Ten reasons to visit Quesnel this summer

1. CONNECT WITH NATURE BY HIKING OUR TRAILS.

Hike the short trail in Pinnacles Provincial Park for breathtaking views of the ancient hoodoos or do some bird watching from the viewing platform along the trails in West Fraser Timber Park within city limits. Deserter’s Creek offers a more strenuous hike to waterfalls, while the Sister’s Creek trails in nearby Kersley are accessible for all. The options are endless for all ability levels and our Visitor Centre staff can help direct you to a trail that’s right for you.

2. LOCAL MENU.

Whether you’re stocking up on your veggies for the week, or interested in seeing some local woodworking, photography, or jewellery, the Quesnel Farmers’ Market is the place to be on Saturday mornings, May through October. With live music and friendly vendors, the atmosphere at the market will have you mixing and mingling with local people while you sample local wares. Afterwards, head across the street to Barkerville Brewing Co for lunch and to “stake your claim” to a craft beer (or two).

3. CATCH YOUR DINNER.

If the Farmers’ Market isn’t local enough for you, cast a line into one of our well-stocked lakes and cook up some fresh trout around the campfire. Dragon Lake, Ten Mile Lake, and Bouchie Lake are easily accessed from town. Tzenzaicut Lake is a bit further out, but is also known as Fish Lake for a reason – it’s almost impossible NOT to catch a fish there. If you’re travelling without your own rod, you can borrow one for free with a tackle box from the Visitor Centre.

4. GET A HISTORY LESSON LIKE NO OTHER.

First, pick up the Historic Driving Tour map from the Quesnel Visitor Centre, then set your odometer to zero and head down Highway 26, stopping at Cottonwood House, Mexican Hill, Blessings Grave, and Stanley along your way. Step back in time to the gold rush when you arrive at Barkerville Historic Town and Park. Spend a day (or more) living like it’s 1862 before returning to present day and Quesnel where you can dig further into the area’s history at the Quesnel & District Museum and Archives, and take a historic walking tour of downtown.

5. BILLY BARKER DAYS.

Celebrate our heritage with us during BC’s biggest free family festival. Held every year on the third weekend in July, Billy

Barker Days celebrates the gold rush past with live entertainment, free family fun, a midway, parade, and fireworks. Other events like the Gold Dust Mall, Crash to Pass, roller derby, and rodeo take place the same weekend. Get the whole program at www. billybarkerdays.ca

6. LETS TALK CARS.

Held from the 24-26 of August, the Prospector’s Club Car Show weekend includes a show car cruise around town, steak dinner and dance, and the main event, a car show and shine in Quesnel’s LeBourdais Park. See hot-rods from around North America and explore Quesnel’s downtown during this brilliant and colourful event full of big personalities and all types of show-cars.

7. BEAT THE SUMMER HEAT WITH A SWIM IN 10 MILE, PUNCHESAKUT, OR DRAGON LAKE.

Many lakes in the region have camping, beaches, and boat launches to have you enjoying the sun all day long. When you get too hot, jump in the lake!

8. ADVENTURE AWAITS.

Arrive in Quesnel in unique style, via the Quesnel River, by booking a whitewater rafting trip with Big Canyon Rafting. This Quesnel company offers everything from float trips the whole family can enjoy to adrenaline-pumping, big water rapids, half day trips to multi-day excursions. www.bigcanyonrafting.com

9. REID STREET.

Quesnel’s downtown is worth stopping for. Though our main street will be under construction this summer, businesses are still open with extra sales running in the “zone”. Take a walk down Reid and adjacent streets to check out the shops, cafes and restaurants.

10. STRETCH YOUR LEGS.

Whether you’re just stopping through or you’re here for a while, a walk around the Riverfront Trail is a great way to experience the beauty of our riverside community. This trails system makes a five kilometre loop around downtown Quesnel, passing Heritage Corner and the famous Fraser River Footbridge. With a bit more time, you can pass over the bridge to the West Village and an additional four kilometre route. Signs along the way share information about our community’s past and present.

Submitted story

These photos were taken at Ahbau Lake, it is a nice place to camp. The fishing is good for all ages and wildlife is often seen in the area.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY: Pat Suter