Recent provincial public health orders in B.C. have us all facing what could potentially be a lonely winter with significantly less contact with family and friends. Rather than focus on all the things we can’t do during a pandemic, however, my family and I decided to make a list of some things we can do in Prince George with our immediate household. We’ve been working through the list for several weeks now, and we keep adding to it!
Book a swim at the Aquatic Centre
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Photo Credit: City of Prince George
The Aquatic Centre is one of our favourite places to spend time as a family. With a hot tub, lazy river and wave pool, it’s a great place to escape the cold and get some exercise. Capacity is limited at the moment so you need to register in advance. Once you create an online account, you can book one or more swim sessions. The City of Prince George is currently building a new accessible pool downtown; my family and I cannot wait to try it out.
Host a fondue party
If your definition of a party includes a five year old, a ten year old, a husband who doesn’t like parties, and a pot of melted chocolate, then do I have a party suggestion for you! How many of us have a fondue pot that we never use? Try this cupcake fondue recipe from How Sweet Eats: https://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/04/cupcake-fondue/. If you prefer a cheese fondue, might I suggest picking up your ingredients from one of our lovely local shops such as Foothills Foods & European Deli or Adria Deli? Yum.
Get a family photo with Mr. PG
Before Christmas we were on our way to see the festive light displays at Candy Cane Lane when we passed Mr. PG at the intersection of Highways 16 and 97. It occurred to me that we’ve never had a family photo taken with Mr. PG. While the iconic mascot was infamously robbed in James McElroy’s bracket competition to determine the greatest British Columbia Roadside Attraction of All Time last March, we all know that Mr. PG is the true champion. So – get a photo with him! And don’t forget to tweet it at @j_mcelroy.
Skate at an outdoor rink
As someone who dislikes falling down, skating is not my jam. But I’m happy to cheer from the sidelines while my husband and daughters try out one of the many outdoor rinks in our city. Not only are there almost two dozen community outdoor ice rinks in Prince George, but it’s common to see folks building their own backyard rinks. One of my neighbours has an outdoor rink in their front yard that transforms into a garden in the summer. The Prince George Oval is another place to skate and family memberships are just $60 for the season.
Take a staycation
For now, we can’t travel, but we can adventure at one of Prince George’s many hotels. The Prestige and The Pomeroy both have pools with waterslides (and are close to Mr. PG!). The Marriott and Coast Inn of the North have great locations in downtown PG with views of the Canada Games Plaza and are a brief walk to Two Rivers Gallery. Tour the gallery, pick up some takeout, and enjoy the view from a cozy suite. Looking for a staycation package? Check out the options for local getaways on the Tourism Prince George website.
I hope you all enjoy some new adventures with your families in January! What’s on your list?
