May 28, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Gardens
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I recently visited Ferguson Lake Nature Reserve with some friends for an evening hike, and to do some fishing. We brought the dogs along and they had a blast running in the swamp and through the forest, chasing away any potential wildlife.
All along the trail there was interprative signs reading about the lakes heritage of horse logging that once operated there. The bridges take you right into the swamps and their awsome, I got a chance to get up close and personal with a garter snake that took me by surprise and I almost ended up in the swamp!
Fishing the lake we caught a couple trout worth eating, but the pups stole them. Fergason lake is home to lots of wildlife such as Lynx, Blacktail deer, Moose, and Coyotes to name a few.
It is a very unique trail and I had a great time, the city has done an awsome job on the trail, the bridges look brand new, but you can still go on the old bridges which are literally at water level, watch out for snakes though!
photo coutesy of Joshua Laurin
June 05, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Gardens
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Located just 30 minutes north of Prince George is a botanical surprise that would impress everyone from the most educated botanist to the energetic 5 year old. Jim Good, owner of the Goodsir Nature Park has spent a lifetime travelling the country, collecting interesting and rare plant specimen and bringing them back to his 100+ acre property to replant and nurture them. He then offers guided tours throughout his property, telling the stories of his plants, including what they are, where they came from and extensive information about the plant. What is even more impressive than his knowledge is his pride of his collection, which is obvious as he fondly talks about his journeys and his plants.
After taking a walk with Jim though out the park, go to one of his newly installed picnic areas that are over looking a small beaver pond. While sitting her it is common to see beavers, muskrats, ducks, geese and an abundance of other wildlife. There is also a little museum that boasts probably over a 1000 plant specimens that Jim himself has collected.
All in all, if you are travelling north to Alaska, or just spending a few days in the Prince George area, I highly recommend the Goodsir Nature Park. It is amazing to see what one man's hobby can produce.
November 28, 2008 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Gardens
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When I moved to the north 4 years ago, I had no idea how beautiful the wildflowers are here in the early summer. When my husband, son and I went for a drive on a Sunday afternoon in late June, we saw THOUSANDS of wildflowers, and even sat and watched (and photographed) a cow moose.
We also went to Goodsir Nature Park, about 30km north of Prince George, and wandered around on the trails. The whole place has been built by one man, Jim Good, who has been collecting plant samples from all over Canada. In addition to seeing the typical wildflowers - lupines, indian paintbrush and columbine - there are some more unususal species. I hadn't seen a chocolate lily before. There is also an old homestead cabin on the grounds. Take your camera, water and a snack with you if you go, as we ended up spending about 3 hours there. Admission is by donation.
This picture is actually taken in a ditch, at the side of Highway 97. (June 22, 2008)