I began writing this blog during the period we were living with my Mum and daily life was about trying to find a way for me to get to Canada. Having given up our jobs in the UK prior to the pandemic, getting to Canada was no longer about travel or adventure. It was now vital to get to Canada, because it was the only place one of us had work.
Writing the Wednesday’s Weekly Updates (which can be found here) was a really cathartic exercise. But try as I might, I found it really hard to write blogs which shared what I was excited about doing in Canada. Partly, because I didn’t believe we’d ever get there and partly because, getting to Canada wasn’t about that fun stuff anymore, but necessity. Unsurprisingly then, this post didn’t get much further than a list of eight items.
Now, just one day away from emerging from quarantine into the Canadian sunshine, I’m revisiting this list to remind myself that it has all worked out and to allow myself to let this be about adventure again.
1. Enjoy Prince George’s Outdoor Lifestyle
This is definitely the number one draw to life in Prince George. The opportunities for outdoor adventures are endless. First on my list is to get a good hike in, but I’m also keen on some of the other summer sports (climbing, kayaking, camping, stand up paddle boarding to name a few) which the city, the surrounding lakes and nearby mountains have to offer.
2. Learn about First Nation Culture
Prince George has a strong local band, the Lheidli T’enneh. I’m excited to learn more about the history and culture of the people who have called this area home since long, long before Europeans.
3. See some Canadian wildlife
Prince George boasts a healthy population of Black bears as well as other large locals such as Moose. Journeying a little further afield, from the coast you can take a whale watching trip to see both Humpbacks and Orcas.
4. See Mr.PG
The symbol of Prince George! An eight meter high roadside attraction and tribute to the local forestry industry, who has stood proudly in Prince George since 1960!
5. See an Ice Hockey game
Is there anything more cliche Canadian than Ice Hockey?! So once the season begins, were definitely going to see the Prince George Cougars.
6. See the Northern Lights
As a reward for living through freezing winters, inhabitants of Prince George are sometimes treated to the greatest light show on earth. This one I can’t control and may never tick off, but this photograph was taken just outside Prince George, so there is reason to hope.
7. Enjoy some Winter Sports
‘Enjoying’ being out in the cold will be the real challenge here. There are so many winter sports to get involved with in Prince George: ice skating, skiing, snow shoeing, ice climbing, snow boarding…
8. Hike in the Rocky Mountains
Jasper is three and a half hours away. Banff is seven hours away. These places are the stuff of Canadian legend. These places are on many peoples ultimate bucket list. And now these places are – at least in Canadian terms – near us.
9. Have friends and family to stay.
I’ve saved the one that is most important to me until last. It’s the one that currently, September 2020, seems most distant. I love the idea of doing the things on this list with our friends and family when they come to visit. If nothing else we have amassed a huge amount of favors to pay back over the last few months! Plus my niece and I have been singing the ‘Great Big Moose’ song together since before we were planning to move here, so I owe here a moose sighting. Fingers crossed the border opens up and makes this possible.
West Country Wandering 
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