It’s a late start to the season, but Destination BC is encouraging residents to #explorebclocal this summer! After what feels like the longest winter in history, with the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, let’s embrace the change 2020 has brought with it and be uber tourists in our own community of Prince George, BC.
Endless Benefits
The benefits to getting outside are endless. Changing it up, allows you to escape the routine of the “new normal” and actually feel normal, bringing peace and calm with every breath of fresh air and the forest floor there to ground you. Plus, when the kids are able to run free and are allowed to use their outside voices, they always go to bed early and tired!
While school is out, don’t worry about their studies or what the next school year will look like, but instead use this time to teach the kids life skills and make memories with your kids this summer. Because time is precious.
Finally, staying local this season ensures the safety of other communities in our province, while simultaneously jumpstarting our local economy!
Physical distancing outside
We’re so lucky to live in the North, where we have lots of space to explore while physically distancing. Because in our opinion, keeping physically distant with kids is near next to impossible. But we can’t keep these kids locked up for everyone’s mental health.
Getting out and exploring the parks, forests, trails, lakes and rivers Prince George and area has to offer, is the answer! But please remember, everyone is entitled to their own sense of safety. So please do your best, while you’re out exploring, to remain physically distanced from other groups. So, if you’re ready to get out and discover new parks and re-visit some old favourites too, Northern BC Moms have you covered!
Grab a bite
Plan a picnic and grab some grub at one of our local food trucks or stands: Smokey Js, Kathy’s Burger Barn (at the old Hart Burger Bar location) or North City Donair. Or indulge in an ice cream treat from: Ice Cream Express or the Frozen Paddle!
Playgrounds and parks
Tour new City of Prince George playgrounds. Check out the Northern BC Mom reviews of College Heights and playgrounds in the Hart (more to come soon) to pick the perfect park to visit or head out to one of the parks with larger green spaces, like Rainbow Park, Moore’s Meadow, Lheidli Tenneh Memorial Park or Cottonwood.
Hiking
Bring a rod and fish or throw rocks at Mud River or Salmon Valley or go for a hike at Forests for the World, Teapot Mountain, Fort George Canyon, Ancient Forest or brave the Cutbanks. The view from the top is worth it!
Camping
Pack up the tent, camper or trailer and head out to one of the many provincial, forest service or private campgrounds in the area. Check out Northern BC Moms’ family friendly camping spots in Prince George.
Lake days
Prince George has over 20+ lakes to visit, whichever direction you’re headed in. Have you explored them all? Here’s our printable checklist done for Move Up Prince George and Northern BC Moms family friendly lakes post.
Day trips
Day trips are still keeping local to our area, here’s a list of our favourite places to visit that are just a short drive away.
If you have a local spot to share that we’ve missed, a fond memory or story to share, please let us know in the comments, or get in touch with Northern BC Moms or Move Up Prince George directly on our socials: @northernbcmoms @moveuppg
And if you enjoyed this post, please share with a friend or family member! In the words of Dr. Bonnie Henry, “Be kind, be calm and be safe!” out there this summer!
Kate of Northern BC Moms
