Now that winter has come, we have two choices: complain about the cold and the snow or get out there and make the best of it.
There’s a lot to do in Prince George once the snow falls and we have compiled a list of traditional winter activities that PG does well!
Public skating
Indoor or outdoor, Prince George has ample places for skating. Lace up your skates, pack up the family and have some fun on the ice at one of the city’s great skating venues.
Indoor public skating is available from October to March at both the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena and the Elksentre every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and on select school breaks and holidays.
If you want to skate in the great outdoors, the place to be is the 400-metre long natural ice Outdoor Oval located at 4249 18th Ave. (behind the CN Centre between University Way hill). The Oval is open to both recreational and speed skaters and is maintained by the Outdoor Ice Oval Society of Prince George. The society posts hours of operation, fees and skating schedules, current conditions, and rules on its website.
Prince George community associations also sponsor a number of outdoor ice rinks throughout the city that are maintained by volunteers. You can find a map of these ice rinks here.
Tobogganing
Another classic winter activity that is a must-do for Prince George kids (and adults) is tobogganing. Grab your crazy carpet or GT Racer and hit the hills for some good old-fashioned fun.
One of the best places in Prince George for sledding has to be Carney Hill on Massey Drive and Carney Street. The hill is so steep and wide that it seems like it was designed for tobogganing.
Other great places for sledding are the hills at College Heights Secondary School at 6180 Domano Blvd., Moore’s Meadow, which is located near First and Zimmaro avenues, and the hill at Rainbow Park, which is located at Rainbow Drive and Liard Drive.
Christmas lights at Candy Cane Lane
One of the most classic things about winter in Prince George is Candy Cane Lane. The neighbourhood near Upland Street, between Wilson Crescent, McKenzie Avenue and Aitken Crescent, transforms annually into a Christmas wonderland. Taking a drive or walking through Candy Cane Lane, with a hot chocolate in hand, is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and beat the winter blues.
Skiing and snowboarding
This couldn't be a winter to-do list without including skiing and snowboarding. Prince George is fortunate to have the Hart Highlands Ski Hill right in town and a number of great resorts within a few hours of the city, including Pruden Ski Village and Powder King Mountain Resort.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is another great outdoor winter activity to do in PG. It’s like hiking but with special shoes and in the snow. Some popular snowshoeing places in town are Otway Nordic Centre, which requires a trail pass; Eskers Provincial Park, which is 30 minutes north of town; and Crooked River Provincial Park, an hour north of Prince George.
BONUS: Drinking
Another surefire way to beat the winter blues and enjoy the season is cozying up with a little rum and eggnog.
