It’s that time of year in Prince George when the snowbanks start to diminish, the roads look a little barer, and the days are noticeably longer. While it can be bittersweet to see the last of the snow in town, the onset of spring packs with it a whole lot of potential. Personally, I am counting down the days until it feels safe (read: consistently not icy) to hop back on a road bike.
There may be a few more weeks before spring truly kicks in, but in the meantime, there are some fun and innovative events going on around town to help you beat the late-season slush. Here are four activities you – and even your family – can enjoy indoors as the outdoors melts down just a teensy bit more.
On Golden Pond by Miracle Theatre of Prince George: March 23 – April 17
The Miracle Theatre of Prince George has been busy this winter. This local theatre group, which generously donates its production proceeds to local non-profits, has prepared a production of On Golden Pond by Ernest Thompson. This 1979 play may resonate with any folks in the region who grew up on or around a favourite lake. The play explores themes of father-daughter relationships, aging, and marriage.
The play runs nightly (except Mondays) until April 17. On Sundays, there are matinees as well as evening shows. Tickets are available at Books & Co in town.
Coldsnap Music Festival: March 25 – April 2
This year, Prince George’s beloved winter festival is, in fact, more of a spring festival. If you still haven’t gotten your tickets, you’d better grab them quick! The festival will showcase 25+ artists and bands, and venues will include Uda Dune Baiyoh (the House of Ancestors Conference Hall), the Royal Canadian Legion, and the Knox Performance Venue (Trinity United Downtown Campus).
There will also be free (!) workshops held at the Omineca Arts Centre throughout the festival and streamed online for those who can’t attend in person. These will include everything from jigging to a conversation exploring the connection between Indigenous peoples and the roots of blues music. The drum making workshop is the only one that comes with a cost.
Coldsnap has a little bit of something for everyone – what catches your attention? I know I am very tempted to attend Coldsnap for Kids with Kym Gouchie.
The full festival schedule can be found here. Additionally, tickets can be purchased to stream the full festival online – a step towards accessibility that we may very well see continue into the future.
Paint by Numbers with The Makerie and Nancy O’s: April 3
On April 3 from 6-9 pm, The Makerie is going on a small road trip over to Nancy O’s, where the two businesses will collaborate to create a unique paint by numbers event. This is not your every day paint by numbers – the piece has been created by The Makerie specifically based on art found within Nancy O’s! Grand Budapest Hotel anyone?
This should be a great event for anyone wanting to work away at a fun, unique art piece suitable for many skill levels. I know paint by numbers is one of my favourite ways to unwind after the work week.
All supplies will be, well, supplied. Nancy O’s will have all of their food and drinks available, and if you stick around immediately after the event, the late-night menu begins at 9 pm. Purchase your tickets here for this one-of-a-kind event, and be sure to also call ahead and reserve your table at Nancy O’s.
Jurassic Quest: May 6 – 8
What better place than the CN Centre to house some of the world’s most intriguing ancient creatures – dinosaurs! This event is a little later on the calendar, however it is anticipated that it will sell out. Jurassic Quest includes shows, rides, and a huge interactive scavenger hunt that is sure to be fun for all ages. There will be riddles, detective work, and scientific inquiry – and if you’re not careful, you may just find yourself caught in a dino trap! While this event is extremely family friendly, is anyone ever really too old for dinosaurs?
Jurassic Quest recommends at least 2 hours to complete your self-guided tour. There will be specific timed entries to limit the size of crowds for safety and enjoyment. Youth under 18 must have an adult with them. Tickets can be purchased here, and the extra-ambitious explorers can even purchase quest packs containing additional dino-themed goodies (A backpack filled with dinosaur paraphernalia? My 5-year-old self would’ve been crying tears of joy!).
One thing all these events have in common is that they don’t happen every day. Each one is sure to be unique and memorable in its own way, so close the door on the slush for a few hours and warm yourself up with a little creative energy and imagination. Your community awaits you.
About the Author: Kirsten (they/them) arrived in Prince George in 2020 to seek out outdoor opportunities, both work and play. As an environmental scientist, a good portion of their summers are spent hiking up scree and studying trees. Kirsten is endlessly grateful to live on the stunning traditional unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh.
