Melanistic Magazine Vol. 15

PRINCE GEORGE

Connecting Nature, Culture & Community

By: NiLo

In the Fraiser-Nesko Plateau- nestled 8 hours from Edmonton, along the Yellowhead highway lies a small city that provides rest for most, and adventure for many. This year it was the focus of our Melanistic Adventures- and while we were up for an Adventure we never thought we’d learn as much as we did about Nature, Culture, and Community.

SMALL TOWN FEEL WITH BIG ADVENTURES

Prince George is a city that first developed along the Salmon river and later moved when the railroads and the highways were built.

Because of this it has a large footprint, yet everything is about 20 mins away at its furthest points. The first night had us camping under the stars at the Salmon Valley campground. The campsites had water and electrical hookups, and plenty of space where we set up our tents. Our host Robin was extremely hospitable and displayed an enthusiasm for supporting

other local businesses (including the coffee they have at the check in cabin)this would be a theme that ran through our visit.

The closeness of everything downtown made it a great place to walk and explore the local shops and restaurants. Bikes are available to borrow along with other outdoor equipment, including the fishing poles and tackle boxes we would be using for our first day’s adventure. Contact Tourism Prince George and they can link you with various fishing tours, but as always, we chose the off the beaten path adventure. We called our friend Kyle Sam, who works with Indigenous men’s mental health at the DUDE’s Club Society. Kyle took us to the Forests of the World lake where we learned to bait and cast our lines. The fishing was so much fun even though we’re told it’s even more fun when you actually catch something. We took a hike through the forest, casually sharing traditional plant knowledge. Our walk eventually led us to a Lheidli T’enneh pit house which was a traditional home and gathering space for many nations in Northern B.C.

We spent a lot of time “in the bush” with a foraging trip with Jen Côté, where we learned about multiple flowers that could be battered and fried, stems that could be pickled, and medicines in the leaves and roots of many plants we discard as weeds today! We also took a stroll through the legendary cottonwood park where artist Elmer Gunderson has carved numerous portraits in the enormous trunks of the cottonwood trees. We’re told that on a sunny day, if everything is right, you can see the sturgeon jumping in the Nechako river and just across the river at this point is the Northern Lights Winery. This Winery is unique and also very Prince George. They grow most of the berries and fruits they use for their wines on site, they bottle their wines and they also have a superb restaurant, with a wine tour that allows you to taste all of the wines - from sweet and fruity, to strong and dry. All the wines produced here have the aroma of the land, the air, and the river it sits beside, which all come together to create the perfect environment.

We took a hike through the forest, casually sharing traditional plant knowledge.

The small town vibes of downtown made it a great place to walk around and visit local shops and stores. We usually ate breakfast at our hotel, however we did make sure we visited the local eateries in town which all had distinct styles. They boasted locally produced beer, used local fruits in their menu items, and many of them are of the BC Ale Trail - a trail of breweries in BC. We also had local ice cream from a place called Frozen Paddleoffering flavors like Haskap and Spruce Tip- yet another business made from the nature around it.

All the wines produced here have the aroma of the land, the air, and the river it sits beside, which all come together to create the perfect environment.

We weren’t done with the Haskap love though as we explored Hubble Homestead- a period based homestead that was once the home of Albert Hubble. There in the early 1900’s general store you can find early turn of the century novelties, candies, Hubble Jam made from locally grown fruits, and even the Hubble Diaries. A diary of Alfred Hubble about the movements of the time. Not as juicy as you expect it to be unless you’re really into early century survey and city planning - in that case very sexy.

Prince George was a lesson in community supporting community.

JOURNEYING HOME

Our ride home was not without its own adventure. We stopped in the Ancient Rainforest, the largest inland Rainforest in North America. The hike is an easy 2.5km - but be sure to stay on the promenade, there are 15km and 20km trails up the very same mountain.

With a stop either way in Jasper the 8 hour drive from Edmonton to Prince George was easy to share. Be sure to make the stop in McBride, as it’s the last gas station for a 230km stretch. Pack with a lot of layers, the temperature can be warm but cooler in the woods. Be sure to have Bear spray, and when you’re out make a lot of noise because “bears be out there.” People warn against whistling in the woods and using bear bells, both of which can turn you into bear food. Don’t forget your mosquito repellent, because the mosquitos are definitely out to get you.

Prince George was a lesson in community supporting community. Every business we visited used the traditional knowledge of the Land, the resources from fruits to environment to family- and each other’s products to create a handcrafted experience. The community made it easy to see why they call Prince George Base Camp, and why it attracts so many visitors on their way to places north and south.