August 15, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Biking
Prince George is full of beautiful parks and the heritage river trail system takes in a variety of them. This trail is ideal for walking, jogging and biking. A friend and I started out on the trail mid-morning and spent until the mid afternoon happily meandering our way around the loop on our bikes. We stopped along the side of the Hudson Bay Slough and fed the ducks, paused in Fort George Park to skip rocks on the Fraser River and greatly enjoyed the meandering pathway along the Nechako River in Cottonwood Island Park. If you're looking for a gentle scenic bike route this a must do.
July 15, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Farms & Markets
Prince George has a year round farmers market each Saturday in the downtown court yard and nearby building. The atmosphere is lots of fun and there is no better place to get fresh locally grown produce, baked goods, homemade salsa, locally made gifts of soap, clothes, jewelry and more. One could buy and entire picnic and then sit and enjoy in the summer sun. Street musicians also often latch on to this opportunity to strut their stuff. Never know what one might find.
July 15, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
McBride, Hiking
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The Ancient Forest is the worlds farthest inland rainforest located 800km from the ocean. I was awed by these massive ancient trees some of which were 5metres in diameter. As we walked through the forest it felt like stepping back in time into a forest that needs to be cherished and respected. The trail is very natural and well maintained although not suitable for bicycles. Throughout the forest are information boards which kept us well informed. The entire hike took about an hour at a brisk pace and we got to see Tree Beard, the Big Tree and a pretty little waterfall. This is a jewel.
July 15, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Art Galleries & Artists
Prince George has a architecturally beautiful gallery. When I entered the building I was greeted and directed to the gallery and giftshop. The giftshop was very enjoyable with lots of local merchandise and nice gifts. The displays were the work of local artists and were very thought provocative. Good conversation pieces. I really enjoyed the room in which they had set up materials for the gallery goers to do their own art in the style of the pieces which were on display.
July 15, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Mount Robson, River Rafting
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Not much can match the thrill and intensity of feeling the power of the Fraser River beneath you as you rush past its banks and over its rapids. Friends and I drove the Yellowhead highway east of Prince George and enjoyed the lush green landscape from which slowly arose the Rocky Mountains and magnificent Mount Robson. At the base of this geographical giant we entered the Fraser River. My teeth were chattering with fright but once I heard the confidence of our guide's voice as he commanded us to paddle and we rushed safely across the raging water my fear changed to adrenaline and excitement. We learned the names and history of rapids as we traversed them. About half way through the trip we portaged around Reargard falls and got to enjoy its beauty from the banks. The trip was just one treat after another ending with a voluntary dip in the chilling Fraser waters.
July 15, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Harrison Hot Springs, Festivals & Events
In full swing until July 17th the Harrison Music Festival is a fun affordable event. My family and I packed a picnic and spent the afternoon strolling the beaches of beautiful Harrison Lake with the mountains rising up around us and music lilting over the water. We enjoyed shopping at the open air market which featured pottery, jewlery, almonds of every flavour imaginable and much more. Then we just settled down on the grass and bopped to the beat. This made for a very special day.
July 15, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Quesnel, Guest Ranches & Horseback Riding
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British Columbia was built from the backs of horses. Times have changed and wrangling has become more of a pleasure then a necessity but in my opinion, horseback riding remains an essential BC experience. Some friends and I chose to try our hand at this adventure with Triple J Ranch, an outfitter 20 minutes north of Quesnel. This is an experience I will never forget. The horses were well trained, the outback was stunning and our host, Martin, was knowledgeable, competent and friendly. As we rode across the fields with the sun setting before us in that moment there was nowhere else I would rather be.
June 11, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. James, Historic & Heritage Sites
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Tucked 53km off of highway 16 west, what was once a buzzing hub of trading activity, is the Fort St. James National Historic Site. This wild land is the home of the Nak'azdli First Nations and the Stuart Lake Outpost which in 1821 became Fort St. James with the amalgamation of the North West Company and the Hudson Bay Company. This trading post was alive and active until 1952 and is now authentically maintained.
My friends and I expected to check out the site very quickly on our way to Smithers. However the people there were so knowledgeable and friendly that we ended up staying for four hours. We learned so much, ate traditional food, tried our hand at measuring fur quality and played at ladel a traditional archery like sport, but much better! We also enjoyed a picnic on the shores of beautiful Stuart Lake. This is a stop you will not forget and will not want to miss.
June 01, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Prince George, Museums
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Here at the junction of the Fraser and Nechako Rivers is Prince George, the capital of Northern BC. The city received this name when the forestry boom of the early 1900s spurred the arrival of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway in 1913. The Prince George Railway and Forestry Museum commemorates this event and the story of what follows in a fun, interactive and informative display. When visiting the museum you will be able to walk through the diner of the 1920 Endeavour which became part of the American Freedom train, sit in the drivers seat of a Electric Locomotive, climb through a 1902 wooded plow used by the Pacific Great Eastern Railway, walk through the home of workers at Penny station and much more. This is one of the most enjoyable museums I have ever visited.