Wash your hands. Maintain social distancing. Go outside for a walk.
As public and private services and venues shutting down for an extended period, heading outside is among the steps B.C.'s public health officer is suggesting as a way for those not in need of self-isolating to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.
"Go outside and play with your family," Dr. Bonnie Henry said during a recent press conference. "Go up to our ski hills. Go up to Whistler. Go out and experience what we have here in British Columbia right now."
Whistler may be a long way to go, but there are plenty of opportunities in and around Prince George, and not just for walking but also for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
While all of its programs and events have been canceled, the trails remain opened and groomed at the Otway Nordic Centre.
For those simply looking for a nice leisurely walk, here are five spots to consider around the city:
Ginter's Meadow: Located along the City's Centennial Trail, Ginter's features 11.5 kilometres of paved and gravel pathways.
For a short walk on relatively flat terrain, enter at the west end of Ferry Avenue, the west end of Massey Drive, or at the corner of 18th Avenue and Foothills Boulevard.
For a physical challenge, take the dirt trail heading up Ginter's Meadow to University Way.
Off-leash pets are welcome in the meadow, but owners must reattach leashes on the trails leading in and out of the area.
Heritage River Trail: With a distance of 9.2 kilometres over relatively-flat terrain, the trail system cuts through a number of city parks, including Cottonwood Island Nature Park and Lheidli T'enneh Memorial Park. Starting points also include Hudson's Bay Wetland and Carrie Jane Gray Park.
Cottonwood Island Nature Park: Cottonwood Island Nature Park boasts 32 hectares of forest and parkland plus a little over two kilometres of trails amidst century-old cottonwood trees. You can also make the occasional stop to admire the cutbanks and Elmer Gunderson's tree bark carvings hidden in the surrounding woods.
There are multiple entry points off River Road via Highway 16 near the Yellowhead Bridge or off Carney Street but the main one is adjacent to the Prince George Railway and Forestry Museum on River Road.
On-leash pets are welcome on the trails.
Moore's Meadow: Situated inside a large glacial kettle that formed after the last Ice Age, it features 9.5 kilometres of dirt trails, forested hillsides, and elevated viewing areas. The open meadow is also welcoming to off-leash pets.
Common entry points are off Foothills Boulevard and south of Otway Road
Ferguson Lake Nature Reserve: The 2.5-kilometre trail, some of it over elevated board walks, goes around the lake's perimeter. Visitors can expect beautiful views of the frozen lake from nearly every point on the trail.
To get there, follow the signs on Ferguson Lake Road, off North Kelly Road in the Hart, to the parking lot.
More information on the city's trails can be found on the city website, www.princegeorge.ca.
The Fraser-Fort George Regional District also maintains a handful of parks with trails in the Prince George area, although they don't open until May 1. For more information on them, go to the FFGRD website, www.rdffg.bc.ca.
