Moose Jaw, Sask, Canada on our Cross Canada RV trip

We’d called ahead to book an RV spot in Moose Jaw but were told that both parks were booked up. We were sure we could find something once we got here and we did. It is in one of the parks I’d called. A very small spot and meant for a small RV but luckily it is on a corner so we parked sideways and barely hung out over the road. It was not an ideal location, and had power only but we were only staying two nights and we’re able to camp without water and sewer for a short time. Traffic moved rather quickly past us but we weren’t awoken by any bumps in the night ! Then we got a nice surprise when the park desk clerk came and told us of a spot available to us for the third nite, so we stayed another nite in Moose Jaw, Sask.

Mac the Moose and Keith

We had to take a picture of Mac the Moose, who stands at the tourist centre just off Hwy 1 at Moose Jaw. He is now 25 years old and apparently his jaw fell of this year so he has had a facelift and a paint job. The fence around him wasn’t great for picture taking but until he has completed the repair jobs when he has a nicer fence, he will look like this. I was glad to see him repaired rather than not so didn’t mind the fence as an alternative.

                                                  One of many murals in town

So many people had told us to go see the Tunnels while we were in Moose Jaw so that was definitely on our list of things to do here. The underground tunnels are used for the tours and it is too bad they do not allow cameras, there could have been some great pictures. There are two different tours/shows to see and we recommend seeing them both. The tour is very well done and it is very impressive. One tour, the Chicago Connection was about Al Capone and his use of the tunnels recreated by some very talented actors. The other tour, The Passage to Fortune, I found to be so very heart wrenching. This is part of our history that we cannot be proud of. It is about the Chinese who were brought over to build the railroad and how they were treated and had to live. Check their website at www.tunnelsofmoosejaw.com . It is a ‘must see’ if you’re in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada.

                                                                   Buffalo Pound Lake

We drove out to see the Buffalo Pound Provincial Park while in Moose Jaw. It is 32 km (19 mi) north & west of town but worth the drive. They have great camping facilities and plenty of leisure activities. 4762 acres that include bison in their natural habitat. We weren’t able to find them, but we didn’t cover the complete park, it is large. We had thought we may stay there if we’d not been able to get a spot in town and it is a nice place to be. The weather was overcast and not too hot but definitely good camping weather.

                                                       Little church on the Prairies

                                                             Trolley in Moose Jaw

We had driven around town to see some of the sights but wanted to take the Trolley ride to hear all about the history and sites. We were sure glad we did that, we’d missed so many things. It is always a great way to learn about a town by hearing the history, a self tour never says enough.

We also toured the Western Development Museum. It tells the story of the transportation history, with lots of the real thing for display, including planes, trains and automobiles, plus more. They also have the only Snowbird display, which includes a plane in this great large museum.

Visit Nelson, BC while RV'ing in the West Kootenays

While RV’ing in the West Kootenays, you must spend some time in Nelson, BC. It is one of the prettiest towns to visit. It is incredibly picturesque with surrounding mountains and a lake right downtown to enjoy. Nelson, BC, with a population of 9258, is rich with history and has over 350 Victorian style buildings. There are so many things about Nelson to enjoy that it can’t be done in just one day so allow yourself enough time to see and feel it all.

Nelson Bridge from Lakeside Park

The bridge was a welcome addition after using a cable ferry to cross over Kootenay Lake in Nelson. The bridge opened in 1957 as a toll bridge and the toll was removed Mar.31, 1963.

Nelson is an all-season kind of town, so no matter what time of year you’re visiting, there are numerous sports to participate in if you’re not here only for the ambiance of the town.

Summertime has the lake and all that a lake could offer, including clear water for divers to explore the largest concentration of wrecks in western North America.

Wintertime is great for sports, too. Whitewater Winter resort is close by for skiing and snowboarding. And if you’re more interested in other winter sports, it isn’t far to go to cross country skiing and snowmobiling trails in the area, and enjoy the magnificent winter scenery while you play.

Nelson Courthouse & the Houston Memorial

F.M. Battenbury designed the Nelson Court House, built in 1909. He was the architect famous for designing the BC Legislative Buildings and the Empress Hotel in Victoria.

Also shown in this photo is the Houston Memorial (1926) named after Nelson’s first mayor. This corner also houses Nelson City Hall and the restored Hume Hotel. And spend some time in the Museum to learn about the history of the area.

One just need take a walking tour to be able to see a lot of their beautiful buildings, and they have a list for you to see, as well as a driving tour. Check out the buildings on this tour at http://kootenay-lake.ca/lakeside/Nelson/heritage/.

Wandering downtown on Baker St. allows you to visit several interesting boutiques and galleries as well as many choices for restaurants. Summertime means many patios are open for dining outside and enjoying the sights while you eat. The summer months are full of entertainment for all to enjoy, including Artwalk, Streetfest throughout the summer and the Road Kings Classic Car Show in September with hot rods from all over participating.

Nelson, BC was rated “Number One Small Town Arts Community in Canada” and proves themselves to deserve that award. Nelson hosts several arts related festival and events and many local artists receive international fame.

Trolley #23

#23 was part of the smallest electric streetcar system in the British Empire which operated from 1899 to 1949 then was replaced by diesel buses. In 1988 the Nelson Electric Tramway Society was formed and old #23 was refurbished to operate on the 1.2 km track built especially for it from Lakeside Park entrance to the city wharf area. The award winning tram is like a ride back in time as it ambles along the scenic waterfront drive during the summer months. There are several pick up places and the cost is $2.00. Enjoy the experience.

Sunset on the lake

At the end of this day we were able to enjoy this beautiful sunset from the city wharf which is only a short walk from anywhere downtown as well as from the city RV park. The RV park has limited space and may be difficult for the larger RV's travelling the roads these days. It was developed when most were using small vehicles and tents.