Explore the North | 2017

Explore 2017

THE NORTH

CELEBRATE CANADA 150 IN PG! PAGE 16

PROTECT & ENJOY

PUBLIC PARKS PAGE 12

Prince George and area

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Published by: www.glaciermedia.ca

Copyright ©2017. All rights reserved.

Explore THE NORTH Available online at www.pgcitizen.ca General inquiries: 250-562-2441 Publisher: Colleen Sparrow Editor: Neil Godbout Advertising: Cheryl Stewart

contents: 4 PRINCE GEORGE AND AREA 32 SOUTH OF PRINCE GEORGE 20 WEST OF PRINCE GEORGE 44 NORTH OF PRINCE GEORGE 32 EAST OF PRINCE GEORGE Photo Contest Winner!

The Citizen thanks all those who submitted photos for this publication.

Unfortunately not all the great photos we receive can be included due to limited space.

Myself and friends on Ahbau Lake which is a great kayak lake since it is very shallow so power boats can get hung up.

Lots of wildlife on the lake as well. We try to go at least once every year.

Photo credit Mike Hochachka

Cover photo: Photo credit: Mike Hochachka

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Prince George Photo Contest Runner up!

Welcome to Prince George, where urban sophistication and spectacular wilderness live distinctively side by side. Prince George is the only community in northern BC that offers the amenities and benefits of a thriving city within mere minutes of beautiful, pristine forests.

This image I shot last summer is of David King during a weeklong hike in the Blueberry Range in the Holmes River Valley outside of McBride. A beautiful remote wilderness area. Dave is a long term, well known and respected Caledonia Rambler who each year voluntarily takes groups of keen hikers into remote areas in northern BC for week long trips. He is caring and a great leader who is always watchful of all mountain hazards with the safety of hikers his main concern.

This beautiful area is remote with many open valleys to explore in all directions.

You encounter a variety of rock, stunning mountains to climb, beautiful streams to cross, lush mountain valleys, and wild waterfalls in rugged mountain valleys.

There are many campsites throughout the area in which to camp around pristine lakes.

Photo credit Maggie Thornhill

Something for everyone.

The urban city or Prince George is a regional centre for shopping, the arts and sports. Visitors will find a variety of great restaurants from fast food to fine dining, and overnight guests can choose between charming B&Bs, rugged campgrounds and classy hotels.

Shoppers can delight in the city’s big box stores, shopping malls and unique downtown boutiques while culture buffs will take pleasure in the art galleries and museums. If you’re a sports fan, you’ll find yourself right at home in Prince George with BCHL and WHL hockey, drag racing, senior baseball and lacrosse, varsity basketball and soccer to watch.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find everything they desire in the northern wilderness, including world class fresh water fishing and hunting.

Forests and waterfalls line the highways, greenery-rich parks can be found within city limits, and countless lakes and rivers exist within a short drive. In the winter season, the selection is just as diverse: world class Nordic, downhill and heli skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling are a few of the many pastimes visitors and locals are able to enjoy. You can be sure that excitement is never far away, so bring your skis or camping gear to get the full nature experience that Prince George, BC has to offer!

Photos and information from www.tourismpg.com

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Prince George It is called the Goldilocks Principle, when something is so well balanced that we say, “it’s just right.” For us, it’s the precise blend of urban and wilderness: not too busy, not too remote, where wildlife wanders among man-made monuments, and scarcely treaded wilderness incites the adventurous spirit that is in all of us.

Welcome to our just-right, modern city amongst the fertile green of abundant forests where powerful rivers flow over centuries-old beds beside land formations created in the ice age. This is the heart of British Columbia. This is Prince George.

Facts about Prince George: •

Home to the first brewery to produce canned beer in the province.

Home to BC’s northernmost winery.

Home to one of Canada’s “must-visit” bookstores.

Home to world class sporting facilities.

Home to one of Canada’s most subscribed to live theatres.

Home to one of three drive-in movie theatres left in the province.

Home to Canada’s best small university.

Home to Canada’s 3rd longest runway Home to Olympians.

Home to Mr. PG Home to the multi-award winning tallest contemporary wood building in North America (formerly the world).

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Photo credit: www.tourismpg.com

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This is home to outdoor enthusiasts. With over 1600 lake and rivers within a 100km radius water sports abound. Tread forested paths amongst provincial parks, recreation sites and regional and city parks. Tabor Mountain Recreation Site is home to over 200 km of maintained, multi-use trails. Earn your views with a day hike into the alpine in Sugarbowl/Grizzly Den Provincial Park.

Walk or bike beside the mighty Nechako and Fraser Rivers. Crosscountry ski within city limits at Otway Nordic Centre. Discover accessible trails that weave through serene forests beside calming streams at the Ancient Forest or Great West Life Mobility Trail. Get outside, experience our wilderness, and then spend the evening appreciating the amenities of our bustling city.

Morning coffee and look who gave us a visit - a Western Tanager flew on to the humming bird feeder – West of Prince George – Beaverly Area - Morry Wilson

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Continued from page 7 Nourish your body with locally created food that reflects our northern region. Unwind by meandering through local museums and historic sites, or visit Two Rivers Gallery and view their impressive exhibitions and buy locally crafted art. Attend a festival or community event and mingle with the people who call this place home.

Replenish your supplies before continuing your journey. Prince George is home to stores that have everything you need.

Visit downtown to support local businesses and find niche products. Browse the stores at any of our several malls, including Pine Centre Mall which has over one hundred stores under one roof. Enter into any of our numerous big box stores and shop for familiar items.

Picture taken in our back yard on the Hart Hwy. Catching a bear napping is a rare shot, he didn’t even open his eyes.

Wanda Underhill

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Downtown Summerfest DOWNTOWN

Take To The sTreeTs!

SUNDAY, JULY 16TH 2017 Main Stage @ 6th & George

Downtown Prince George is pleased to announce Downtown Summerfest 2017. In collaboration with the Prince George Citizen, Celebrate Prince George and a host of dedicated sponsors and partners, we bring you another exciting downtown summer festival.

Join thousands of fun seekers on Sunday July 16th from 11am to 5pm at 6th Avenue in front of City Hall for this summer tradition.

Downtown Summerfest draws on the business people and the community to embrace our culture and create a positive image for our downtown community. Come together in the heart of our city for fun, festivities, fabulous food and fantastic entertainment for the whole family.

Experience a wide range of acts from near and far. We know there will be something to get you clapping and even dancing in the streets. There really is no better way to spend a summer day in downtown than with great music and great people.

So… ‘take to the streets’ with us in Downtown Prince George!

There really is something for everyone!

KIDZ ZONE

CANADIAN WESTERN BANK TASTE PAVILION

The spirit of the TASTE PAVILION is to highlight local restaurants and food providers while tantalizing the taste buds of festival goers.

This is a great opportunity for a fantastic food experience with sample sized portions. Taste Tickets can be purchased at select locations in advance or on the day of the event. Here’s your chance to get the best of Prince George’s food scene all in one place.

FOODIES beware… with so many delectable choices, you must be sure to bring your biggest appetite!

TD MAINSTAGE

Summer is the season for open air music and at Downtown Summerfest’s TD Mainstage, you will not be disappointed.

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EXHIBITOR ALLEY

Here is your chance to stroll amongst a huge array of exhibitors.

With over 50 exhibitor booths, you will discover a myriad of products on display, items for sale and information for your enjoyment. It is an amazing opportunity to celebrate the talents of artists and entrepreneurs all in one place.

It would not be a family fun festival without something for the young ones. Kids can participate in plenty of hands-on activities, many of which are completely free, thanks to our energetic community partners. Make sure to bring a couple of dollars so the kids can ride on the mini rail, grab some snacks for the petting zoo or get their faces painted. There will be special live entertainment that will delight the kid in everyone.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Downtown Prince George 250-614-1330 info@downtownpg.com www.downtownpg.com @DowntownPG

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Protect and enjoy public parks

Millions of people visit public parks across North America every year. Nature preserves and natural parks are home to picturesque landscapes, monuments, natural wonders, and abundant wildlife.

Visiting parks is a great way to enjoy the beauty of nature and learn something along the way, but such visits also come with a great degree of responsibility. The National Parks Service and The British Columbia Ministry of Environment provide these guidelines to remain good environmental stewards when visiting popular parks and preserves.

KNOW THE LAWS

National parks may be protected by federal law that may prohibit or restrict hunting and trapping animals to specific times of year.

Wildlife living in parks may become less fearsome of people over time, especially when they grow accustomed to being fed or handled. Many parks prohibit feeding and close interacting with wildlife. Otherwise the animals may lose their hunting or foraging ability, or pose threats to people when the animals rapidly approach for an easy handout. Learn park rules so you’ll know what is acceptable behavior within its borders.

KEEP WILD ANIMALS WILD

Feeding animals is perhaps one of the more dangerous things park visitors can do. In recent years, the National Park Service has had to euthanize deer, coyotes, rock squirrels, and other animals that have become too aggressive toward humans because they grew accustomed to receiving food from people.

Keep your distance from wildlife. Use proper equipment to view or photograph animals from several feet away. Stay even further away from animals that are breeding, nesting or raising young, as parents can become particularly protective of their children and turn aggressive.

Cottonwood Island Park - River walks and awesome fall colours!

Darren Smit

KEEP A CLEAN CAMP

Camping and parks often go hand-in-hand. Keep a clean camp so you are not attracting bears and other food scavengers. Use trash receptacles and store garbage and food out of reach. Cook and clean away from your tent and immediately clean any cooking supplies after you have finished your meal. Only wood and paper should be burned, and try not to prepare food or fishing bait in close proximity to your campsite.

PREPARE FOR WEATHER

Weather can change on a dime when you’re in the wilderness.

Pack accordingly, dressing in layers so you can change clothes as the weather demands. Have a flashlight and other emergency supplies available in case you get stuck in a storm.

Higher elevations and exposure to the sunlight can cause severe sunburn. Always apply and reapply sunscreen. High elevations also can increase the chance of dehydration, mountain sickness (headaches, nausea and dizziness) and the aggravation of preexisting medical conditions.

AVOID DAMAGING VEGETATION This photo was taken in Cottonwood Island Park. The park is always teeming with birds and other wildlife, no matter the season. It’s a beautiful and calming oasis even though it edges the city of Prince George.

Leslie Allen

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Animals are not the only natural wonders to protect. Use caution when hiking so you do not trample vegetation. Keep pets on leashes so they do not disturb sensitive habitats. Do not pick flowers or berries and take them away from the park.

Respecting local wildlife and taking steps to keep parks clean can make your hiking and camping experiences that much more enjoyable.

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Self portrait from drone of Bryce Lamont fly fishing for Rainbow Trout in a tributary of the Upper Nechako river, surrounded by spawning Sockeye Salmon...I call it “ Searching for a needle in a haystack�. Fly fishing in rivers is a great way to get out and explore the back country that Northern BC has to offer!

Bryce Lamont

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Emphasize safety when swapping stories around the campfire Camping is a popular and fun way to enjoy the great outdoors. For families vacationing on a budget, camping provides an affordable alternative to costly resorts and hotels.

No camping trip is complete without spending some time around a campfire. But as fun as swapping stories around the campfire can be, campfires can also pose a safety risk. When building a campfire, campers can employ the following approach to ensure everyone enjoys a safe night around the fire.

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Use existing fire pit rings. Many campsites have fire rings in place. This serves to keep the fire contained in a safe manner.

The best place to build a fire is within an existing fire ring in a well-placed campsite. If there is no ring, create your own barrier with rocks, stones and sand. Keep flammable material outside of a 10-foot diameter circle.

Stay close to the fire so long as it is burning. Never walk away from a lit fire. Even a small breeze can cause the fire to spread quickly, so stay near until it dissipates or you extinguish it.

Do not use accelerants. Light wood or coals with matches or a lighter or use a flint fire starter kit. Never douse the materials in lighter fluid or gasoline to get the blaze going.

Make sure the fire is out. When breaking down the campsite, completely extinguish the fire before leaving. Move stones and spread out embers and ash so that all heat can dissipate.

Do not leave until the remains of the campfire are cool to the touch.

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Choose the right spot. Select a location that is on level ground and clear any obstructions or flammable items from the area before starting the fire. Be sure to look above you to make sure there are no low-hanging branches that may fall into the fire and ignite, putting campers at risk of injury.

Check the fire danger level. Many parks and campsites will post a warning level on signage indicating whether dry conditions can contribute to fast-expanding fires. When a high fire warning has been issued, it may be wise to avoid campfires altogether.

Ensure water is nearby. Have bottled water available or choose a campsite that is in close proximity to a water source. This ensures you can douse the fire or cool coals if need be.

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Campfires can be both fun and practical when camping out. But always keep safety in mind and exercise considerable caution when choosing where and when to light fires.

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Celebrate Canada 150 in PG! Thanks to the Canada 150 Fund, the City of Prince George will be celebrating Canada’s sesquicentennial in style! With an 8-day free outdoor music festival, 2 mural projects and other community events, Prince George will be the place to be this summer!

Kick off Canada’s 150th birthday with an 8-day music festival at Canada Games Plaza. This free outdoor live music festival will begin the evening of July 1 after the festivities at Lheidli T’enneh

Memorial Park. Presented by the Prince George Folkfest Society, this “Heatwave” of music and culture will include lunch-time and evening concerts. Enjoy delicious food from local food vendors as you enjoy free outdoor concerts from July 1 -8 showcasing the best of Canadian music in a variety of genres. For the full list of performances and times, visit www.princegeorge.ca/canada150.

Date

Time

Performers

July 1

7:00-10:30pm

The French Connection, Andino Suns, Delhi 2 Dublin

July 2

12:00-1:00pm

TBA

July 2

7:00-10:30pm

Saltwater Hank and Amy Blanding, Don Amero, Stephen Fearing

July 3

12:00-1:00pm

Nove Voce

July 3

7:00-10:30pm

The Statistics, Linda McRae, Shred Kelly

July 4

12:00-1:00pm

Zavan Trio

July 4

7:00-10:30pm

Jerusha White, Red Moon Road, April Verch Band

July 5

12:00-1:00pm

Prince George Cantata Singers

July 5

7:00-10:30pm

Khast’an Drummers, Scarlett Jane, Bruce Cockburn

July 6

12:00-1:00pm

TBA

July 6

7:00-10:30pm

Jack Van Somer, Rachelle Van Zanten, Cécile Doo-Kingué

July 7

10:00am-3:00pm

BMO KidzArt Dayz featuring Charlotte & Matt Diamond

July 8

10:00am-3:00pm

BMO KidzArt Dayz featuring Charlotte & Matt Diamond

July 8

7:00-10:30pm

Kym Gouchie and friends, Donné Roberts Band, The Paperboys

*All Heatwave performances are free and take place at Canada Games Plaza 16

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In addition to attending the music festival there are two mural projects you can participate in. The first is the Canada 150 Pottery Patchwork Mural being organized and executed by the Prince George Potters Guild. You are invited to paint a tile that expresses your connection to Prince George and Northern BC! Your 4” x 4” tile will become part of a 9’ x 20’ patchwork mural that will be installed and unveiled this summer at the CN Centre. For specific workshop information and dates please visit www.princegeorge. ca/canada150.

The second mural project, Canada 150 Mosaic Mural, is also really cool: create one piece of an 800-piece mural symbolizing our northern community. And then see that mural connected to murals in 149 other communities across Canada! Visit the Canada 150 Mosaic at BMO KidzArt Dayz on July 7 and 8 at Canada Games Plaza to participate. Then enjoy seeing it on display in the Atrium linking the Kin Centres to CN Centre.

On July 7 and 8 visit the Prince George Public Library and take a 360° cinematic journey across Canada, in a visual symphony that celebrates the people, landscapes and freedoms that make Canada home. Presented in an inflatable dome, SESQUI’s HORIZON film is a sensory and emotional experience for audiences of all ages. It was filmed from coast- to- coast- to- coast, in all 10 provinces and 3 territories and features over 20 minutes of footage and more than 90 awe-inspiring scenes, all in 360°! You’ll see Canada in ways you’ve never seen it before.

In addition to all the above events here are some other summer celebrations you won’t want to miss!

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Canada Day at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park on July 1 from 10am-6pm Celebrate 150 Canoe Race at Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park on July 1 from 8am-6pm Canfor Canada Day Fireworks set off from Connaught Hill on July 1 at 11pm BMO KidzArt Dayz at Canada Games Plaza on July 7 and 8 from 10am-3pm Pride Day Festival and Parade at Veterans Plaza on July 8 from 10am-3pm (Parade starts at 11am) Fun City Sliders at UNBC Hill on July 15 from 10am-4pm Downtown Summerfest at Veterans Plaza on July 16 from 11am-5pm Canada Games Flag Relay Party at Veterans Plaza on July 22 from 11am-2pm Bob Dylan and his Band at CN Centre on July 22 at 8pm BCNE at Exhibition Park on August 17-20 (varied times)

Also make sure to check out Foodie Fridays at Veterans Plaza every Friday from June 2 – August 25 from 11am-2pm

For all the event details and more visit www.princegeorge.ca/ canada150.

Photo credit: www.princegeorge.ca Prince George and area

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How to hike safely

Bridge over the Fraser River at Upper Fraser Mike Hochachka

National parks are great places for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy some of their favorite activities. Many such parks allow visitors to camp out after a day spent rafting or kayaking on the water, making these locales the ideal vacation spots for families or groups of friends who share a love of the great outdoors.

Hiking is among the more popular activities enjoyed at parks across the globe. Hikers of all ages and skill levels can enjoy trails of varying degrees of difficulty, all the while taking in picturesque landscapes that often cannot be found in developed urban and suburban areas.

But as much as hiking can be enjoyed even by novice outdoor enthusiasts, this rewarding activity also can be dangerous. Hikers often find themselves in remote locations where cellular phone signals tend to be weak, which can be troublesome, even when hiking in relatively crowded parks. That’s why it’s important to take the following precautionary measures when hiking.

Even at local Ginter’s Park there are marvellous outdoor sights! Including a spectacular double rainbow!

Glen Mikkelsen

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This photo was taken at Cottonwood Island Park in Prince George,BC, both the eagles were looking intensely at a squirrel just below the tree.

Wanda Underhill

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Never hike alone. Many outdoor enthusiasts enjoy escaping from the daily grind and getting some alone time with Mother Nature.

While some outdoor activities can be safely enjoyed alone, others, including hiking, should never be done without a friend in tow. There are numerous benefits to hiking in pairs or groups, not the least of which is having someone there to go for help should anyone suffer an injury on the trails. When hiking with a group or even with only a friend, make sure no one hikes faster than the slowest hiker. This ensures that no one will get lost and that each hiker has someone there to seek help should an accident or injury occur.

Share your itinerary with someone staying behind. Even if you are hiking with others, it’s best to share your itinerary with someone who is not joining you on your trip. This way someone can alert authorities to you, and your fellow hikers’ direction if you get lost on a trail and cannot find your way out. When sharing your itinerary, share your schedule as well, telling friends who are staying behind to alert the authorities if you do not return or make direct contact with them by a given time.

Start early. Embarking on a hike early is beneficial in a variety of ways. Nature is beautiful at all times of the day, but part of the joy of hiking is taking in all of the beautiful landscapes, which are easier to see during daylight hours than at night. Hiking during the day is also safer, as it’s easier for hikers to make their way on trails when they can see where they’re going than at night, when many hiking trails are cloaked in darkness. Scavenging animals also may be more prevalent after sundown. Finally, hiking also is legal during daylight hours, whereas many parks ban hiking once the sun goes down.

Know the weather forecast. When planning a hiking trip, know the weather forecast for the day or days you plan to hike. Expect cooler temperatures, even if the forecast is calling for a beautiful warm day. Hiking trails are often surrounded by tall trees, which makes it difficult for warm sunlight to illuminate trails and warm up hikers. So pack an extra jacket or coat, ideally a rain coat that can serve double duty should it start to rain.

Carry water and snacks. Staying hydrated can make a long or challenging hike easier on your muscles, so be sure to bring plenty of water, which also can quench your thirst throughout your hike.

Bring some snacks along as well. Snacks should provide you with energy to continue your hike, so leave behind snacks like potato chips or pretzels and pack your bags with fresh fruit, granola, protein bars, or trail mix.

Hiking is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors. But even veteran hikers must take safety precautions to ensure their trips are as safe as they are enjoyable. |

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Here are some Northern Lights images I took a few days ago in Prince George on the south side of town around 10pm.

Mike Hochachka

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Explore Vanderhoof and area where one can see moose and other wildlife out for a winter walk.

Lori Borth

Vanderhoof Information credit: www.vanderhoof.ca

Vanderhoof is a welcoming and inclusive community. We are known for our friendly residents and we have a reputation for being a great place to live, raise a family and do business. We pride ourselves on the “Vanderhoof Advantage,” building on the strengths of our people, their work ethic and our collaborative spirit. We invite you to come visit us in Vanderhoof.

Vanderhoof is 100 km (60 miles) west of Prince George. Vanderhoof is located at the geographical centre of the province about the same latitude as Edmonton, and on the same longitude as Nanaimo. It sits on a plateau above the Nechako River Valley. No other B.C. Community, except in the Peace River Country, is so distant from mountains, enabling the people of Vanderhoof to enjoy a wide expanse of sky.

Such natural features are of significant influence on Vanderhoof’s economic development, particularly in agriculture, forestry and tourism.

Vanderhoof is a great place to explore the outdoors and nature at it’s finest.

The Nechako Valley is a very relaxing place as demonstrated by this Fox. Lori Borth

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West of Prince George

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Houston

Welcome to the District of Houston, BC The community of Houston is nestled in the beautiful Bulkley Valley amongst some of BC’s finest outdoor recreational opportunities.

Strategically located halfway between the hub cities of Prince George and Terrace, Houston is home to the outdoor enthusiast.

With a population of 3200 people, there is always room on the riverbank, lake or the many walking and hiking trails in the area.

The history of Houston stretches back to the turn of the Century with the expansion of the railroad through to the West Coast.

Originally a farming community with the rich soils often found in valley bottoms, Houston has grown to become an industrial centre that exemplifies cohabitation with the farming community.

We invite you to come back soon and often.

Photo and Information credit: www.houston.ca

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The history of Houston reflects a recent history of pioneers, entrepreneurs, and the history of beautiful British Columbia. Much of it has been preserved thanks to groups of dedicated volunteers with a passion for ensuring the stories of those who came before are told.

The history of Houston was recorded in two earlier publications.

First there was The Story of Houston, which was written by Betty Dungate and Nancy Goold in the early 1950s as a Houston Women’s Institute project. This first history was greatly expanded and published as a 1971 Centennial project entitled Marks on the Forest Floor by a committee headed by Elnora Smith, who was assisted by Betty Dungate, Nancy Goold, and Margaret Morse. We pay tribute to Elnora and her committee. Without their work most of Houston’s history would not be available to us today.

The Houston history included at houston.ca was developed in 1998 as a project initiated by the Houston Public Library. The new book, entitled Marks of a Century, contains much of the information found in the first two histories of Houston (both now out of print) as well as an update of the last thirty years between 1971 and 2000. It is available from the District of Houston’s Municipal Office.

This picture was taken on Babine Lake, BC. I took this photo while on the boat fishing just after a short rain storm, the rainbow appeared right on the lake and it was the most amazing sight I have ever seen, you could clearly see every colour in the rainbow. The boat in the picture belongs to my uncle, we all go out as a family (about 30-40 of us) each year to catch sockeye salmon! It is by far my favorite lake to go to and I couldn’t imagine not going back each year.

The lake is huge and is awesome for boating, kayaking, and swimming! There is never a dull moment during our one to two week camping trip at this beautiful lake.

Lariah Sanchez

Overview Houston, like many communities in northern British Columbia, is a young community. Although we do not know when the first people traversed through this area, we do know that various First Nations groups occupied and traveled the land, and we are certain that they were here for a very long time before European settlers arrived. At the time of European contact, the area was traversed by the Wet’suwet’en people, and the history from these early times is preserved in their oral histories.

The area was scarcely settled, as major transportation networks Continued on page 24

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Continued from page 23 had not been constructed prior to this point, and it would not be until the construction of the Collins Overland Telegraph Trail that the first non-native settlers would begin arriving in the area. When the project was abandoned after a telegraph line was successfully laid across the Atlantic Ocean, many of the workers chose to remain throughout the Bulkley Valley, hoping to prospect and pursue another means of making a living.

By 1885, a Roman Catholic Priest named Father A.G. Morice began to travel through the Bulkley Valley, accompanied by Aboriginal guides, and conducted impressive mapping expeditions and recording and renaming many names for the landmarks of the region, many of which remain to this day. By 1892, a government surveyor visited the area, reporting back on the wealth of natural resources in the valley to the Provincial Government. Several more people would travel through the land and settle in the valley, taking advantage of the wealthy of opportunity in this region.

As the small community which would become Houston grew, residents grouped together and formed the Houston Club, with the aim of fostering community spirit and well-being. As the community continued to grow and as the club expanded its role in the community, it became apparent that in order to meet the needs of the ever growing community, a local government would need to be formed. By 1957, the Village of Houston was officially incorporated, and would become a District Municipality in 1969.

The main staples of the community have always been agriculture, mining, and forestry, but that hasn’t stopped residents from starting various types of businesses and being successful in the community. Over the years, Houston may have evolved, but that pioneering spirit and the ambient presence of opportunity has never disappeared.

Houston Mud Drags June 24, 2017 to June 25, 2017

Hosted annually at the airport, the Houston Mud Drags puts trucks and other vehicles to the test, putting on a spectacle for all to enjoy! Visit Nadina Offroad Society’s Facebook page for more information.

Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Location: Houston Airport

Houston Drag Races Aug 18, 2017 to Aug 20, 2017

Do you have a need to see speed? Come on down to the Houston Drag Races this summer! Contact Mardy for more information.

Time: Fri. 6:00pm - 9:00pm; Sat. & Sun. 8:00am - 6:00pm Location: Houston Airport

The picture was taken during a Steelhead flyfishing trip to Houston BC, in November. It illustrates the beauty of the details not to miss even during a fishing trip.

Ron Fujino

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The Hunter’s Basin trail starts just outside of Telkwa, BC. Chris Leboe

Smithers

Nearly 6,000 people call Smithers home and nearly 20,000 live in the surrounding valley and rural communities. As a service centre, Smithers offers many more amenities than you might expect for a town its size. The Bulkley River borders Smithers and lends its name to the valley. Smithers is a mountain town, set against the backdrop of the Hudson Bay Mountain and with vistas of the Babine and Telkwa Mountain Ranges.

The Town of Smithers is situated northwestern British Columbia directly on the Trans Canada Yellowhead Highway (Route 16), approximately half way between the cities of Prince Rupert and Prince George.

Smithers offers outstanding outdoor recreational pursuits during all phases of the year. This includes fishing and hunting, downhill and cross-country skiing, golfing, snowmobiling, canoeing and kayaking and many more. Coupled with a lively music scene, Art Gallery, Museum, theatrical performances and an energetic sporting community, Smithers has something for everyone.

Four-Season Smithers Downtown consists of just a few blocks, but each block is full of shops and at least one coffeehouse or café full of chatty and smiling locals.

Smithers calls itself the town of all seasons because each season is unique; summers are warm, winters are snowy – annual snowfall averages 204cm/80in – springs are rainy and falls are cool. There is also an abundance of recreational opportunities.

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West of Prince George

Local Economy and The Locals The locals are friendly, some quirky. The town feels safe and friendly. The air is fresh and clean, and no matter where one walks or drives, the views of the surrounding land are spectacular.

Exploration and mining, in addition to agriculture, forestry and tourism, plays a large part of Smithers’ economy.

The town is becoming known as the mining hub of Northwest BC, athough a visitor wouldn’t necessarily be able to tell this.

Smithereens are proud of living in Smithers and visitors can sense that pride. Even the downtown décor – an alpine theme – shows Smithers folk are committed to keeping their town quaint.

Smithers is far away from other town hubs – at least a two-hour drive – but that is a part of the town’s attraction and charm. The isolation lets outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the Northern BC nature without crowds or pollution, and allows locals to relax and be themselves.

Smithers and surrounds - great scenic road to travel with splendid views and skiing in winter!

Darren Smit

Smithers is the place to start your outdoor adventure.

Whether you enjoy horseback riding, hiking, golfing, rafting, fishing or skiing - you will find your activity of choice here. Surrounded by mountains, dotted with lakes and divided by rivers and streams the Bulkley Valley wants to be explored. The history of the prospector can be found in the mountains in old mines and artifacts.

Anglers can’t resist the temptation of trout, salmon and steelhead. Check out what Smithers offers your.

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Continued from page 27 Amenities Smithers and the Bulkley Valley has much to offer...a skateboard park, ice arena, swimming pool with fitness centre and squash courts, nearby lakes to swim, canoe or boat, 2 golf courses and many...

Arts & Culture As if by magnet, artists are drawn to Smithers. Perhaps it’s the natural beauty of the surrounding-expansive mountain vistas, roaring rivers and tranquil creeks and brooks. Or, is it the...

Bike The Bulkley Valley is prime mountain biking country (surrounded by mountains after all!) From gentle valley bottom trails like the town’s 13 km Perimeter Trail to steep technical riding,...

Concerts & Festivals Come join in one of our may festivals and fairs! Over the years, Smithers has cultivated some exceptional musicians.

Fish Smithers - in the heart of the Bulkley Valley - provides fabulous access for fishers.

From lake trout to salmon and steelhead, Smithers welcomes anglers from around the world. Babine Lake to the...

Golf Flanked by a golf course on each end of town, Smithers offers a golf experience that allows you to enjoy not only the greens, but also the blues and deep purples of the surrounding mountain...

Hike A linear park surrounds Smithers, providing 13 kilometres of gentle town and country walking. As you move a little further from town, there is terrain to suit everyone. The Hudson Bay Mountain ski...

Horse Trips Well-trained horses can carry you to the hills around the Bulkley Valley for breathtaking panoramas. Trips are available in the Babine Mountain Provincial Park and in Spatsizi Wilderness Park....

Mountain Guides can assist and show you some of the Peaks and spectacular ice fields.

Paddle Smithers is a paddlers dream! Whether you’re seeking a peaceful paddle around the lakeshore, drifting on a placid stream or experiencing the thrill of adrenaline pumping whitewater - we’ve...

Sight See Year-round Smithers has an abundance of beautiful views! From mountains to wetlands and everything in between, come experience Smithers!

Ski & Snowboard Alpine Skiing & Snow Boarding Hudson Bay Mountain Resort is a great family ski resort just 20 minutes from downtown. Four lifts, including a triple chair take you to the top of Hudson Bay...

Snowmobile Mountains covered in snow; hundreds of miles of terrain; groomed trails and untracked wilderness - that’s snowmobiling around Smithers. The Smithers Snowmobile Association grooms trails in...

Snowshoe As the powder piles up on the hills and mountain, the snowshoes that many used (and some still use) for work in the past are now donned for pleasure. Instead of sinking in the fluffy stuff - you...

Spa Make your visit special by enjoying one of spas in Smithers. Treat yourself to relaxing massage or bath, or perhaps a facial.

Wildlife Imagine ... a mountain goat standing on the side of the mountain - where there’s nothing to stand on; a grizzly bear swiping salmon from roaring rapids; a bald eagle soaring overhead; the call...

Theatre From visiting performers to a town full of talent, Smithers has a thriving theatre scene.

Hunt Smithers serves as the destination point and service center for many Guide Outfitters in Northwestern BC. The region supports abundant wildlife populations, including Moose, Mule Deer, black and...

Hudson Bay Mountain An epic Northern BC mountain experience!

Hudson Bay Mountain offers the driest powder conditions in the country. Smithers is settled at the base of Hudson Bay Mountain with a creatively...

Mountaineer Mountaineering and ski mountaineering are options in the Bulkley Valley. Experience

Canada 150+ What’s Your Story” Workshops: Home Movie Day! Saturday June 3rd 11:00am-3:00pm

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The Old Church, 3704 1st Ave - Smithers, BC Reconnect with family memories and days gone by at Home Movie Day! Bring in your old VHS, 8mm, Super 8 or 16mm recordings and we’ll play them for you!

Womens Shooting Clinic Sunday June 4th 9:00am-4:00pm Bulkley Valley Rod and Gun Club Hunting rifles, target rifles, shotguns, hand guns, no experience necessary.

Intro to Tennis (Youth & Adults) Monday June 5th 6:00pm-8:00pm Smithers Tennis Courts - Smithers, BC A fun introduction to tennis where you will learn the basics to all strokes (forehand, backhand, serve, volley),scoring, court positioning and proper impact point.

Tennis Drills & Conditioning Tuesday June 6th 6:00pm-7:30pm Smithers Tennis Courts For those wishing to improve upon their current skills, this program will focus on intense drills, repetition on each stroke to build confidence, serve return, rally from the baseline, playing the net, and strategy.

BV Pool Triathlon Sunday June 11th 8:00am-12:00pm Bulkley Valley Regional Pool and Recreation Centre The ages are 5 to Adult, there are different distances based on your age.

Kids Fishn Day Saturday June 17th 10:00am-3:00pm Tyee Lake Provincial Park - Telkwa, BC Event includes: Fishing, Canoeing, Water Safety, Nature Themed Art and Education.

2017 Tyhee Lake Triathlon Sunday July 9th 8:00am-1:00pm Tyhee Lake - Telkwa, BC The Tyhee Lake Triathlon is an annual event that takes place near Smithers, BC. - a great race for those new to triathlon or duathlon and for competitive racers as well.

Orchestra North Summer Program Sunday August 6th - Friday August 11th Smithers, BC Strings, woodwinds and brass programs led by professional faculty.

2017 BVFMS Youth Guitar Camp Tuesday August 8th - Saturday August 12th Camp Caledonia - Telkwa, BC The program is designed to help participants explore guitar and creativity skills in a structured and fun environment and is open to youth ages 10-18.

West of Prince George

The Hunter’s Basin trail starts just outside of Telkwa, BC. Once in the alpine there is a nice little spot to rest beside a waterfall. From there it gets a little more steep and a little harder to walk on the loose shale. There is a section of switchbacks to help or you can go straight up to the top of the basin.

Chris Leboe

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Photo taken while hiking by Mcbride BC, it was such an amazing place to hike too, we are so lucky to live in this province where nature truly presents a beautiful picture.

Wanda Underhill

McBride

McBride (population: 660) is a charming mountain village, nestled in the wide flat-bottomed Robson Valley. Towering mountains outline the horizon with snow-capped peaks throughout the fall, winter, and early spring. The area’s varied terrain ensures incredible hiking, camping, and bird watching during warmer months, and cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in winter.

The locals really make getting to know McBride worthwhile.

Friendly, helpful, welcoming, and ready for a new conversation, community members offer outstanding hospitality.

McBride is only a 45-minute drive from Mount Robson, and just two hours from Prince George. The village itself is small enough so everything is within easy walking distance.

Things to Do Spend time camping or make one of McBride’s accommodations (such as hotels, inns, lodges or B&Bs) a home base for a few days.

Summer offers spectacular hiking trails, breathtaking climbs, and bird watching and wildlife viewing. Plan for a day-long hike, or multi-day trip to places like the Ancient Forest, Eagle Valley, Kristi Glacier, Bell Mountain, Mount McBride, Ozalenka, and more. Golfing, paragliding, and boating round out the outdoor activity roster.

More leisurely options include shopping for local arts and crafts, or taking part in the annual Robson Valley Music Festival during summer. McBride is a snow-filled playground in winter, with excellent snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Information credit: www.mcbride.ca

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Hiking Hikes in the McBride area range from an easy walk in town to Horseshoe Lake to observe migrating birds travelling through the Rocky Mountain Trench, to a moderate alpine hike overlooking McBride, to rigorous one or multi-day trips into the alpine and onto nearby glaciers. Local hiking club Ozalenka Alpine Club maintains backcountry trails in the area including serveral with overnight cabins. For information on trail conditions, road access to trailheads and cabin booking, call 250-569-2596.

Ancient Forest/Chun T’oh Whudujut Provincial Park and Protected Area British Columbia’s most recently named Provincial Park is near McBride and provides stunning hiking opportunites to view the most northerly inland temperate rainforests in the world. Some of the Western Red Cedar trees are over 1000 years old. A boardwalk provides wheelchair access to this rare and beautiful forest.

ATVing Logging around McBride has created a network of gravel roads radiating from into the mountains - ideal for exploring by ATV. Horseback Riding

The Robson Valley Chapter advocates for improvement of trail access, and involved in improving trail heads and staging areas, GPSing and mapping of existing trails so they are officially recognized, building new trails, and maintaining and preserving existing trails for day rides and back country excursions.

the completion of THE BLUFF TRAIL, a multiuse trail built for hiking, trail running, horseback riding, mountain biking, dog walking, snow shoeing, and ungroomed cross-country skiing. Approximately five kilometres in length, the Bluff Trail is named for the stunning rock bluffs situated on it.

The trail is part of the McBride and Teare Mountain Bike Trail Network, a trail system planned for the community of McBride by professional trail builder Joel Pirnke. The trail head is found on the west end of the parking lot at kilometre one on Rainbow Road.

Check out their Facebook page.

Equestrian riders can access the multiuse BLUFF trail at McBride Peak and Teare Mountain. Day-use equestrian riders can access the trail from a staging area at the Northeast corner of Koeneman Park, as Rainbow Road is not recommended for horse trailers. This will add an additional four kilometres to the journey. The Robson Valley Chapter of the Back Country Horsemen have installed hitching rails and a kiosk at this location.

Geocaching Geocaching is defined as a real-world, outdoor treasure-hunting game. Players try to locate hidden containers called geocaches, using GPS enabled devices, and then share their experiences online.

The Robson Valley Chapter puts on trail rides, clinics and workshops, work bees and trail care events, potluck get-togethers, as well as participating in parades and other events.

Check out www.geocaching.com for clues to the many geocaches hidden in McBride and area.

Mountain Biking The Robson Valley Mountain Bike Association (RVMBA) is pleased to announce

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Valemount

Let the Mountains Move You! Crystal clear blue skies and our gorgeous snow-capped peaks form the backdrop for your epic and unforgettable summer vacation in Valemount. Reel in a rainbow trout, wind through our trails from the saddle of ATV, or let a horse show you the way — however you decide to travel through the Robson Valley, you’re certain to create a memory around every turn.

On the menu of summer adventures, there are more options than there is time. Spend your first days in our valley riding the rapids on the mighty Fraser River and the next winding through our

mountain trails on horseback. Pack your binoculars and see if you can spot the golden eagles soaring through our cerulean sky, or grab a pair of hiking poles and traverse the back-country wilderness of Mount Robson Provincial Park. Take part in Valemountain Days, the Canoe Rodeo or the Mount Robson Music Festival or any of our other special events. Come for the hiking, the fishing, the ATVing or the mountain biking, but make sure while you’re here you try something new — make this vacation an exceptional one you, and your family will always remember.

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Mount Robson Provincial Park As Mount Robson comes to rest at 3,954 m (12,974 ft)— sometimes in the clear blue sky, and sometimes in the clouds — there is not a soul who passes through this valley without giving reverence to the pinnacle.

But what is more impressive than one mountain in this vast range is the parkland that it shelters and the environmental significance it plays in the history of British Columbia and Canada. Mount Robson Provincial Park is the second oldest park in the province and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. At the heart of this protected area are the headwaters and the first 100km (62 mi) the largest salmon producing river in the world. The Fraser River begins as an icy trickle here in the park before flowing 1,378km (856 mi) to the Pacific Ocean.

Hiking & Heli-hiking Snow-capped peaks, glacial outcrops, alpine meadows, raging rivers and misty waterfalls. You’ve just walked right inside a painting, and now it’s up to you to discover what awaits around the next corner. The Valley in the Mountains makes the ideal landing spot for hikers of all skills and fitness levels. Make a week of it, and explore the hundreds of kilometres of trails that wind throughout Mount Robson Provincial Park.

Start on the well-traveled paths and work your way up to geography so remarkable it has been written about in guidebooks for generations.

to think about is what’s around the next corner, and the only thing you need to feel is alive.

Fishing Whether your hobby runs to fly fishing, trolling or spin casting — or maybe all three — this area has more fishing holes than could ever be reached in a single visit. Sit back in your boat all lazy-like and watch the bobber float, but don’t let the gentle waves lull you to sleep, and don’t let those easy mountain breezes dull your senses. Wait for it (you won’t wait long), feel the tug on the line and haul in your first fighter. Fish your limit today and come back tomorrow and do it all over again.

Arrive at the top in style by booking a helihiking tour of Berg Lake. Drink in the sights of the Valley of a Thousand Falls, Emperor Falls and Berg and Kinney Lake. Watch in awe as the glaciers calf into the turquoise waters of the lake and, when the sun begins its descent, climb aboard and soar back down the mountain to relive this experience again and again with your family and friends. The ride up makes it easy for hikers of all ages and fitness levels to explore the alpine and appreciate views usually reserved for the most athletic.

Boating/Swimming Paddle through winding channels in a wildlife sanctuary, or sun yourself on warm rocks before jumping into calm pools in a cool river — welcome to your happy place! Some of us are land-dwellers and with the mountains and trails surrounding Valemount, BC, that’s just fine. Whether you’re more at home in a canoe or a kayak, or your favourite ride runs on fuel, there are no shortage of lakes, creeks and rivers to explore. And make sure to pack a swimsuit, because our long summer days heat up and you might be compelled to take a dip.

White-water Rafting Don’t wait. Now is the time to climb aboard, grab a paddle and focus. White-water rafting is a thrill, but it’s so much more.

When you’re out on the water at the mercy of the mighty Fraser River, that’s all there is — nothing else matters. Out here, the only thing you hear is the deafening roar of the water as it carries you through its wake; the only thing you feel is the icy spray as it hits you in the face and keeps you focused. On this river in the shadow of the magnificent Mount Robson, the only thing you need

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Mountain Biking Some call it mountain biking, but here in the Robson Valley we just call it biking and we’ve been doing it long before it became one of the fastest growing sports in North America. This village was made for mountain bikers. Play it safe and wind your way through lower valley trails, bumping over roots and making easy, forested descents, or crank your legs and go up. Think you’ve got what it takes to climb Canoe Mountain?

Even in granny gear it’s a heinous climb, but the view from the top and the ride back down is worth every bead of sweat, every knotted muscle, every blister you earned en route to the summit.

ATVing Contrary to popular belief ATVing isn’t about how much noise you can make or dirt you can throw. In winter when there are metres of snow, we hunt for views from the saddle of a snowmobile. In summer, we trade in the sled for a quad and just keep going. Waterfalls, glacial lakes, mountain meadows — natural, undisturbed beauty is what we’re after and in Valemount we’re never disappointed. Hundreds of kilometres of forest service roads allow access into landscapes that, for most people, only exist in the pages of magazines.

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Golfing Lush forests form a frame around Valemount Pines Golf and RV Park, creating a quaint course ideally suited for hosting a company golf tournament, a family reunion or even a wedding. In spring it’s possible to snowmobile in the morning and golf in the afternoon — an ideal day by some standards.

Horseback Riding In the Valley of the Mountains we hike, we bike, we fish and we paddle, but some argue best way to get around in our natural wilderness is with the help of an equine companion. If the saddle is your second home, bring your own mount to our valley and explore our vast and varied trail networks, or board at a local ranch and register in any number of horsemanship training camps and clinics. If horseback riding is something you’ve always wanted to do and have never had the opportunity, you’ve come to the right place. Book a guided tour, spend an afternoon or camp out on an overnight tour.

as it reverberates through the deep cedar, hemlock and pine forests surrounding Valemount, and know that these are the good times — these are the golden years.

Rekindle your love of nature here in our backyard and witness the creation of those memories in your own children. When you camp in Valemount, the only distractions are the ones Mother Nature so carefully prepared and she’s been eagerly awaiting your arrival.

Wildlife Adventures Undisturbed wilderness and vast stretches of protected parkland make Valemount and the Robson Valley a haven for naturalists.

Waterfowl course through our protected marshes, moose, elk and caribou raise their young in our forests, and birds of prey circle through the cerulean sky above. Whether you come to Valemount, binoculars in hand, with the desire to view wildlife in its natural habitat, or you stumble upon it while hiking our numerous trails, you will find it, you will live within it, and we’d ask that you care for it and treat it with the same reverence and respect that we do.

Camping Watch as brilliant sunsets give way to mystic twilights. Hear your own laughter

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The Valemount Bird Sanctuary is an awesome place to visit. There is a walking trail all the way around the park with lots of birds and wildlife to view.

Pat Suter

Ancient Forest Steve Senger

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The Valemount Bird Sanctuary is an awesome place to visit. There is a walking trail all the way around the park with lots of birds and wildlife to view.

Pat Suter

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Quesnel is a great place to visit with lakes to fish and see wildlife, Bouchie Lake is a popular fishing lake and Dragon Lake is good for fishing as well as seeing eagles and osprey and lots of wildlife.

Pat Suter

Quesnel

Quesnel is located in the central interior of British Columbia, where nature isn’t just a part of life, it’s our way of life. With four distinct seasons and moderate temperatures year round, we embrace the changes and use them to our advantage. In winter, we love bundling up with a tea in front of the fire, but only after we’ve spent the day playing outside. In summer we spend hours at the lake fishing, kayaking and relaxing on the beach.

Here we don’t spend hours lined up in traffic or fighting the crowds on a hot day, we simply take a step into our backyard. If you like quaint cafés, world-class dining or ethnic food we’ve got it. All types of accommodation are available, from roughing-it in a tent to affordable motels and high-end hotels. Our amenities are second to none, offering the chance to stay active and have fun year-round.

Quesnel appeals to all ages, with a little of something for everyone.

Quesnel is the beautiful central playground of the North Cariboo.

You will enjoy our perfect combination of rural charm and quiet city sophistication. Quesnel is rich in history and we are a quaint,

comfortable community that welcomes young and old alike.

The gateway to the North Cariboo offers unlimited recreational opportunities. Enjoy world class fly-fishing and canoeing in an unspoiled environment. Go downhill or cross-country skiing, golfing, horseback riding, snow shoeing, river rafting, hiking or biking. Enjoy true Cariboo hospitality by visiting our many historical points of interest or attractive parks in town. Treat yourself to unique shopping or visit the Farmers’ Market to experience the local atmosphere.

We are a town serving an area population of 23,000. Quesnel is filled with a diverse group of hard working individuals, stay-athome parents, working parents, volunteers and a community spirit that keeps us upbeat and positive. Every weekend is full of events, from recreation to art and music to theatre there is always something to do. As one of the most affordable places to live in British Columbia, combined with the giving spirit of our community, we can afford to spend time doing what we enjoy.

Information credit: www.tourismquesnel.com South of Prince George

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10 Reasons to visit

Quesnel this summer 1. Connect with nature by hiking our trails. Hike the short 5. Billy Barker Days. Celebrate our heritage with us during 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.

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. Skyfest. Held every other year on the August long weekend,

Skyfest is an air show you don’t want to miss. The Snowbirds will be in town along with acrobatic pilots from across North America to deliver a show that will have you oohing and ahhing towards the skies. Order your tickets in advance at www.quesnelskyfest.ca.

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).

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!

3. Catch your dinner. If the Farmers’ Market isn’t local enough 8. Adventure awaits. Arrive in Quesnel in unique style, via the for you, cast a line into one of our well-stocked lake 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.

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.

Take a walk down Reid and adjacent streets to check out the shops, cafes and restaurants. Don’t forget to stop by Spirit Square to see what’s happening there. Check our community event calendar to see what live music is playing in the evening.

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.

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10. Stretch your legs. We’d love for you to stay for longer, but if

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you’re just passing through, at least stop for a walk around our paved Riverfront Trail. 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.

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South of Prince George

Taken in the Hixon area, which is located half way between Prince George and Quesnel. Hixon is a great spot to camp, enjoy the creek and waterfalls and fresh air.

Pat Suter

South of Prince George

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All photos taken in the Hixon area, which is located half way between Prince George and Quesnel. Hixon is a great spot to camp, enjoy the creek and waterfalls and fresh air.

Pat Suter

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South of Prince George

Williams Lake

The city of Williams Lake (population: 12,000) has rural charm intrinsic to its ranching culture and gold rush history.

Williams Lake is located in a sheltered valley of the vast Interior Plateau of central British Columbia, 552km/343mi north of Vancouver and 240km/149mi south of Prince George. Situated on the north shore of a lake of the same name, and surrounded by tree clad, trail-laced hillsides, Williams Lake is a natural jumping-off point for a myriad of outdoor activities.

In addition to time-honored rodeo events such as calf roping and bareback riding, the entertainment includes clowns and a drill team – a group of horseback riders showcasing high-speed patterns and maneuvers in rhythm to music. Pancake breakfasts, live music and dances keep visitors entertained from day until night.

Things to Do Williams Lake is centrally located to offer a wide variety of outdoor activities.

Take part in the heart-stopping action of whitewater rafting, experience the exhilaration of single track mountain biking or watch wranglers at work during the world-class Williams Lake Stampede.

Or enjoy the peace and tranquility of a stroll along the lakeshore of the Scout Island Nature Centre and be immersed in birdsong.

And with several lakes and rivers just a quick drive from town, water activities such as fishing, boating, rafting and kayaking/ canoeing are all popular here. Hikers and mountain bikers will find plenty to explore along nature trails and in the surrounding forests and hillsides.

Williams Lake’s heritage is steeped in cowboy culture and the city is famous for its stampede and rodeo. Get a sense of the city’s ranching history by attending one of several local rodeo events.

Outdoor Activities Outdoor activities in BC range from high-energy adventure to pleasant rambles in nature.

Indoor Rodeo Cowboys and cowgirls from around the region gather for the annual Williams Lake Indoor Rodeo, which is held at the city’s Cariboo Memorial Arena in April. This three-day event is the BC Rodeo Association’s second largest rodeo, and it delivers heart stopping competitions and top cash prizes.

Depending on the location, there may be opportunities to go biking or hiking – BC has thousands of trails to choose from – or play 18-holes on a golf course. Find a campsite for a weekend (or week-long) getaway. Some places also have guest ranches, caving, climbing, and ziplining. Stop by the local Visitor Centre to find out what activities are available in this area.

Photo and information credit: www.hellobc.com

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Mackenzie

Photo and information credit: www.hellobc.com

Mackenzie (population: 4,539) is located within the Rocky Mountain Trench at the southern end of Williston Lake, one of the largest man-made reservoirs in North America.

Mackenzie offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, with impressive winter snow conditions for snowmobiling, crosscountry skiing, downhill skiing, skating, snowshoeing and ice fishing. Warmer, summer months offer great hiking, birding, mountain biking, camping, boating and fishing.

History buffs will appreciate that this forestry-based resource town was named after the famous explorer Alexander Mackenzie, who camped near the town site on his epic journey to the Pacific in 1793.

Mackenzie Highlights Morfee Lake is a hidden gem for hiking, boating or fishing within Mackenzie. Unnoticed upon entering town, it is approximately 2km/1.25mi away. Morfee Mountain is the nearest high point, and can be accessed for a great panoramic view of the area in the winter by snowmobiling, or in the summer by 4X4 vehicle.

Catch a glimpse of moose or black bears, watch biologists band songbirds, woodpeckers and hummingbirds, hike trails in John Dahl Regional Park, bike at the recently updated bike park or along new community routes, sled on alpine ridges, do some evening crosscountry skiing or hit the slopes of Powder King Mountain Resort, located about 65km/40.4mi east of Mackenzie.

Enjoy nine scenic holes of golf on a pristine course located just minutes from the main road. Mackenzie Golf & Country Club also has a driving range, pro shop, grill and bar. Biking enthusiasts will appreciate the bike park located right in town at Little Mac Ski Hill.

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Beautiful sunset over Teapot Mountain, Summit Lake! Great hiking and view from Teapot!

Sharon Thring

Summit Lake Canada Day boat floatilla was a huge success! Our friend Terrilee enjoyed the festivities!

Sharon Thring

North of Prince George

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I took this photo in Chetwynd,it is one of the many unique chainsaw carvings they have around the town.

Candice Rosenbaum

Chetwynd Chewtynd (population: 2,633) offers a break from the hectic pace of larger British Columbia centres.

Pursue a range of activities in Chetwynd, part of the Peace River Country.

In Chetwynd, enjoy leisurely river fishing or a camping trip, go hiking or try boating. Action-adventure activities in the Rocky Mountain foothills are within easy reach of Chetwynd, and include mountain biking, rock climbing, and snowmobiling. Looking for something even more unique and unusual? Admire the community’s dozens of unique chainsaw carvings.

Chetwynd offers access to hiking and mountain biking suited to various skill levels, river and lake fishing, provincial park camping, and snowmobiling in winter.

Summer Activities

Outdoor Activities Spend time along the many rivers and lakes in the area fishing for a variety of species, or go boating through wild river valleys.

Canoeing and kayaking are also popular activities on the Pine River from East Pine to Taylor. Chetwynd’s trail system is well designed and developed for both hiking and mountain biking during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. These trails are networked through the foothills in and around the community, and are a great way to take in a small part of the northern boreal forest.

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Visit one of Chetwynd’s two local golf courses. Enjoy a nine-hole riverside golf experience at the Natural Springs Golf Course next to the Sukunka River. Challenge the hilly terrain along the slopes of Moberly Lake at the nine-hole Moberly Lake & District Golf Course.

Both golf courses offer equipment rentals.

Test climbing skills along a number of developed routes at Hassler Crag, a climbing cliff located 20km/12mi south of Chetwynd on Highway 97, across from Houde 56 Rd. Make sure to check out views of the valley and agricultural lands from the top.

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BC Provincial Park Directory BC Provincial Park Directory Prince George and Area parK

aCtivities & faCilities

Bobtail Mountain Provincial Park Crooked River Provincial Park Dahl Lake Provincial Park Eskers Provincial Park Fort George Canyon Provincial Park Fraser River Provincial Park Purden Lake Provincial Park Stuart River Provincial Park Three Sisters Lakes Provincial Park West Lake Provincial Park

East of Prince George parK

aCtivities & faCilities Slim Creek / Dome Creek / McBride and Area

Close To The Edge Provincial Park Erg Mountain Provincial Park Evanoff Provincial Park Kakwa Provincial Park & Protected Area Ptarmigan Creek Provincial Park Slim Creek Provincial Park Small River Caves Provincial Park Sugarbowl-Grizzly Den Provincial Park West Twin Provincial Park Valemount and Area Mount Robson Provincial Park Mount Terry Fox Provincial Park Jackman Flats Provincial Park Rearguard Falls Provincial Park North Thompson Oxbows East Provincial Park North Thompson Oxbows Manteau Provincial Park Pyramid Creek Falls Provincial Park

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BC Provincial Directory BC Provincial ParkPark Directory West of Prince George parK

aCtivities & faCilities Vanderhoof / Fort St. James and Area

Finger Tatuk Provincial Park Nation Lakes Provincial Park Mount Blanchet Provincial Park Mount Pope Provincial Park Mudzenchoot Lake Provincial Park Paarens Beach Provincial Park Rubyrock Lake Provincial Park Sowchea Bay Provincial Park Stuart Lake Marine Provincial Park Takla Lake Marine Provincial Park Trembleur Lake Provincial Park Fraser Lake and Area Beaumont Provincial Park Entiako Provincial Park Francois Lake Provincial Park Sutherland River Provincial Park Uncha Mountains Red Hills Provincial Park Burns Lake/Houston and Area Atna River Provincial Park Babine Lake Marine Provincial Park Dead Man’s Island Provincial Park Ethel F. Wilson Memorial Provincial Park Little Andrews Bay Marine Provincial Park Morice Lake Provincial Park Nanika-Kidprice Lake Provincial Park Old Man Lake Provincial Park Tweedsmuir Provincial Park Red Bluff Provincial Park Wistaria Provincial Park

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BC Provincial Park Directory BC Provincial Park Directory West of Prince George (continued) parK

aCtivities & faCilities Smithers / Hazelton and Area

Anderson Flats Provincial Park Babine Mountains Provincial Park Babine River Corridor Provincial Park Boulder Creek Provincial Park Bulkley Junction Provincial Park Call Lake Provincial Park Driftwood Canyon Provincial Park Kitwanga Mountain Provincial Park Netalzul Meadows Provincial Park Nilkitkwa Lake Provincial Park Rainbow Alley Provincial Park Ross Lake Provincial Park Seely Lake Provincial Park Seven Sisters Provincial Park Tazdli Wyiez Bin/Burnie-Shea Provincial Park Tyhee Lake Provincial Park Terrace / Kitimat / Prince Rupert and Area Coste Rocks Provincial Park Dala-Kildala Rivers Estuaries Provincial Park Diana Lake Provincial Park Eagle Bay provincial Park Exchamsiks River Provincial Park Hai Lake-Mount Herman Provincial Park Foch-Gilttoyees Provincial Park Gitnadoiks River Provincial Park Khutzeymateen Provincial Park Kitimat River Provincial Park Kitson Island Marine Provincial Park Kitsumkalum Provincial Park Kleanza Creek Provincial Park Klewnuggit Inlet Marine Provincial Park Lakelse Lake Provincial Park Lakelse Lake Wetlands Provincial Park

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BC Provincial Directory BC Provincial ParkPark Directory West of Prince George (continued) parK

aCtivities & faCilities Terrace / Kitimat / Prince Rupert and Area

Lowe Inlet Marine Provincial Park Nalbeelah Creek Wetlands Provincial Park Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Park Owyacumish River Provincial Park Prudhomme Lake Provincial Park Sleeping Beauty Mountain Provincial Park Sue Channel Provincial Park Union Passage Marine Provincial Park Weewanie Hot Springs Provincial Park Queen Charlotte Islands Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site (National Park) Naikoon Provincial Park Pure Lake Provincial Park

North of Prince George parK

aCtivities & faCilities McLeod Lake / Mackenzie and Area

Arctic Pacific Lakes Provincial Park Bijoux Falls Provincial Park Carp Lake Provincial Park Heather-Dina Lakes Provincial Park Muscovite Lakes Provincial Park Omenica Provincial Park Pine Le Moray Provincial Park Tudyah Lake Provincial Park Whiskers Point Provincial Park Chetwynd / Hudson’s Hope / Tumbler Ridge and Area Bearhole Lake Provincial Park Bocock Peak Provincial Park Butler Ridge Provincial Park East Pine Provincial Park

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BC Provincial Park Directory BC Provincial Park Directory North of Prince George (continued) parK

aCtivities & faCilities Chetwynd/Hudson’s Hope / Tumbler Ridge and Area

Gwillim Lake Provincial Park Hole In The Wall Provincial Park Moberly Lake Provincial Park Monkman Provincial Park Pine River Breaks Provincial Park Sukunka Falls Provincial Park Wapiti Lake Provincial Park Dawson Creek / Ft. St. John and Area Beatton Provincial Park Beatton River Provincial Park Buckinghorse River Way Provincial Park Charlie Lake Provincial Park Graham-Laurier Provincial Park Kiskatinaw Provincial Park Kiskatinaw River Provincial Park Milligan Hills Provincial Park One Island Lake Provincial Park Peace River Corridor Provincial Park Pink Mountain Provincial Park Prophet River Hotsprings Provincial Park Redfern-Keily Provincial Park Sikanni Chief Canyon Provincial Park Swan Lake Provincial Park Taylor Landing Provincial Park Ft. Nelson and Area Kotcho Lake Village Site Provincial Park Kwadacha Wilderness Provincial Park Maxhamish Lake Provincial Park Northern Rocky Mountains Provincial Park Sikanni Old Growth Provincial Park Stone Mountain Provincial Park

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BC Provincial Park Directory North of Prince George (continued) parK

aCtivities & faCilities Liard River / Muncho Lake / Toad River and Area

Liard River Corridor Provincial Park Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park Liard River West Corridor Provincial Park Muncho Lake Provincial Park Toad River Hot Springs Provincial Park Scatter River Old Growth Provincial Park Smith River Falls – Fort Halkett Provincial Park Ft. Ware / Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Area Chase Provincial Park Dall River Old Growth Provincial Park Denetiah Provincial Park Dune Za Keyih Park Ed Bird-Estella Lakes Provincial Park Finlay Russel Provincial Park Horneline Creek Provincial Park Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park Spatsizi Headwaters Provincial park Stikine River Provincial Park Sustut Provincial Park Tatlatui Provincial Park Stewart-Cassiar Highway (#37) and area Border Lake Provincial Park Boya lake Provincial Park Choquette Hot Springs Provincial Park Great Glacier Provincial Park Iskut River Hot Springs Provincial Park Kinaskan Lake Provincial Park Lava Forks Provincial Park Meziadin Lake Provincial Park Mount Edziza Provincial Park Ningunsaw Provincial Park Swan Lake Kispiox River Provincial Park Todagin South Slope Provincial Park Tuya Mountains Provincial Park Atlin Lake Area Atlin Provincial Park Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park

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BC Provincial Park Directory BC Provincial Park Directory South of Prince George parK

aCtivities & faCilities Quesnel and Area

Bowron Lake Provincial Park Cariboo River Provincial Park Kluskoil Lake Provincial Park Pinnacles Provincial Park Puntchesaukt Lake Provincial Park Ten Mile Lake Provincial Park Williams Lake and Area Bull Canyon Provincial Park Cariboo Mountains Provincial Park

Pinnacles Provincial Park Park SIze: 128 hectares

Pinnacles Provincial Park comprises approximately 124 hectares of pine forest overlooking Baker Creek. The park is a popular day-use area and is easily accessible from Quesnel. From the Pinnacles viewpoint, visitors enjoy the unique formation of “Hoodoos,” and a picturesque view of the city of Quesnel and Baker Creek.

The park is open year-round for day-use and sightseeing despite the locked gate at the entrance; camping is not permitted. The park provides an opportunity for a pleasant 1 km hike along a well maintained trail to the viewpoint; allow 15 minutes for access. Horseback riding in the park is not permitted. The hoodoos are fragile, please do not climb on or near them.

The park is located 8 km from downtown Quesnel. It can be accessed via Pinnacles Road (paved) in west Quesnel off of Highway 97.

Pinnacles Provincial Park protects a very unique formation of hoodoos. These hoodoos began their formation 12 million years ago, when molten lava flowing over the earth’s surface cooled in flat basalt layers over older layers of ash and rock. The Ice Age followed, and when the ice mass receded, melt-water streams eroded the valley below Pinnacles Park. The hoodoos are formed from the effects of this natural erosion and weathering. The basalt is eroded away, revealing the more resistant ash layer, and often producing vivid bands of color as individual basalt layers are removed. The hoodoos at Pinnacles Mt. Robson - Awesomeness all around!

Provincial Park are fragile, since they are still undergoing these forces of Darren Smit erosion and weathering. The Pinnacles viewpoint provides an unobstructed view of these impressive geological formations.

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