For many people, myself included, May Long Weekend signals the official kick-off to summer. I normally don’t make a lot of plans for this long weekend other than soaking up the sunshine. But while it looks like this long weekend is a stellar one for sun worshipping, hosting an out-of-town guest has gotten me excited about making some plans.
If you find yourself looking for things to do this long weekend or, like me, you’re playing host, check out these ideas for three awesome day-long trips and activities to leave you and/or your guest/s wowed by all of the things to do in Prince George.
Saturday: Explore the local foodie and retail scene downtown
These activities will keep you (and your guest/s) busy and well-fed all day long.
Destination #1: Browse through local items at the Prince George Farmers’ Market
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These beautiful sunflowers from the Farmers’ Market always brighten up my kitchen.
Start your day at the Prince George Farmers’ Market at the corner of 3rd and Quebec downtown. I recommend picking up a breakfast acai bowl from Col Juicery before browsing the many local vendors that offer everything from ready-to-eat food to locally grown produce and handmade crafts. Some of my favourite regular buys include Clover Field honey from Vanderhoof, locally roasted fair trade organic NorthRoast coffee, and fresh cut flowers to brighten up my house.
Destination #2: Get some retail therapy at local stores
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Window shopping, but the temptation to go inside and buy things is real!
Stop by Homework to browse through their amazing selection of clothing, household items, furniture, and gifts before getting your coffee fix just down the street at Ritual Coffee Roasters and heading to Specialty Avenue on 4th. Try on beautiful shoes at Walk-Rite Shoes, browse the housewares and clothing at Dandy Lines, pick up a salt lamp at Three Sisters Rock’n Gems, and browse through unique antiques at The Rusty Gate.
Destination #3: Indulge your inner foodie at local restaurants and breweries
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I crave the thin crust Italian-style pizza at Betulla Burning.
Head home for lunch and put your feet up for a bit before grabbing your bikes or best walking shoes and heading back downtown to tour the restaurants and local craft breweries. You can make a plan by browsing downtown restaurants on the Move Up amenities map or just wing it and see where the night takes you like I plan to!
Sunday: Head north for brunch, breathtaking views, and a history lesson
Sunday is a great day for brunch and exploring the region. Make a day of it by heading north of Prince George.
Destination #1: Savour brunch by the river
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The Forager Scramble…mmmmmm.
Start your day with brunch from the Bistro at the Northern Lights Estate Winery. The food is mouth-wateringly good and the view of the Nechako River from your table indoors or on the patio is gorgeous. I’ll probably get the Forager Scramble because it’s delicious, but there are many other options to choose from like the Northern Delight Sticky Bun and the Borealis Breakfast Wrap.
Destination #2: Take in breathtaking views from the top of Teapot Mountain
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The view from the top of Teapot Mountain is breathtaking.
Climbing the steep 1.4 km trail up Teapot Mountain will test your endurance but the trek is worth it for the 360-degree view of the surrounding lakes, marshes, wetlands, rivers and trees at the top. Make sure to pack good hiking boots, water, lunch and anything else you’ll need as there are no amenities along the trail. To get there, drive 50 kilometres north of Prince George along Highway 97 past Summit Lake. Turn left on Talus Road then take a right onto Caine Creek Forest Road, which will take you to the Teapot Mountain parking lot.
Looking for a more laid-back afternoon? Stop at Goodsir Nature Park for an easy stroll through groomed trails and picnic grounds surrounded by about 200 different kinds of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers.
Destination #3: Immerse yourself in history at Huble Homestead
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Laundry drying in front of the historic buildings at Huble Homestead.
After climbing Teapot Mountain, stop by Huble Homestead for the first day of the historic site’s 2018 season. Learn about the different tasks pioneers took on to ensure the rest of the year was a success, take part in a May-pole dance, help plant the garden, and learn how to make ice cream.
Monday: Head east to be wowed by ancient cedars and chill out at the lake
Drive east on Monday for some relaxing outdoor experiences is a great way to end the long weekend.
Destination #1: Take a peaceful walk through a unique inland rainforest
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The boardwalk at the Ancient Forest makes for an easy stroll. Photo credit: Tourism Prince George.
- Marvel at the majesty of the enormous old growth cedars at the Ancient Forest/Chun T’oh Whudujut Provincial Park. Located 115 km east of Prince George, the road to the ancient forest is a bit of a journey but it’s worth the trip if you have the time. You can choose to stroll along the accessible boardwalk or venture into the forest and walk the moderate trail to a waterfall.
Destination #2: Soak up the sun at Purden Lake
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Purden Lake is one of my favourite places to relax and disconnect.
Stop by Purden Lake after your peaceful walk through the ancient cedars and soak up the sunshine on the sandy shore and eat a picnic lunch at one of the picnic tables. Don’t forget to bring an inflatable boat or floatation device to enjoy some quiet time on the water. And leave your phones at home because this is one place where you can totally disconnect.
If you have visitors this weekend, I hope this gives you some ideas for how to keep them entertained. If you already have plans, I’d love to hear about them. Hop on over to the Move Up Prince George Facebook page to share your ideas with me.
#MoveUpPG
