Happy New Year!
I sit here today and reflect on what has been a crazy couple of months. I remember growing up thinking that there was nothing to do in Prince George. As I think back over the past couple of months, I’ve realized there’s plenty to do as I had numerous options every weekend; whether it was sports, the arts, music or just a fun event where you and your friends can kick back and relax.
One of the highlights from the past few months was the Downtown Prince George Winter Carnival. This was the first year of the event and I am sure it’s something that’s going to happen year after year. There were so many activities for us to bring our son Ryan to and he had a fantastic time. The Winter Festival is just another event that is bringing the community together.
As I write this blog, Spring Break is only a couple weeks away. In School District 57 we take a two week break. So I took to my social media and asked the question – “If you had company with kids coming to town during spring break what would you recommend?” I am using these ideas, plus some of mine to help you plan the perfect spring break! Whether you’re visiting Prince George for the first time, entertaining company or planning a staycation, I hope this list gives you some great ideas.
8 things to do during Spring Break in Prince George (in no particular order):
- Spend the day at The Exploration Place. Not only can you spend hours playing in the Children’s Gallery, but you can visit the animals and check out their new exhibit “Creatures of the Night”.
- Have lunch at Play Grounds Café. This café is a neat little place that not only makes delicious sweet treats, but also makes a killer crepe. Whether you like sweet or salty, their crepes always hit the spot. While you eat there is a safe play area for kids under 6. You can sit and visit and let the kids burn off energy.
- Head to Stride and Glide and rent snowshoes. Then head out to Teapot Mountain (north to Summit Lake) or the Ancient Forest (1.5 hours east). These are two beautiful hikes that can be done by a novice hiker. If you have time, do both!
- Try an escape room at Exit Prince George. You have 45 minutes to solve the puzzles and try to escape. They offer several escape rooms that vary in difficulty and they’re all a great way to spend an hour with your friends and family. Kids are also able to go into the room with you! While at Exit, you can also try their Virtual Reality machine.
- No kids? Head over to the Northern Lights Estate Winery. You can do a taste testing, eat lunch and pick up a bottle of their wine to enjoy later. I will tell you, it will be tough to narrow it down to one. Bring a lunch and enjoy your chosen wine on the patio. There may still be a nip in the air, but the view of the Nechako River will be worth it.
- Have lunch downtown. There are so many great locally owned restaurants in downtown Prince George. Regardless of which one you pick, you will not be disappointed.
- Take a day trip to Barkerville (2 hours south) and try their tube ride. You get to ride down the hill and the best part is there is a power belt that will bring you and your tube back to the top.
- S’mores at Forests for the World. Only a few minutes from downtown, head to Forests for the World at Shane Lake. After a 10-minute hike down a well maintained trail, you’ll find a fire pit at the look out at Shane Lake. You may have to bring in your own firewood, but there’s nothing like hot gooey s’mores on a spring afternoon.
This list is just a small sampling of things you can do during Spring Break. No matter what you do, make sure you enjoy every minute of the time with your family.
Until next time, all the best! – Tim
