10 Reasons you won’t be bored in Prince George!

8 août 2016 18:00 Published by Danielle Amaral 1 commentaire

At the heart of British Columbia lies the perfect blend of urban and wild. Intertwined between the Nechako and Fraser Rivers and surrounded by thick emerald forest, Prince George is a bustling hub for adventure, entertainment, cuisine and industry. Yet, one needs to dive into the community and culture of the city to truly experience all the gems PG has to offer. The city is brimming with activity and these are just a few to keep you busy while in Prince George.

1. There’s a reason it’s called BC’s Northern Capital.

SOURCE: moveupprincegeorge.ca

From river floats down the Nechako to Theatre Northwest’s Wine Festival, there is always something to do. Offering all the amenities of a major metropolis, Prince George also provides the ideal setting for outdoor enthusiasts. With numerous shopping centers, theaters and restaurants convenience or entertainment is never sacrificed. In fact, Theater Northwest has one of the highest per-capita subscription rates compared to other professional Canadian theater companies. Prince George is also home to BC’s Northern most winery. With wine made primarily from fruit produced on site, Northern Lights Estate Winery capitalizes on the local ingredients and climate.

The foodie scene in town is definitely not lacking either. With some of BC’s favorite restaurants serving local and sustainably sourced ingredients you are sure to have a tough time deciding where to go for dinner (or lunch…or a snack). Fancy catching your own dinner? No problem! The vast number of lakes in the area offer ample selection for fishing spots. A couple places in town include Shane Lake (up by Forest for the World) and Ferguson Lake (Northeast of town, in the Hart). If you don’t mind the drive, Tabor, Vivian and Eena Lakes are also prime fishing spots.

In addition, making its way through rich forearound town are seven golf courses. From par 3 courses to a par 73 layout cut through the valley, Prince George ensures golfers of all abilities will have a fun and challenging time.

2. When someone tells you to “take a hike” it isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

SOURCE: commons.wikimedia.org

Surrounding Prince George, the lush forest is home to an ample selection of trails. From easily accessible day hikes to the more demanding multiday adventures, there is something for people of all ages and abilities. Up beyond the university, Forests for the World offers 20km of woodland. The trails wind through heavy forests and plantations alike. Further East, situated in Sugarbowl/Grizzly Den Provincial Park lies numerous hikes of varying difficulty. Both the Raven Lake and Grizzly Den hike have cabins along the trail, perfect for an overnight stay. My personal favorite, the Ancient Forest, allows hikers to wander amongst giant sacred cedars – some over 1000 years old – in a rare inland rainforest. We haven’t even gotten to the best part, you can enjoy these picturesque trails year-round, all you need is a pair of snowshoes or cross-country skis.

If hiking isn’t your thing, you can still take in the surrounding woodlands by going camping. Regardless if your idea of camping is a remote weekend in the wilderness or a full hook up site, Prince George has you covered. The astonishing beauty accompanied with the calm tranquility of being in the wilderness will have you reconnected with your inner Alexander Supertramp in no time. Purden Lake -just a half hour drive from town- has all the components of a perfect summer weekend: lake, fishing and hiking trails.

If you are really feeling adventurous but strapped for time, you could run the notorious Cutbanks. These steep sandy sloops were formed thousands of years ago as the glacial ice sheet melted, forming the Fraser and Nechako River. Originally home to North America’s only sand ski race, the event was discontinued after three individuals were injured attempting to ski the slopes on a couch in 2004. Regardless, look no further than the Cutbanks surrounding the city if you’re looking for a grueling workout with a view.

3. And it’s a Locavore’s dream.

SOURCE: moveupprincegeorge.ca

In recent years Prince George residents, as well as vendors and restaurants, have recognized the importance of sourcing local. The numerous Farmer’s Markets around town offer in-expensive quality produce, baked goods, craftwork and delicious foodstuff (Stan’s Salsa anyone?). Another convenient program available in town is the Good Food Box. Residents are able to subscribe for $15 a month and receive 20 pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables. The program aims to encourage healthy eating, promote local food production and educate consumers about the food system. If this wasn’t exciting enough, various restaurants around town offer locally sourced menu items. To name a few, Nancy O’s whole animal butchery program, The Twisted Cork’s rooftop herb garden, Copper Pig BBQ’s Farm-to-Fork Platter and Cimo’s free range and locally grown ingredients.

4. Find nirvana at over 1,600 lakes, rivers and streams….all within 100kms of PG.

SOURCE: moveupprincegeorge.ca

Ever wonder why you don’t see a lot of outdoor pools in the region? Probably cause mother nature has provided a bountiful supply….for FREE!! And you know, cause they would probably freeze in the winter but that’s beside the point.

5. Let’s talk about sustaina-bility. Let’s talk about you and me. Let’s talk about all the good things. And the bad things that may……

SOURCE: hellobc.com

Okay you get the point, PG is sustainable. I was first exposed to this during my time at UNBC. The university, also known as Canada’s Green University, does an exemplary job of educating students about environmental stewardship. In addition to its energy initiatives and green research (including a LEED Platinum Bioenergy Plant), UNBC engages students with programs such as Borrow-a-Mug, the Food Recovery Project, the PGPIRG compost program and its own farmers market.

In addition, Prince George has six public gardens around the city. Not only do these plots of land encourage people to grow their own produce while promoting a sense of community, they also make the city a little prettier.

Furthermore local organizations such as REAPS (The Recycling and Environmental Action Planning Society) and PGPIRG (Prince George Public Interest Group) assist residents, businesses and institutions in implementing waste reduction strategies and in making greener choices. Both organizations work towards taking direct action in the public interest, regarding local social and environmental issues.

SOURCE: moveupprincegeorge.ca

These are just a few activities Prince George has to offer, but hey don’t take my word about it, come experience it for yourself!