Explore the North 2016

photo contest winners Pg. 16

northern BC Provincial park directory pg. 56

get outside

2016

northern BC Your 2016 Guide to

Northern BC

Parks & Tourism

ancient forest read more on page 10

travel

plan your pg. rocky 22 mountain holiday!

Table of Contents prince george and area ����������������������������������������������������������� Page 5

Published By:

east of prince george �������������������������������������������������������������� Page 22 west of prince george �������������������������������������������������������������Page 30 north of prince george ��������������������������������������������������������� Page 42

Copyright ©2016. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of articles permitted with credit.

south of prince george ��������������������������������������������������������� Page 47

Explore Northern BC Available on-line at www.pgcitizen.ca General Inquiries 250-562-2441 Publisher: Colleen Sparrow

feature story

pg.

10

BC Provincial Park Directory

Editor: Neil Godbout Director of Special Projects: Kevin Dergez Creative Director: Eric Pinfold

pg.

56

Ancient Forest to be made a provincial park

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. Provincial Park information courtesy of www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks. Regional Park information courtesy of www.rdffg.bc.ca.

cover photo: Mike Nash provincial park photos: Courtesy of BC Parks

Prince George and Area

<

northern BC

3

4

northern BC

> Prince George and Area

princegeorgeandarea

This is...

Prince George It is called the Goldilocks Principle, when something is so well balanced that we say, “it’s just right.” For us, it is the precise blend of urban and wilderness: not too busy, not too remote, where wildlife wanders amongst man-made monuments, and scarcely treaded mountains draw wild wanderers onward. Welcome to our just-right city amongst the fertile green of thick forests and converging rivers entwined in glacial footsteps. This is the heart of British Columbia. This is Prince George.

Prince George and Area

<

northern BC

5

Did you know that we are home to BC’s northernmost winery, one of Canada’s most subscribed-to theatres, a rare drive-in cinema, a “must visit” Canadian bookstore, some of BC’s favourite restaurants, and world-class upgraded sport facilities? Our region is vast, and Prince George is a hub for shopping, services, art and athletics, so read on to learn about the hidden gems, the local flavours and the must sees.

6

northern BC

> Prince George and Area

If you need to re-stock your adventure-mobile, we have several malls, big-box shopping centres, and modern city amenities. Plus, you can unwind afterwards with a hockey game, a stroll through Two Rivers Gallery, a seasonal festival, or a wooded walk amongst sacred cedars at the Ancient Forest: a rare inland rainforest. You may need some extra time to do it all, so check out the accommodations section, including some unusual places to stay.

Outdoor enthusiasts can follow their backcountry wanderlust on BC’s longest trail network (Tabor Mountain Rec Site), or to remote mountain cabins like Raven Lake. Find your own secret fishing hole at 1,600 local lakes, rivers and streams, or drop into fresh new trails at the ever-expanding Pidherny biking site or Otway Nordic Ski Centre.

At a crossing of highways and a confluence of rivers, our city is the transportation centre of British Columbia: -53°N 122°W, the meeting of Highway 16 (Yellowhead)& 97 and two key railways. Prince George is accessible by plane (Air Canada, WestJet, Central Mountain Air & Pacific Coastal Airlines), train (VIA Rail) and automobile (Greyhound Bus Lines).

Photos:

Courtesy of Tourism Prince George

Prince George and Area

<

northern BC

7

to your involvement in this great community event.

Downtown Prince George in partnership with The Prince George Citizen is pleased to announce Downtown Summerfest 2016! On Sunday, July 17th from 11:00am to 5:00pm thousands of fun seekers will gather at 6th and George Street in front of City Hall to participate in Downtown Prince Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature festival celebrating fun, food, activities and entertainment.

Downtown Summerfest 2016 will be the place to be!

To foster community involvement and success for our Sponsors, Exhibitors and Restaurants we will be launching a highly visible advertising campaign through print, radio and social networks to residents of Prince George and surrounding area.

Exhibitor Alley Exhibitor spaces will be issued on a first come first serve basis so please register early to ensure the greatest space selection. Downtown Prince George looks forward

8

northern BC

> Prince George and Area

Taste Pavilion The spirit of the Taste Pavilion is to highlight local restaurants, with each restaurant providing one savory and one sweet dish from their menu at a ticket cost between $2 and $5 each. We look forward to your participation in this event and would encourage you to respond quickly with your menu selection so we can prevent duplication amongst restaurants.

Mobile Food Vendors Mobile Food Vendor spaces will be issued on a first come first serve bases so please register early to ensure the greatest space selection. Downtown Prince George looks forward to your involvement in this great community event.

Please contact Event Coordinator Heidi Martel at heidi_settings@msn.com with any questions regarding Downtown Summerfest.

featurestory

Ancient Forest to be made a provincial park FILE: The Prince George Citizen Archives photos: David Mah/Prince George Citizen

10

northern BC

> Prince George and Area

A major step towards designating the Ancient Forest a UNESCO world heritage site, Premier Christy Clark said Tuesday the 11,190-hectare home to the planet’s only know inland temperate rainforest will be made a provincial park.

Making the announcement during a media event at the Wood Innovation and Design Centre in downtown Prince George, Clark said legislation will be introduced Wednesday in support of that goal, calling the Ancient Forest one of the jewels in the province’s crown of natural attractions.

Located about a hour’s drive east of Prince George, the Ancient Forest is home to a grove of red cedar trees as old as 1,000 years and as large as 16 metres in diametre.

“Those are some of the rarest red cedars that can be found anywhere on earth,” Clark said. “This is the only known inland temperate rainforest left on the globe and it is ours. It is ours to protect and there is no greater protection in Canada and North America than making something a class A park.”

The day after the legislation is passed, Clark said work begin on getting the area named a UNESCO world heritage site.

“And we hope that will be another way to ensure its preservation but more importantly, let the world know that here in British Columbia, they can come see things that they cannot find anywhere else in the world,” Clark said. “Right here, 120 kilometres from Prince George.”

The Ancient Forest’s main proponents, Nowell Senior and Dave King of the Caledonia Ramblers hiking club, and University of Northern British Columbia biology professor Darwin Coxson, were on hand for the announcement.

A centrepiece is a 500-metre wheelchairfriendly wooden boardwalk plus a further 2 1/2 kilometres of wood-planked walking trails built by volunteers.

That 200 people have donated over 14,000 hours of labour to a “forest trail” is testimony to the “great deal of regional pride” that has been devoted to the Ancient Forest, Senior said.

The designation not only ensures touristorient economic benefits for the Robson Valley “but also recognizes and highlights the inherent beauty and natural beauty of an ecosystem that deserves to be conserved,” Senior said.

“This is a type of forest that has survived all types of natural threats to its existence.

Drought, insect infestations, fires and disease have all been shrugged off by magnificent stands of 1,000-year-old cedar,” Senior continued.

“Because they’ve remained undisturbed, a multitude of mosses, lichens and microscopic organisms, some of which are rare, others that are new to science,

have made a home for themselves on these cedars.”

It’s “tucked away” between two mountain ranges 800 kilometres from the Pacific Coast and “in away shouldn’t exist,” Senior said. “But it does exist, making it even more precious.”

A provincial park designation ensures the area will be excluded from timber harvesting and other commercial activity.

Campsites are not anticipated for the Ancient Forest.

“The point of the park is to preserve the area forever,” Clark said and later added the intent is to create a park that people from around the world will “visit respectfully.”

She said it will also mean further support for volunteers’ plans to extend the walking trail, which is made of cedar planks and is meant to encourage visitors to stay on the path rather than stray off into the vegetation.

King said logging will continue to be allowed right up the the park’s boundary but should not have an “material effect on the park as a whole.”

Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond said bringing the area to provincial park status has been a 10-year process and the site “is a bit smaller than was asked for originally but there has been hardy agreement that the boundaries reflect the nature of the park.”

Senior and Coxson will be in Victoria on Wednesday to witness introduction of the legislation, which Clark said will be part of a larger bill related to provincial parks.

princegeorgeandarea

Huble Homestead Historic Site Welcome to the Huble Homestead Historic Site located on the scenic Fraser River, 40 km north of Prince George just off highway 97. It is operated by the Huble Homestead-Giscome Portage Heritage Society.

Crossing the Arctic Continental Divide, which separates the Pacific and Arctic watersheds, the Giscome Portage provided a short overland link for north and south water-bound travelers.

The Portage, which literally means, “to carry”, was first used by the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation as a trade route and for harvesting plants and animals. The Lheidli T’enneh referred to the trail as Lhdesti, which means the “shortcut”. In 1863 a guide from the Lheidli T’enneh led two Black miners across the trail, John Robert Giscome of Jamaica and Henry McDame from the Bahamas. These two men originally came to North America for the California Gold Rush, but arriving

12

northern BC

> Prince George and Area

near the end of the rush they headed to the gold fields of the North. The trail now bears the name of Giscome as the first non-native to travel across the portage.

The trail has since been used by many different entrepreneurs for freighting, guiding and access to the Gold Rushes of the North. In 1905 Al Huble and his partner Ed Seebach pre-empted the lots at the south end of the portage and opened up a small trading business. This business grew to include freighting, guiding boats through the Giscome rapids, and selling goods to the homesteaders in the area.

Besides operating a General Store, Huble and Seebach

traded for furs, operated a blacksmith shop, did survey work for homesteaders, and guided travellers through the Giscome Rapids (just downstream from the Homestead). As well, the men re-established the overgrown road across the portage and built a warehouse at the Summit Lake end to enhance their freight business.

In 1911 Al went back to Ontario for Christmas and surprised his partner by returning to the

Homestead with a wife, Annie.

The first Huble baby was born the following year, weighing merely two pounds. Mrs. Huble, knowing she had to keep her baby warm, wrapped her in blankets and placed her beside the stove. Amazingly, baby Bertha survived, becoming the oldest of seven Huble children; four girls and three boys.

The site today includes the original 1912 dovetail log house, general store, blacksmith shop, barns and other heritage buildings.

Enjoy a tour of the site with costumed interpreters and explore pioneer lifestyle, atmosphere, and animals. With stunning natural surroundings, the Huble Homestead Historic Site is the perfect place to bring a picnic.

Events are planned for every summer season. Visit www.hublehomestead.ca or call 250-564-7033 for more information.

We hope to see you this summer!

Regional Parks of the Fraser Fort George Regional District The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George operates eleven Regional Parks encompassing 330 ha, at locations throughout the Regional District. The first Regional Park, Ness Lake, opened in 1976. Three years later, Berman Lake was established followed by Wilkins, Harold Mann, Koeneman, George Hicks, Giscome Portage (Huble Homestead Hisotric Site), Cedarside, McMillan Creek and John Dahl. The newest Regional Park, Kristian Winther, was opened in 2003.

The Regional Parks Service provides recreational, educational, heritage and conservation opportunities for all to enjoy. Parks are designed for day use only and offer a variety of amenities which can include picnic areas, fire pits, beaches, restroom facilities, interpretive services, heritage buildings, trail systems and boat launches. Parks may be booked for special events such as weddings, family reunions and company picnic gatherings.

Prince George and Area

<

northern BC

13

Photograph of Mount Robson taken in September. This park is sensational and a must see! credit: Jeremy Campbell

Cascade Falls, along the 25KM Monkman pass memorial Trail. credit: Tana Woodward

Explore Northern BC

Photo Contest Thanks to everyone who entered this years’ Explore the North Photo Contest! Here are some of the top pictures from this year.

Congratulations to Mike Nash, this years winner of the fishing package, courtesy of Surplus Herby’s.

Taken at the beautiful Cariboo ghost town, Quesnel Forks. credit: Dollie Morgan

Sunrise over the Fraser River at Tête Jaune Cache.

in

n

er

credit: Mike Nash

n

te

st

w

Kayaking and camping Quesnel Lake at Cedar Point Provincial Park.

A well-earned lunch break in the mountain backcountry south of Highway 16, near Erg Mountain Provincial Park. credit: Mike Nash 16

northern BC

> Prince George and Area

20

16

p

h

o

to

co

credit: Dollie Morgan

Explore Northern BC

Photo Contest

The spectacular spring bird migration north of Vanderhoof. Visit the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s riverside park and campground overlooking the Nechako River bird sanctuary. credit: Mike Nash

Sandhills cranes are nesting and raising their young ones. credit: Hope Pavich

Family Hike up Teapot Mountain overlooking Summit Lake. credit: Sharon Thring

Beautiful Sunset at narrow Lake. credit:

Ammie Olsen Prince George and Area

<

northern BC

17

Crooked River Provincial Park Park Size: 970 hectares

Crooked River lies within the Fraser Basin, an irregularly shaped basin of gently rolling hills and shallow lakes covering much of North Central B.C. Three beautiful lakes are contained within this 970 hectare park.

The centre of activity of this park, an hourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drive north of Prince George, is beach-fringed Bear Lake. The fine, sandy beaches are some of the best in the region and are favourites of swimmers and sunbathers. Fishing, hiking, camping and nature study are also popular activities with outdoor enthusiasts.

Visitors like to hike to nearby Square Lake or along the willow-lined Crooked River, the original route of early explorers. A natural feature in the park is Livingston Springs a cold water springs that run year round).

18

northern BC

> Prince George and Area

activities

facilities

Purden Lake Provincial Park Park Size: 2,521 hectares

Nestled in the rolling mountains east of Prince George, Purden Lake Provincial Park, on the north shore of Purden Lake, is dominated by the Cariboo Mountains to the south and the McGregor range of the Rockies to the north.

Densely forested upland with open areas near the lakefront provide pleasant surroundings for a shoreline stroll, swimming or angling for the lakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resident rainbow trout.

activities

facilities

PURDEN LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK LEGEND

P

PURDEN LAKE

?

N W

E S

PURDEN LAKE

4

20

northern BC

> Prince George and Area

4

eastofprincegeorge

Planning a Rocky Mountain Vacation?

Valemount is the ideal place to start.

Nestled between three majestic mountain ranges—the Cariboo, the Monashee and the Rocky Mountains—the Village of Valemount has earned its reputation as a year-round playground for travelers to British Columbia.

22

northern BC

>

East of Prince George

This friendly spot on Yellowhead Highway 5 offers all the services and amenities you need, with several gas stations, charming diners and restaurants, outdoor guides and attractions, and a 9-hole golf course! Our Visitor Information Centre is located on Yellowhead Hwy 5. Be sure to drop in for all your travel information needs.

Comfort and charm combine to make Valemount the perfect stop for visitors to BC or those on their way to Vancouver or Jasper National Park. Enjoy quality lodging with more than 30 friendly hotels, motels, inns and bed and breakfast options, as well as several campgrounds and RV parks.

Have a hunger of a different sort? From fine dining in relaxed atmospheres to homemade sandwiches at our coffee shops, you will find a surprising number and variety of restaurants and eateries in Valemount to satisfy any appetite.

Make sure you have your camera ready because Valemount has some of the most spectacular scenery in British Columbia. We are proud to be the home of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and a short drive from Jasper National Park. Valemount is close to many Regional and Provincial parks, including Cedarside Regional Park, the perfect stop for a picnic and a swim; Rearguard Falls Provincial Park where you may witness salmon leaping up the falls towards their final spawning grounds; George Hicks Regional Park, located on Swift Creek next to the Valemount Visitor Information Centre; Jackman Flats Provincial Park an ecological wonder of shifting sand dunes and rare plant life; Mount Terry Fox Provincial Park, dedicated to Terry Fox for his remarkable achievements; and Mount Robson Provincial Park, famous for its many lakes, trails and wildlife—all within a 20-minute drive from the village.

Valemount is well known for its winter activities.

Feel the adrenaline rush as you explore hundreds of kilometers of snowmobile trails. Or create your own tracks through fresh powder by accessing the backcountry on your alpine tour skis, on a sled on Crystal Ridge Sled-Assisted Ski Hill, or by a comfortable snowcat. Other activities include dogsledding, crosscountry skiing, snowshoeing and skating.

There are many summer activities including helisightseeing, whitewater rafting, golfing, hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, geocaching and fishing. Explore the backcountry on horseback or on a guided ATV tour.

A great addition to Valemount is the Mountain Bike Park. For the experienced and more adventurous mountain biker, the Valemount Mountain Bike Park offers a variety of trails from old school single track downhill, to new school machine built cross country and downhill trails. Located minutes from the town core, the

photos: Tourism Valemount

Valemount Bike Park will be sure to please every mountain biker with its variety of offerings. For more info contact VARDA at info@ridevalemount. com or check out www.ridevalemount.com.

Located amidst amazing scenery, the Valemount (Canoe Reach) Marina offers a boat launch, moorage facilities, small campground and warming hut, as well as a playground for the kids. Kinbasket Lake is a large hydroelectric reservoir stretching from Valemount all the way down to the Golden area, with water elevation levels that vary dramatically, depending on the time of year. Water levels recede during the winter and generally advance to accessible levels in late spring reaching its highest levels in late summer. Enjoy boating, camping and fishing on beautiful Kinbasket Lake.

The Starratt Wildlife Sanctuary, locally known as Cranberry Marsh, offers a scenic 6-km loop with two viewing towers along the way. The main dike, which is only a couple hundred metres from the Best Western, has spectacular bird watching opportunities particularly in May and June. Another great bird viewing opportunity can be had from the north side of the marsh on the newly constructed section of boardwalk and trail. This new section is approximately 0.9 km long; one can continue around the trail from there or, if time is limited, just a quick walk in and back is still a nice option.

While you are here, check out one of the many events Valemount has to offer including the Mount Robson Marathon, Robson Valley Music Festival or Canoe Mountain Rodeo. These are just a few of events Valemount has to offer, check out the website for more listings.

Get inspired.

Get out of your comfort zone. Get to Valemount and let the mountains move you.

visitvalemount.ca East of Prince George

<

northern BC

23

Mount Robson Provincial Park and Protected Area/Mount Robson Corridor Protected Area total Size: 275,777 hectares, Park – 225,285 hectares; Protected Areas – 492 hectares

Established Date: March 11, 1913 Mount Robson Provincial Park, the second oldest park in British Columbia’s park system, is truly one of the world’s crown jewels.

The mountain for which the park is named guards the park’s western entrance. At 3,954 metres, Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, towers over the lesser surrounding peaks; winter or summer, this is one of the finest views in the Rocky Mountains. Just as the early trappers, hunters and explorers felt in awe at the mountain’s magnificence, travellers today experience the same feelings.

photo credit: Jerem

y Campbell

East of Prince George

<

northern BC

25

Mount Robson Provincial Park and Protected Area/Mount Robson Corridor Protected Area total Size: 275,777 hectares, Park – 225,285 hectares; Protected Areas – 492 hectares Mount Robson Provincial Park Berg Lake Trail

With Alberta’s Jasper National Park as its easterly neighbour, Mount Robson Provincial Park comprises a portion of one of the world’s largest blocks of protected areas. Designated as a part of the Canadian Rocky Mountains World Heritage Site

by UNESCO in 1990, Mount Robson provides everything from developed, vehicle-accessible camping to remote valleys that seldom see a human footprint. Mount Robson Provincial Park also protects the headwaters of the Fraser River. From its pristine alpine source, the Fraser River gains strength and size to match any of the world’s major rivers. Future generations will surely appreciate the protection of this great river’s source within Mount Robson Park.

H G

s ve ea r gr ie ar lac

S

a Th ousand Falls Va lley of

Falls of the Pool

B

LEGEND Facilities Ranger Cabin

White Falls

Robson

Falls

2

Falls

Lake

4 5 6

E B

7

3 B H

Berg Lake Trailhead

T

P

Ri

14 22

16

Marmot

19

7

Berg Lake

21

26

Shelter

9

Rearguard

22

5

Robson Pass

23

15

Trails and Routes Berg Lake Trail

Hargreaves Lake Route Toboggan Falls Route

M

Mumm Basin Route

S

Snowbird Pass Route

00 / 53

0 ft /540

ft ror pe Em

15 Distance in kilometres

ss Pa on bs Ro ard 0 ft argu /541 Re m ft ke 49 00 La 16 rg / 54 Be m 46 ft 16 85 mot / 53 Mar

m

10

m

5

m

ft

853 m / 2800 ft

41 16

ft

30 / 32

Trailhead

0

00 / 36

ver Ri

m

4m 98

P P

97 10

16

Tent Pads

7 11

Emperor Falls

15 16

? P

Overlander Falls Hike

Kinney Lake Whitehorn

Berg Lake Trail Campsite Elevation Profile

Berg Lake Trail Registration Park Headquarters Viewpoint and Visitor Centre

Fra ser

n

o bs

Mountain Biking

km

45 16

Ro

Shelter - day use only

Site

N

r ve

Telephone

Information

Campsites

3

1 2 Scale in kilometres

Meals, Gasoline

Wilderness Camping

Picnic Area

Washrooms

1

1

Kinney

Campground

Parking

?

No bicycles past Kinney Lake Campground.

W

Emergency Services

Hiking Viewing

P

Mount

2

on bs Ro acier l G

Mountain

er Riv

Emperor Falls

Mountain

cier Gla rg Be

Robson 3

Whitehorn

ey Kinn

East of Prince George

Rearguard

rn teho Whi

>

B

Berg Lake

t Glacier Mis

northern BC

rk l Pa k tiona ar Jasper Na lP cia rovin Mt. Robson P

6

T

5

H

S

26

Toboggan Falls

4

0

Flora and fauna are typical of the western slope of the Rocky Mountains, North Continental Range. One is able, on some trails, to travel between three different vegetation zones during a day hike. Over 182 species of birds have been documented

Adolphus Lake

Robson Pass 7R

M

20

25

Mount Robson Provincial Park and Protected Area/Mount Robson Corridor Protected Area total Size: 275,777 hectares, Park – 225,285 hectares; Protected Areas – 492 hectares

Mount Robson

PGROUND

35

37

38

91

92

120

105 102

98

47

46

60

48

101

100

49

52

50

54

61 59

56

.2

57

Horseshoes

Hiking

Telephone

Toilets

Point of Interest

Meals

Water Recycle

Information Garbage

Group Campground

East of Prince George

Playground Wheelchair Accessible

0

.2

.4

.8

1.0

ROBSON RIVER CAMPGRO

UND

9

10

8

11 6

12 14

13

5 3

Tent Pad

4

15

Park Boundary

17

Trail

16

1

2

7

ROBSON RIVER CAMPGROUND

18

19

<

.6

Scale in kilometres

Group Use Area

Showers Amphitheatre

P

Overlander Falls

Fra ser Riv er

Campground Host

LEGEND Gas

P

HW Y 16

63

Fraser River Trail

Day-use Area

Robson River

HWY 16 Robson Meadows

1

Lookout Trail

Mount Robson Park Headquarters, Viewpoint and Visitor Centre

58

55

53

51

67 65

66 64 62

99 96

45

68

106 104

103

97

94

2

108 107

124 123

122

44

Rearguard Falls 6km

70

109

125

43 42

100

69

121

95

41

72

110 111

50 metres

3

4

71

118

119

93

39

40

112

115

5

6

73 74

114

116 117

75

76

0

7

8

To Berg Lake Trail Parking Lot

Ha rgr ea ve sR d

36

79

113

85

87 89

9 10

77

82

86 88 90

11

12

78

81

83

84

30 33

80

26

28

31 32 34

13

22 24

29

14 15

17

19

23 25 27

16

18

20

21

Wheelchair accessible sites 101 & 115

Vehicle/Tent Camping Sani-Station

First attempted in 1907, it was not until 1913 that humans finally stood on the summit of Mount Robson. On that clear, cold day guide Conrad Kain, W.W. Foster and A.H. McCarthy beheld a view no person had ever seen before.

er Riv on bs Ro

ROBSON MEADOWS CAM

Kin ney Lk Rd

PROVINCIAL PARK

Ro bso nR ive r

in the park. All wildlife indigenous in the Rocky Mountain can be found here. Mule and Whitetail Deer, Moose, Elk and Black Bear call the lower elevation home while Grizzly Bear, Caribou, Mountain Goat and Mountain Sheep inhabit the higher elevations. With over 217,000 hectares of mostly undisturbed wilderness available, wildlife populations are allowed to ebb and flow with minimal intervention by humans. There are excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the park.

From mountain goats on the many cliffs and rockslides to moose in Moose Marsh, the patient observer will be suitably rewarded.

northern BC

16 HIGHWAY

RE VISITOR CENT

1.4 km

27

Kakwa Provincial Park and Protected Area Park Size: 170,890 hectares

Kakwa Provincial Park showcases iceclad mountains, extensive alpine meadows and a section of the Continental Divide. Main physical features include Mount Sir Alexander (3270 m), Mount Ida (3189 m) and Kakwa Lake.

Summer activities include camping, hiking, fishing, and horseback trips.

Winter activities include snowmobiling and wilderness ski tours. The wide range of species diversity gives excellent opportunity for wildlife viewing. Visitors interested in photography will appreciate the incredible beauty of the remote area. Winter visitors should note limited access routes apply.

Kakwa Provincial Park, together with Kakwa Wildlands Park in Alberta and Willmore Wilderness Park in Alberta, make up the first Interprovincial Park for B.C. and Alberta called “Kakwa – Willmore Interprovincial Park”

activities

28

facilities

northern BC

>

East of Prince George

Know Before You Go Access – Walker Creek access road condition up to Bastille Creek (km 75) varies. Please read Attention Visitors notice above. From there it is 29 kms to Kakwa Lake. The section between Bastille and Buchanan Creeks (10 kms) is wet and muddy in spots, depending on the weather, and from Buchanan up to Kakwa lake (19 kms) is dry and a pretty hard surface.

Be Prepared • Be prepared for any weather conditions while visiting the park, you are in an isolated area and weather can change rapidly.

• Carry extra fuel as it is an approx 100 km run to Kakwa Lake from where you off load.

• Please pack out whatever you have packed in.

• Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available at the park.

• The public cabin up at Kakwa Lake is first-come, first served, so be prepared to camp outside.

Porcupine Advisory • If leaving your vehicle at the trail head, we suggest that you surround your vehicle with chicken wire. Porcupines may chew on brake and fuel lines.

• Public cabin at Kakwa Lake – please ensure you close and latch the door so that the porcupines cannot get in.

East of Prince George

<

northern BC

29

westofprincegeorge

Houston’s outdoor playground The gorgeous community of Houston is home to many attractions. One of which is Canada’s Largest Fly Rod conveniently located in Houston’s awardwinning Steelhead Park located on Highway 16 near the Houston Visitor Centre; the rod is 60 feet long and weighs about 800 pounds. This fly rod is the perfect representative of the town, as Houston is widely known as the Steelhead capital of the World.

Anglers worldwide visit Houston for the pleasure of salmon fishing on the world known Morice River with opportunities to fish many species of Salmon

30

northern BC

>

West of Prince George

photos: (above) J. Van Barneveld photos: (below) Theresa Nivan

from Mid-July to early October. Many lakes with breathtaking views surround the community, making it extremely easy to locate a quiet spot to cast a line. Houston’s backcountry offers some excellent canoe and kayak opportunities including the famous Nanika-Kidprice canoe route.

Hiking is also a poplar activity for visitors and residence alike with their many well maintained trails that lead to some extraordinary views.

From beginner to experienced, there is an excellent hike for you to enjoy. For those of you interested in geocaching, you may find many hidden caches within the community and out on the hiking trails.

In the winter months visitors can experience Houston’s pristine powder with excellent snowmobiling adventures, and amazing cross-country ski and snow shoeing trails that are second to none, or fabulous opportunities for ice-fishing. Houston is also home to the Morice Mountain Nordic Ski club, with 26 kilometres of trails that are available at all degrees of difficulty. There is even a two-kilometre loop that Fido can enjoy. The club maintains an adventure trail system for kids, and a cabin at the 1,300 metre elevation that can be accessed via a 7.7 kilometre trail. Ski rentals are also available and a day lodge is an exceptional way to relax after a day of skiing.

Come to Houston and enjoy the gorgeous scenery of our back country, warm hospitality of the community, and enjoy a stroll through our Steelhead Park as you check out the Fly Rod. Don’t forget to drop into the visitor centre for a visit and all your informational needs.

West of Prince George

photos: (top) J. Van Barneveld

(above left & right) Ashley Roney & Jocelyn Bell

<

northern BC

31

westofprincegeorge

photos: Tourism Smithers

A mountain paradise

36

northern BC

>

West of Prince George

With a population of about 5,500 and nestled between the iconic Hudson Bay Mountain to the west and the Babine mountain range to the east, Smithers is truly a mountain town. The community is located within the traditional territory of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation and is intersected by the Bulkley River, long regarded as one of the world’s premier steelhead fishing destinations.

While it’s easy to feel like you are surrounded by stunning wilderness in Smithers (because you are), Smithers is easily accessible and offers all of the amenities desired by a discerning visitor.

Smithers is easily reached by road, along Yellowhead Highway 16, however if you prefer to travel as a passenger Greyhound Bus Lines and VIA Rail provide regular service to Smithers. If flying is more your style, The Smithers Regional Airport is only 5 minutes from downtown Smithers and just 30 minutes from the ski lifts! Daily air service is provided by Air Canada. Car and truck rentals and taxi service are available.

Tobbogan Creek Fish Hatchery (14 kilometres (9 miles) west of Smithers)

Just off Highway 16, is the Tobbogan Creek Fish Hatchery – a rearing ground for salmon and a tranquil oasis for people.

Tobbogan Creek originates in the glaciers on Hudson Bay Mountain just behind the hatchery. That clear, cold water is temporarily diverted to the hatchery where coho and chinook salmon are raised, before they are released into valley streams.

Visitors are welcome at the hatchery, to learn about the fish and to enjoy the peaceful setting. You can enjoy a tour of the facility, or you can picnic on the well maintained grounds, take a walk along the creek trail, or bring friends and family and set up your own ball game at the diamond.

Tobbogan Creek Hatchery is open from April – October.

Smithers Mountain Biking Scene Bring your bike to Smithers and head to the hills! Trails range from easy, like the Perimeter Trail that surrounds Smithers; to technical, like Piper Down and Piper Cross on Hudson Bay Mountain; to a combination, like Cronin Pass in the Babine Mountains Provincial Park.

Here is a sampling of mountain biking in and around Smithers, starting with a myriad of trail networks on Hudson Bay Mountain.

• The Bluff Trail Network has several access points, including one downtown. This will take you into the Boardwalk Trails, aptly named with hundreds of metres of boardwalks. Suitable for all abilities.

• The Upper Hudson Bay Mountain Trails, Ptarmigan Trails and the Smithers Community Forest Trails all offer miles and miles of biking entertainment.

• Across the Valley, the Babine Mountains Provincial Park has trails in simply spectacular settings.

Silverking Basin is home to the Joe L’Orsa Cabin where you can enjoy a short break or overnight stay.

For the adventurous, ride the Cronin Pass and enjoys the views from the top of the world. The Cronin Trail traverses through the Park, past remnants of old mines, over Hyland Pass, and down through Silverking Basin to Driftwood. It requires some effort, but it is worth it!

For further information on mountain biking in and around Smithers, drop into any of the bike shops in town, or visit www.smithersmountainbike.ca

Shop ‘til you drop....

Follow the red brick sidewalks to a unique small town shopping experience.

Smithers is a mecca for sporting enthusiasts. If you want golf clubs, fishing rods, skateboards or wakeboards, hiking boots and technical clothing or camping gear – you will find it here.

Rejuvenate yourself at a sidewalk café, with a cappuccino or a fresh in-store made juice or if you prefer a tasty handmade pastry. Then stroll under the international flags on Main Street and browse the many locally owned shops.

You will find great service and quality in clothing - ladies, you are going to love the clothing choices including European imports casual and classy and don’t miss the lingerie shop. Check out the bookstores featuring local authors and local music. There are games and toys; local art and pottery. If you need a little treat look for hand made fudge or pick up some made-inSmithers smoked sausage, pepperoni or jerky for your picnic. Mmm! If you are in Smithers on Saturday between May and October – don’t miss the farmers market at the intersection of Highway 16 and Main Street.

tourismsmithers.com The Smithers Visitor Centre is open 12 months a year and can answer all of you questions on accommodation, dining, and things to do. It is located in Central Park, at 1411 Court Street.

1-888-542-6673. Local 250-847-5072 or info@tourismsmithers.com

West of Prince George

<

northern BC

37

Tyhee Lake Provincial Park Park Size: 33 hectares

activities

facilities

Turnaround

TYHEE LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK

To Smithers 16 km

ere

erm

Ald

Tyhee Lake Provincial Park is situated in the beautiful Bulkley River Valley. To the west are the Telkwa and Bulkley Ranges of the Hazelton Mountains and to the east is the Babine Range of the Skeena Mountains. Back from the 200 m sandy beachfront on Tyhee Lake is a forest consisting primarily of trembling aspen. These trees are secondgrowth, replacing the original cover that was destroyed by fire 40 to 50 years ago. Visitors may enjoy hiking, walking, swimming, picnicking, and nature viewing. Ice fishing and cross-country skiing are popular activities in the winter.

Another interesting historical feature of Tyhee Lake is the small town of Aldermere which was part of the “Old Caribou Trail” during the 1800s.

The town was located on the height of land at the southwest end of Tyhee Lake, walking distance from the present town of Telkwa.

59

il

Tra

Park Facility Operator

2.5

56

km

55 54 53

1 D ri

Bulkle

ftw ood

DRIFTWOOD CANYON PROVINCIAL PARK Lak e Rd .

Rd.

y

To Hazelton

C

2

ek

YELLOWHEAD

Old Ba

River

e

bin

Ba

W

18

TYHEE LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK

N E

20

5

Ye

llo

Scale in kms

wh

r ive

45

25

17

44 26 43

24

23

21

23

35

30

d

Highway

29

42

33

39

31 37

36

To Houston

34

32

28

ea

R

a

Telkw

48

47 46

27

19

Telkwa

S

0

49

15

16

k La

LAKE

50

12 13

6

Rd

e

51

14

.

Telkwa

Smithers

TYHEE

52

9 10 11

4 5

To Babine Mountains Provincial Park

High

16

bine

8 3

re

7

N

41 40

W

E

38 S

Ald

erm

ere Trail

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

2.5

km

Scale in metres

LEGEND Trail Park Boundary

38

northern BC

>

West of Prince George

Toilets

Beach

Boat Launch

Self-guiding Trail

Water

Parking

Information

Sani-Station

Point of Interest

Day-use Area

Picnic Shelter

Playground

Showers

Group Camping

Tenting Sites

Babine Mountains Provincial Park Park Size: 1,146 hectares

BABINE MOUNTAINS PROVINCIAL PARK Hiking

This area within the Skeena Mountains ecosection offers some of the finest hiking opportunities in west-central British Columbia.

Glacier-fed lakes, rugged peaks and extensive sub-alpine meadows provide day and overnight hiking opportunities.

Park Boundary

Parking

Secondary Road

Picnic Area

Mountain Biking

Horseback Riding

Accomodation

Trail

Horse Corral

Camping

Fishing

0

1

2

3

4

e ek

Scale in kilometres

Harold

Price

Cr

River on ek Cre

Debenture

Grassy Mtn Lower Reiseter Lake

Hay st

ee

l Trai

ek

Cr e

ns

gi ig

H

gg

s

Cr

e

Little Joe Lakes

Littl e

32.5km

Joe

Four Lakes Basin

Cr ee

k

30.5km

e Cr

d oa

Cr G an o kwa

C re e

The Little Onion

La ke

Astlais The Big Onion Mtn

Onion Mtn. Trail

i ne

.

Rd

R

n

DRIFTWOOD CANYON PROVINCIAL PARK

Mc Ke nd ric

k

k

Bab

Road

Old Babine Lake

High Telkwa

ke Rd. La

West of Prince George

Hi

l

Eagle Pass Trail

The Summit

Ganokwa Basin

i Tra

ek

ee

d

Roa

wood

k

N

Babine

Road

i ne

k La ab

Old

>

rail

Copper Lakes

e

To Highway 16

abe T

(No motorized vehicles beyond this point)

ee

Padella Peak

McCabe Rd.

C a n yo n

2272m

Pyramid Mtn

Lyo

Drift

Mt Hyland

Harvey

ek Tr ail

Cr

B

To Highway 16

e

k

r ne

ee k

cC

in

ad Ro n Cr

r di â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ga

Driftwood Rd Winter Parking

d Cr

facilities

northern BC

M Mt

on

i Cr o n

her Sunny Point Bridge tn yM rve Ha

C Cr

Junction of Cronin Creek & Higgins Creek Trails

Trail

Creek ronin k

Cr

r te

se ei

R c Flet l

L y on C re

Billeter Rd.

40

Silver King Lake

l Silver King Trai

To Moricetown

activities

Hyland Pass Trail Silver King Basin

Lagopus

Driftwood Rd Summer Parking

oo

Fire Lookout

Mt Cronin 2384m

Tr a i

tw

C

C re

k ac

Mtn

The Galleon

Mtn

k ree

a

Haystack

k

Drif

Nat

a Tak

Upper Reiseter Lake

Rolling alpine plateaus, rugged mountains and an abundance of snow provides skiers, snowmobilers and snowshoers with experiences for all skill levels.

Morin Lake

k ee Cr

in

Area habitat supports healthy populations of mountain goat, moose, marmot and many species of birds.

ek

F u lt

W

E S

northofprincegeorge

Off-road the Alaska Highway Adventure begins at the highway’s edge There’s a new All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) that lets you get up to 70 mph on rock-strewn terrain, launch into parachute-assisted flight and swoop over 10,000 foot peaks. To land one of these wild rides, though, you’re going to need $120K. The $100-a-day alternative: Celebrate the Alaska Highway’s 75th by renting an ATV and off-roading its wilderness, starting in Northern BC. Welcome to Wild: Muskwa-Kechika The Muskwa-Kechika Management Area (M-KMA) in Northern BC is approximately twice the size of Vancouver Island. Home to some of the greatest diversity and abundance of wildlife, the M-KMA is one of the last great remnants of the vast wilderness that once existed across North America. Motorized access in the Muskwa-Kechika is restricted to specific, designated routes called “Access Management Area (AMA routes).

These routes are for 4x4’s, ATV’s, snowmobiles and also horseback riding. Here are three we recommend: 1. Wokkpash Corridor – Length: 54K Location: Mile 382 (km 619) of the Alaska Highway Approach: 157 kms northwest of Fort Nelson, inside Stone Mountain Provincial Park, about 11 kms past Summit Lake campground. Just before arriving at the turnoff you will pass a highway lodge; start looking for the blue highway sign indicating a motorized vehicle route to the left, which is the Wokkpash Corridor (also known as the Churchill Mine Road).

Description: Several un-bridged creek crossings: One at McDonald Creek, one at Wokkpash Creek, and one at Racing River. For just over one half of this route full sized, 4x4 vehicles are allowed with the other half restricted to within 400m of each side of the trail.

42

northern BC

> North of Prince George

2. Yedhe Creek Trail – Length: 36k Location: Mile 424 (km 687) of the Alaska Highway.

Historical Mile 443.

Approach: Turn left (south) off the Alaska Highway 225 kms northwest of Fort Nelson just in front of the Petersen Creek bridge, inside Muncho Lake Provincial Park. Continue through the gravel pit until you reach a bridge spanning the Toad River (also known as the Davis Keyes bridge). This is the extent of normal 4x4 vehicle access. From this point on, the route is only open to ATV’s and snowmobiles, and to within 400 m of each side of the trail.

Description: Cross the bridge and take a sharp right onto the Yedhe Creek Trail, which will continue for a few kms before reaching a fork. Take the left trail to access Yedhe Creek, branch off along another valley to the south, and end up in the mountains. Take the right trail at the fork down to and through the McDonald First Nations Reserve at Moose Lake. Continue past the lake to Belcher Creek.

3. West Toad Corridor – Length: 23k Location: Mile 425 (km 689) of the Alaska Highway Approach: Turn left (south) off the highway 227 kms northwest of Fort Nelson just after the closed service station “The Village,” inside Muncho Lake Provincial Park. The access road is quite difficult to find as it drops off the side of the road very quickly and is generally not very visible. If the highway has started to turn north and you’re climbing a hill, you’ve gone too far.

Description: This trail is a full sized 4x4 route for its entire length but travel to each side of the route is restricted to within 10 m. There’ll be two main creek crossings, one near the beginning at Tandzie Creek and another across the West Toad. A few kilometres in you’ll pass through an outfitter’s lodge site on your way to the end of the route at Moose Lake.

Stone Mountain Provincial Park Park Size: 25,690 hectares

Stone Mountain Provincial Park, 25,691 hectares of mountain wilderness, introduces Alaska Highway travellers to spectacular landscapes and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities in the northern Rocky Mountains. For the more adventuresome, backcountry hiking routes lead to mountain valleys decorated with alpine meadows and lakes.

activities

facilities

STONE MOUNTAIN PROVINCIAL PARK To Toad River O

r T h i

n e

t

e

e

C

n

r

BRIDGE OUT

^

Mt St Paul

e

To Fort Nelson

SUMMIT PASS

Microwave Tower Trail

C

WH

rch i

r

EE

e

ll M in

r v e R i

Summit Lake

k

L D e Ro ad RIV E O N LY )

Erosion Pillars Trail

Summit Peak Trail s a e t t h T N o r

(FO

UR

Chu

Flower Springs Lake

^

Flower Springs Lake Trail

d

Mt St George

M

a

c

D

o

n

a

l

Upper Lakes

W

MacDonald Creek Valley Trail

o

Legend

k

p

a

Park Boundary

s h

Highway Wokkpash Valley Trail

Road, loose

C r e

Trail

e

Tent/Vehicle Camping

k

Walk-in/Wilderness Camping Day-use Area

Last Call Lake

^

Toilets

Angel Peak

Information

W

FO RL OR N GO RG E

H I T E

Point of Interest

S I D

as

R

e

r

Four Wheel Drive Only

Mt St Magnus

Bensla Peak

Fishing

G

e d

kp

^

^

E

p

ke

p

E

La

e

ok

t

Hiking

Blashford Peak

N

P

l u g

C r e

^

Sandhurst Peak

Boat Launch

e k

S

W

^

North Bastion Mtn

O

e k

T

C

^

Northern Rocky Mountains Provincial Park

0

1

2

3

4

5

Kilometers

June 2008

44

northern BC

> North of Prince George

southofprincegeorge

Musical adventures in Barkerville, are solid gold

Most everyone who has grown up in BC will have heard the incredible story of William “Billy” Barker, and the historical legacy he left behind after the great Cariboo Gold Rush of the 1860s. What some may not realize, however, is how culturally rich that legacy was, and how fervently the town of Barkerville (named in Billy’s honour) has continued the tradition of hosting and supporting artists and musicians of all stripes for more than 150 years.

The 2016 Theatre Royal Gala will provide a trifecta of cultural edification and terpsichorean delights. At 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 18, the festivities begin!

July 2016 ushers in two very different, albeit equally amazing, annual cultural festivals in quick succession: Barkerville’s yearly Aboriginal Celebration (Saturday, July 9) and the ever-popular ArtsWells Festival of All Things Art (Friday, July 29 to Monday, August 1).

The significant contributions made by Barkerville’s Chinese community are honoured each third weekend in

photos:

Thomas Drasdauskis and Carleigh Drew

August at the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. This year, MidAutumn Moon (Saturday, August 20) boats the staggering musical talents of master Ben Zhou, who performs seven different ancient Chinese instruments, and Joffrey-trained ballerina Capri Aspe performing several breathtaking traditional Chinese dances.

September plays host to the Cowboy & Drover Jubilee (Friday to Sunday, September 5-7). Amidst the bustle of Barkerville’s summer festival calendar lies plenty of on- and off-season performance and recording venue opportunities and facility rentals, including year-round accommodations in a spectacular Cariboo foothills setting, as well as music video location shooting that is second to none. For more information on any or all of the listed adventures, visit barkerville.ca.

South of Prince George <

northern BC

47

EAT | SLEEP | LEARN | PLAY | LIVE

HISTORY

BARKERVILLE G LD AND NEW SINCE 1862 Barkerville Historic Town & Park • 1-888-994-3332 • www.barkerville.ca

A PROVINCE OF BC HERITAGE PROPERTY & NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE OF CANADA

SPECIAL EVENTS IN BARKERVILLE. A CORNUCOPIA OF EPHEMERAL DELIGHTS AWAIT YOU.

MON MAY 23

VICTORIA DAY

ROYAL TEA

Join Queen Victoria and Her Royal Consort at the Wake Up Jake Restaurant in honour of Her Majesty’s birthday.

ANNUAL ARTSWELLS 6TH AMAZING RACE TO FESTIVAL OF ALL

THINGS ART

A special presentation of the Theatre Royal’s 2015 Summer Show. Reception and entertainment will follow in Barkerville. Call 1-250-994-3225 for details.

FRI-SUN AUG 12-14

CARIBOO LODGE NO. 4

ANNUAL REUNION

Hall tours and church parade on Sunday.

SAT AUG 20

MID-AUTUMN MOON FESTIVAL THU JUNE 30-SUN JULY 3*

THE SPIRIT OF

CARIBOO CAMERON Saturday to Wednesday Barkerville veteran Dave Sayer presents special daily performances at the Methodist Church. *Session two runs Friday to Monday, September 2nd – 5th.

FRI JULY 1

DOMINION DAY

CELEBRATIONS Celebrate Canada’s birthday with a tug of war, funny face contest, greasy pole climb, egg toss, races and lots more. The House Hotel hosts an evening of entertainment, dancing and refreshments, followed by fireworks!

SAT JULY 9

ABORIGINAL CELEBRATION DAY

Williams Creek Fire Brigade teams race through series of exciting challenges to help rebuild Barkerville after the 1868 fire, leading the winner to a seriously golden prize.

For info call 1-800-4422787 or visit artswells. com

THEATRE ROYAL

SHOW GALA

REBUILD BARKERVILLE

Visit Barkerville’s ArtsWells stages for amazing musical presentations!

SAT JUNE 18

SUMMER

SAT SEPT 17

JUL 29-AUG 1

This traditional Chinese celebration honours Barkerville’s Chinese heritage with activities all day, entertainment in the evening, a lantern parade at dusk, and fireworks.

SAT SEPT 3

WILLIAMS CREEK

SPORTS DAY

FRI-SUN SEPT 23-25

OUT OF TIME 3:

A DARK AND STEAMY KNIGHT Put your best sleuthing skills to the test in this immersive, time travelling whodunit weekend.

MON OCT 31

GHOSTLY

HALLOWE’EN

TOWN TOUR Dare to explore spooky main street and the Blair House of Horror; refreshments, activities and fireworks to follow.

Games and activities for kids of all ages including the Goldfield Bakery’s 12th Annual Pie Eating Contest! Call 1-250-9943241 for details.

SAT-MON DEC 10-12 FRI-SUN SEPT 9-11

ANNUAL COWBOY & DROVER

JUBILEE Celebrating BC’s rich cowboy heritage with 3 musical venues, poetry tent, and more.

Presentations by the Lhtako Dene Hoop Dancers, Xatśūll Heritage Village, and more.

Barkerville Historic Town & Park.

OLD FASHIONED

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Enjoy sleigh rides, warm refreshments, delicious home baking in the Wendle House, decorated displays, shopping, carolling, and other seasonal activities.

1-888-994-3332 • barkerville.ca

A P R O V I N C E O F B C H E R I TA G E P R O P E R T Y & N AT I O N A L H I S T O R I C S I T E O F C A N A D A

southofprincegeorge

Welcome to Quesnel SUMMER/FALL MAJOR EVENTS GUIDE June

September

• Gay Pride Parade 11th @ Downtown Quesnel • National Aboriginal Day 22nd @ LeBourdais Park

• Quesnel Fall Fair 9th-11th @ Alex Fraser Park, • BCRA Rodeo Finals 16th-18th @ Alex Fraser Park

Outdoor Farmer’s Market every Saturday from May 7th to September 25th

July • Canada Day Celebrations 1st @ LeBourdais Park • Billy Barker Days 14th-17th @ LeBourdais Park • Quesnel Rodeo 16th-17th @ Alex Fraser Park

August • Show and Shine 26th-28th Downtown • Mid-Summer Night Market 18th Baker Creek Park 50

northern BC

photos: Tourism Quesnel > South of Prince George

top

10

things to do in Quesnel for a summer weekend getaway!

1. Take a leisurely walk through time along Quesnel’s paved

Riverfront Trail, which includes a walk across the world’s longest wooden truss footbridge and historical signs along the way. The main route is 5km6 circling the city, with 4km extended across the river in the West Village.

2. Borrow a fishing rod from the Quesnel Visitor Centre and catch big game in our well-stocked, uncrowded lakes and rivers.

3. Hike with friends and family in Pinnacles Provincial Park,

where you can view ancient hoodoo formations, stunning scenery, and wildlife. This moderate 2 kilometre hike is great for an afternoon picnic.

4. Swim in 10 Mile, Bouchie, or Dragon Lake where the water is warm and the sun shines all day long. Stay in any of our fully serviced RV and camping sites to enjoy the comforts of home.

5. Witness the beautiful starry skies that can be found a short drive away from city lights. You may even have a chance to glimpse the astonishing Northern Lights that have been spotted in Quesnel on many occasions!

We could give you 100 things to do in Quesnel, but only have room for 10. Plan a longer stay if you want to experience the rest!

6. Explore downtown Quesnel by wandering our streets and

checking out the many unique local shops and restaurants.

See if you can find all 23 hand-painted fire hydrants, 5 art benches, and many murals spread across the city!

7. Eat local food at the weekly Saturday Farmers’ Market

downtown and purchase hand crafted products made by local artisans. Enjoy live music as you walk among the booths and chat with locals and travelers alike.

8. Go on a whitewater rafting or horseback adventure tour, or head to one of our local courses for a few rounds of golf… or beer. Your choice.

9. Drive a short 85 km east to the gold rush town of

Barkerville for a historic day trip or visit the local museum for a tour.

10. Enjoy live music, food, and drinks in downtown Quesnel.

There are many family friendly locations to enjoy local cuisine located throughout the city.

South of Prince George <

northern BC

51

Ten Mile Lake Provincial Park Park Size: 343 hectares

Ten Mile Lake is a very popular recreational destination for local residents and visitors.

It offers a large picnic area, three sandy beaches, a boat launch, and great fishing not to mention attractive, treed campsites, showers and flush toilets.

A 2-km nature trail to a large beaver pond, through forest and along an abandoned rail road is very rewarding to hike. In the winter the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trails are transformed into approximately 10 km of cross country ski trails.

activities

52

facilities

northern BC

> South of Prince George

Ten Mile Lake PROVINCIAL PARK

41

40 39 18

38 14 37 36

17

16 13

24 20 22 21 23 19

15

42

43

44

45

26 28 30 27 29 31

25

46

32 34 33 35

4 5 6 7

8 9

10 11

2 3

12

1

0

20

40

60

80

100

57

59

60

31 1

23

32 4 5

51 49

52A

23 22 24

34

2827

35

40

17 18

37A

8

39

38

15

9

Ten

Mile

Lake

10

41

20 19

36

7

44 42

21

37

33

6

45

47 43

25 26

29

30

54 53

56

58

46

48

50

52

52

16 14

11 13 12

South of Prince George <

northern BC

53

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

56

northern BC

BC Provincial Park 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 Manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

northern BC

57

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

58

northern BC

BC Provincial Park 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 Nisgaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 / Hudsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hope / Tumbler Ridge and Area Bearhole Lake Provincial Park Bocock Peak Provincial Park Butler Ridge Provincial Park East Pine Provincial Park

northern BC

59

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

Activities & facilities Chetwynd/Hudsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

60

northern BC

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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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

northern BC

61

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

62

northern BC

activities

facilities