I don’t know about you, but when the sun shines more than not and the temperature starts to rise, I start to get antsy to be outside as much as possible. This definitely extends to weekend family time, and of course to mealtimes – if there’s an option for a patio, I’m so there.
Luckily Prince George has a ton of great options for patios, summer fun, and splurging on treats, all primarily in the downtown core, or not too far off. Choosing can be a problem, so I put together a fun schedule for you! (Obviously, you can visit these during any of their business hours, and don’t let me stop you from doing more than one in a day, but for those of you who have a hard time deciding when faced with so many enticing treats, I’m here to help!)
This list includes all the best downtown patios, plus more summer fun times!
Monday
On Mondays, we need coffee, right? So hit up Books & Company for an iced coffee from Cafe Voltaire and a fresh read from the racks of book choices, and then relax on their back patio. Covered in vines and flowers, set against their brick exterior, and off the busier street, it is a little, peaceful hideout, when you need it most.
Tuesday
Today is the day for Cimo Mediterranean Grill. A great patio in downtown Prince George, complemented by the best pasta and a stellar wine list. My go to is always the Angel Hair pasta; even though I often have intentions of trying something new, I always realize I shouldn’t mess with a good thing! Oh, why Tuesday? Why not?
Wednesday
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Sipping wine on the patio at Betulla Burning.
Happy Hour, anyone? It’s Happy Hour ALL DAY long at Betulla Burning on Wednesdays! Discounted house wine and beer, olive bowls and half salumi boards can’t be wrong. But then you’re probably going to want to hang out for a while in your cozy spot on the amazing rooftop patio (which is covered in beautiful plants and herbs that they grow and actually use, by the way) and enjoy a pizza and a glass of perfect sangria. Just sayin’.
Thursday
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Enjoying sangria riverside on a sunny summer day.
Not quite downtown, but a patio that definitely cannot be left off this list, is the outdoor bistro patio of the Northern Lights Estate Winery. With a view of one of the vineyards and the flowing Nechako River, this is the ideal space for a leisurely lunch, relaxing afternoon snack, or evening date. They have tapas to die for, and again, I’m partial to the sangria, but this is a great time to try all their latest wines! Thursdays, because then you can get a couple of bottles of fruit wine for your weekend dinner parties.
Friday
And finally, for our last day in the tour of Prince George summer goodness, you must make a stop at Crossroads Brewery right downtown on George Street. Crossroads was PG’s first craft brewery, and they have the most spectacular patio – definitely one of my top chill spots. They have great food (warm pretzel and pizza please!) and this is my choice for Friday so you can sample a flight and then fill a growler with your favourite to take home for the weekend!
Saturday
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Tasty Farmers’ Market finds.
This one is a no-brainer. The Prince George Farmers’ Market, now located at 3rd Ave and Quebec Street every Saturday from 8:30 am to 2 pm, has all the treats you need to start your weekend off right. From cold pressed juice (Col Juicery, yes!) and fresh baked bread, to meat (can you say Birch & Boar pate and prosciutto?), coffee and hot sauce, there is so much local uniqueness here. Of course, you’ll also find the usual veggies, fruits, eggs, pastries, and more. Grab a few snacks and head to the park or go for a hike to work up your appetite, and enjoy!
Sunday
This is the perfect day to take the kids to Exploration Place at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park. Besides the playground, the waterpark, the views of the river, and the museum & science centre itself, you’ll find the Fort George Railway Station stocked with the city’s best local ice cream – Frozen Paddle! This craft ice creamery makes small batches of very unique (and absurdly delicious) – you guessed it – ice cream. What says summer more than that?
What’s your favourite place in Prince George for summer eats and treats? Let us know on our Facebook page.
