, this book is a must have for new residents.  As a new arrival  7 1/2 years ago,  it took me several years to grasp the importance of heritage to this community and I am still hearing new and interesting facts, legends and local myths.  This book will give you a good head start.  At $5.99, it is a good read at a very good price.  The books can be found at Destination Hope & Beyond Services at the Hope Visitor Centre & Museum Complex. The books can also be found at Hells Gate Airtram and, of course, at Canyon Country Creations.

Elvis Rocks the Canyon Cafe

Still one of the canyons best kept secrets, this unique restaurant/Elvis shrine, located just south of Hells Gate airtram on the Trans Canada Highway presents an experience that should not be passed up. The walls are literally covered floor to ceiling with Elvis memorabilia; record sleeves, posters, news clippings and other assorted knick knacks. In the summer months the café hosts live dinner shows with renowned Elvis tribute artists.  Even if you’re not particularly an Elvis fan, drop in anyway for coffee and the home cooked food, ( I recommend the pie).  Norm and Deb, the proprietors are friendly and full of interesting stories.  Check out their ad in this paper for hours.

The Glass House

I’ve not too sure about the details surrounding this one, but somewhere in the hills around Canyon View, there is a little glass house.  The story I was told is that the owner used to work in a funeral home and collected the empty bottles from embalming fluid, yes it is a bit macabre, but fascinating nonetheless.  He then constructed a small pump house from the embalming fluid bottles and cement.  This little glass house still stands.  For those who want to see it for themselves, I would recommend talking to some old timers around town to ensure that you would not be trespassing on private property.

The Ultimate Burger

Picture this, a burger with beef, lettuce, cheese, bacon, a grilled weiner and a fried egg. That is the Pete.  The Pete is just one of the ultimate burgers at the Dogwood Valley Café. Named after semi trucks, like the Peterbilt, the other burgers are named the Western Star ( a mushroom burger to die for) , the Cornbinder (an open faced chili burger) , the White (beef, bacon, egg and cheese) and the Kenworth (a burger with bacon egg and cheese).  So vegans steer clear, this place caters to the carnivore trucker in all of us. I recommend starting with the Western Star on your first visit and working your way up to the Pete.  Just north of Hope on the Trans Canada highway, they are located just far enough from Boston Bar for you to have worked up an appetite driving the canyon. Say hi to Gail and the crew while you’re there.

The Alpine Cross

Atop the hill above The Canyon Alpine Trailer Park is the glowing Alpine Cross.   Traditional to Swiss alps, the alpine cross was a sign to weary travellers that there was a resting place at the base of the cross.  The cross was constructed by volunteers from the alpine area. Visitors can hike up to the cross and enjoy the plantings and sit on the bench to rest.  Just be sure stop in to ask for directions to the path before possibly trespassing on private property. .  More information is available at the Canyon Alpine restaurant just north of Boston Bar on the Trans Canada highway.