To help you #takeonpg this year, use our bucket list to explore our urban city and wilderness. Whether you decide to do just one or try to complete them all, please keep in mind Covid-19 restrictions while you #ExplorePrinceGeorgeLocal.
Spend an afternoon geocaching
With many caches set up within the city, geocaching is a great way to get out and explore your sense of adventure. Visit the official geocaching website, download the app, and you’re ready to go treasure hunting. Use your navigation skills to decipher codes, discover historic locations, and find hidden treasures. Difficulty ranges from 1-5 and it provides fun for the whole family.
Grab a picnic and take in a view
Looking to switch up the scenery during meal time? Why not grab a slice of pizza from Muncheeze Hot Stone Pizza and Wings and climb the steps to Connaught Hill Park. Enjoy the birds eye view of Prince George from the top at one of the many picnic tables or park benches. If pizza isn’t your thing, check out one of the many other amazing restaurants in the downtown core or pack your own picnic.
Discover Prince George’s industrial past
Take a step back into Prince George’s history to discover the industrial heritage of our city through interactive learning at the Central BC Railway Forestry Museum. History lessons take on a new meaning with pieces such as the electric locomotive of which only seven were made and the BeeHive burner from Les Pas Lumber.
Reach the top at Overhang’s climbing gym
Whether you’ve done it before, or are a complete beginner, Overhang Rock Climbing Gym offers an amazing indoor climbing experience. You can choose between vertical climbs or horizontal bouldering with different pathways to make the challenge easier or difficult. The routes change frequently, so you’ll always have to change up your direction and adjust your maneuvering.
Climb Teapot Mountain
Spring, summer, fall, or winter, Teapot Mountain provides the perfect location for those adventure seekers who want to watch the sunset or sunrise. Located about 40 minutes north of Prince George, this short but steep hike provides spectacular views, but be sure to bring plenty of bug repellent in the spring, summer, and fall as the mosquitoes can be quite pesky. If you are planning to hike Teapot Mountain in the morning or night, a headlamp can be quite valuable.
Explore Huble Homestead
Located in the Giscome Portage Regional Park, Huble Homestead is well worth the short drive north of the city. With multiple restored historic buildings from the early 1900’s, you and the whole family can immerse yourself in the lifestyle of our early pioneers. The park is accessible in winter for snowshoeing and hiking, but officially opens and operates from spring to autumn with interpreters, shopping, and activities.
Trek through the Ancient Forest / Chun T’oh Whudujut Provincial Park
Located about an hour east on Highway 16, the Ancient Forest is within the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh.
Walk among 2000-year-old red cedar trees and explore a forest that holds 400 types of unique plant species, and even houses some rare and endangered flora. Choose from one of the three trail systems offered, which give you a tour through the only inland temperate rainforest in the world. The main boardwalk is designed to support all types of mobility such as strollers and wheelchairs. The Ancient Forest makes an excellent snowshoe destination or summer hike.
Travel by horse
Get up close with the wild from the comfort of a saddle at El Shaddai Ranch. Trail rides take you through towering trees and open fields that offer guests the opportunity to see and explore Prince George’s backyard. Try the sunset ride to create a romantic moment. Open seven days a week from spring to first snow, El Shaddai Ranch can accommodate riders of all experience levels.
Visit Goodsir Nature Park
Goodsir is that fun, quirky destination that you will keep wanting to return to over and over again. Featuring 3 km of well-maintained trails with over 300 species of plants and trees that can be found all across Canada, you’ll love the interpretive and education signage. This park is a labour of love, and has been built by Jim Good over the course of his life. Plus, don’t forget to walk through his extensive museum collection while you’re there.
Find all the tree carvings at Cottonwood Island Park
A local favourite, visitors will enjoy the many winding trails along the river and close-up views of the historical CN Rail Bridge that was built in 1914. Keep your eyes peeled for the many unique tree bark carvings scattered across the 300-year-old cottonwood trees located throughout the park and see if you can find them all. This is also a popular spot for birdwatching.
Sip a tasting flight at Northern Lights Estate Winery
Stop in for a wine tasting to sample award-winning red, white, and specialty fruit wines produced right here in Prince George. Plus, stay awhile and relax with a delicious meal where you can sit on their patio overlooking the gorgeous Nechako River. Tours of the winery and orchard are also offered.
Sample locally made produce
Visit downtown Prince George between 8 am – 2 pm every Saturday and explore three local Farmers’ Markets. Vendors change seasonally with a variety off offerings from freshly baked sweets, meats, veggies, home essentials, and more.
Explore the Great West Life Mobility Trail
This easy 0.5 km trail is located south of Prince George amongst douglas fir trees. All facilities located at Great West Life Mobility Trail are accessible for those with mobility challenges and/or mobility aids, including the gazebos, outhouses, parking, and picnic tables. Pack up a lunch and head out for an afternoon picnic with your household bubble to enjoy the serenity of the trail which follows Dougherty Creek. Plus, the nearby campsite boasts fully accessible camping, including specially designed firepits.
Visit an exhibit at Two Rivers Gallery
Changing regularly throughout the calendar year, Two Rivers Gallery hosts an array of exhibitions by local and national Canadian artists. Art forms range from stop-motion animation, photography, traditional mediums, and more.
Tackle Pidherny
Feed your wild side any time of year at Pidherny! In the summer enjoy some thrilling mountain biking trails from beginner to pro, or try hiking along one of the main maintained trails. When the snow sticks, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fatbiking can all be enjoyed here.
Have a disk golf game at Rainbow Park
Prince George’s only Disk Golf course is a nine hole course that can be tweaked into an 11 hole game if you strategically use some of the baskets twice. Starting from hole one, players will discover a map layout and tee-boxes to help begin your game. If it’s your first try, bring an old Frisbee or purchase proper disks from one of the local outdoor shops.
Enjoy a movie night under the stars
Last year the Park Drive-In Theatre mixed up their shows with some oldies, cult classics, and family favourites and we expect 2021 to be no different. Treat your family or household to a safe night out and enjoy a big screen movie and snacks with fresh air and open skies. Enjoy the pre-movie cartoon, which has become one of our favourite parts of the experience! Keep an eye on their website for opening dates and upcoming shows.
Get crafty
Experience Prince George’s newest hotspot – a half café, half creative studio that is guaranteed to ignite creativity and lots of laughs. At The Makerie you can purchase crafting kits and sit down and enjoy with Craftenders onsite to assist you if you run into trouble. If you’d rather craft at home, you can choose from a selection of craft projects to go through the Makerie to Takerie program.
Go-karts. Yes, please!
This summer, don’t miss an opportunity to hit the paved 1200-foot-long track at Raceway Go Karts that’s equipped with banked corners, underpass/overpass, and indy-style karts. Head out with your bubble to see who will rule the raceway.
Try some new trails with The Adventure Bus
#ExplorePrinceGeorgeLocal with Meg and James at The Adventure Bus! The Adventure Bus creates a unique experience catered to your fitness level. Get a ticket to a pre-planned event and learn from local experienced guides about our local trails and backcountry safety. If you are looking for something a little more special, you can contact Meg and James to create a customized tour just for you and your family.
Reach the top of the cutbanks
This iconic spot is a local thrill and gets your legs working hard as you climb up a sandy slope – but we promise the view is worth it! This short but steep hike offers a great lookout of Prince George and is even extra spectacular if you climb just before sunset.
