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SPACE OUT Nestled into the spectacular domed rotating roof of the Prince George Astronomical Observatory is one of the largest amateur telescopes in the country. There are open houses by donation every Friday: stargaze, learn what makes supernovas so super and nerd out with the experts. pgrasc.org NORTHERN LIGHTS ESTATE WINERY This riverside winery asks, "Why let grapes have all the fun?" and boldly bottles up fruits like strawberries, blackberries, rhubarb and blackcurrant. The tasting room offers sweet samplers and wall- to-wall waterfront views, and the Riverside Restaurant runs the gamut from fish tacos to steak. 745 Prince George Pulpmill Rd., northernlightswinery.ca BETULLA BURNING Get on the food-sharing level with your fellow diner(s) before going to this Neapolitan-style pizza joint, because you're going to want to try several of these saucy wood- fired pies. I opted for the Carne Amore (sausage, pepperoni, smoked bacon, you get it) and stole a slice or three of someone else's Big Kahuna (smoked pork shoulder and pineapple). 1253 3rd Ave., betullaburning.com TRENCH BREWING AND DISTILLING Catch flights and feelings at this rustic restaurant— the 1000 Peaks Witbier is fruit-forward and fun, while the Viking Amber Ale has a subtle hint of caramel. I got the smoked beef dip on a pretzel bun, and had a meaningful love affair with my side of mini mac and cheese. 399 2nd Ave., trenchbrew.ca forest was once a hot spot for gathering medicinal plants (before residential schools had a devastating impact on this and other Lheidli T'enneh ways of life). Then, it was doomed to be logged... until 2005, when University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) student Dave Radies took a special interest in the colossal red cedars, and conservationists got on board. Thanks to joint efforts from the Lheidli T'enneh, UNBC and local hiking groups, it was named a Class A provincial park in 2016, three years after the ultra-accessible path was built by a team of volunteers that hauled in and secured every step. As I navigate the wood planks and steady stairs of the Ancient Forest Trail, signs point out the impressive waterfall, the stunning buttress roots of "Treebeard" and the "Radies Tree" and the apparently very big "Big Tree" (which, from ground level, I'll admit looks no taller than the others—they're all equally majestic). Besides the clear path that keeps all vis- itors sure-footed and the forest floor safe, the Ancient Forest feels like sincere immersion in nature. It's about as true north as it gets. Foodie Tour in the Forest Three spots to eat in Prince George. More Things to Do in Prince George BURN RUBBER Life is all about balance, so after taking in the quiet serenity of the forest, indulge your inner child with go-karting, axe-throwing and mini golf at the Raceway Fun Park. There's a drive-in movie theatre, too. racewayfunpark.com PADDLE HAPPY Backwater Paddling offers kayaking lessons off of West Lake Beach: count on your delightfully no-nonsense tour guide to teach the basics, point out wildlife and help you stay as dry as possible. backwater.ca C h a s i n g Wate r fa l l s O n e of th e g re ate st h i g h li g hts of th e A n c i e nt Fo re st Tra il is th e wate r fa ll—it 's n e a r th e sta r t of th e t wo - is h k il o m etre l o o p, a n d p ro of th at yo u d o n't n e e d to s c a l e a m o u nta in to s c o re a b e autiful v i ew. Local Getaways PRINCE GEORGE 70 F o o d i e To u r, t o p t o b o t t o m : N o r t h e r n L i g h t s W i n e r y, D e s t i n a t i o n B C /A n d r e w S t r ai n , A l y s s a H ir o s e ; c e n t r e, t o p t o b o t t o m : To u r i s m P r i n c e G e o r g e / D a r r i n R i g o, N o r t h e r n B C To u r i s m /A n d r e w S t r ai n M o r e t h i n g s t o d o, l e f t t o r i g h t : M al h a r R . K e n d u r k a r, p r e s i d e n t o f P r i n c e G e o r g e A s t r o n o m i c al O b s e r v a t o r y, B l a c k d a y/A d o b e S t o c k , A l y s s a H ir o s e B C B U S I N E S S . C A J U N E 2 0 2 5

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