With the holidays here comes time off from school, visitation from family and friends, and times of togetherness. For the first time in its history, Goodsir Nature Park is open to help those happen.
The unique and acclaimed cultured forest is located just north of the city. It is a handmade botanical labour of love by owner-operator Jim Good.
This amateur botanist spent his life travelling Canada and collecting specimens of trees, shrubs and flowers which he has planted in amongst the local plant life on his 160-acre forested property. The result is a natural collection depicting organic Canada like a work of flora art, and found nowhere else in the nation.
For the first time since it opened 27 years ago, guests are welcome to come enjoy the place in the fluffy white season.
"I'm doing this because we are coming up on Canada's 150th birthday, and I wanted to celebrate that by stepping things up at the part. It's such a Canadian place," said Good. "I've always loved the park in the wintertime, and I wanted to share that. The snow looks so beautiful on the trees, the beaver pond, the cabin."
Good set to work clearing the trails so pedestrians can walk the main loop in everyday boots, but there is a system available for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing as well.
The beaver pond has amenities for campfire get-togethers. It is even possible to camp in the on-site cabin, park RVs or winter tenting.
The park has a botanical museum and gift shop, plus a separate record museum dedicated to music on vinyl.
"You hear a lot about southern hospitality but what about northern hospitality? We showed Canada what Prince George is really all about when we had the (2015 Canada Winter) Games here, and I want to keep that going," said Good. "I'm retired now, so I can put time into keeping the trails clear and the signs clear so people can read about the plant life all over the park. It took me a lifetime to put everything in place here, almost all by myself, so now I can share it even more than before. Come experience winter at its best."
The park will be open throughout the holiday season.
Self-guided tours are available for drop-in visitors, and for guided tours call ahead at 1-250-971-2337.
All fees are by donation.
The park is located at 22825 Old Summit Lake Road, about a 30-minute drive north of the city.
