Beautiful northern B.C. is finally starting to warm up again, making this the perfect time of year to enjoy the great outdoors.
After a cold day spent snowmobiling or quad riding on the local trails, it’s nice to get warm and cozy by relaxing with a drink in one of Prince George’s many establishments.
But while it might be tempting to hop back on the quad after enjoying a pint, Preventable and British Columbia Liquor Distribution Branch (BCLDB) have teamed up to remind outdoor enthusiasts that drinking while participating in winter sports increases your risk of suffering a serious injury. It’s better to save any celebrating until after you’ve finished up on the trails.
To help relax and unwind after your winter adventures, we’ve rounded up our top seven spots for a little après pick-me-up near Prince George.
Monday to Friday, from 3-5 p.m., enjoy a little happiness in the lounge with half-price wine and other discounted drinks like highballs, rhino sleeves and Red Bull, not to mention daily specials. We recommend ordering a few nibbles from the happy hour menu as well, such as the garlic fries, crispy ribs and Baja fish tacos.
Kelly O’Bryan’s Neighbourhood Restaurant
Like the name suggests, Kelly O’Bryan’s is a traditional, pub-style hang-out and a great place for a little après. With drink and food specials all week, there’s sure to be something to please everyone after a tough day in the backcountry.
For those who enjoy the finer things, may we recommend the Twisted Cork? This spot offers a great selection of drinks, from the house selections to the $160 bottle featured in their “The Big Boys” list. If you prefer to sample, the Twisted Wine Trio lets you build your own wine flight. The most adventurous can try the “Brown Bag Special” and enjoy the surprise drink of the day.
Daily drink specials and a promise to have “all your favourites” on tap — what more could you ask for? There’s even a daily food special to go along with your favourite brews. If you want to throw the ultimate après party, the space is available to rent for private events, too.
Test your mettle and your brainpower in the same day with a little pub trivia at The Westwood. As they say, come for the games, stay for the friends (and drinks and food, we guess).
It always feels good to buy local. Started in 1957 and originally called Caribou Brewing, this joint certainly offers a good variety of freshly-brewed beers. Enjoy a flight that includes samples of four beers or opt for the classic Cariboo Genuine Draft.
This après joint is perfect during happy hour, regardless of what time you retire from the trails. From 3-6 p.m. or 9 p.m. to late, enjoy $8 dry ribs, $4 street tacos or $2 chipotle chips. If you’re staying for the late-night drink specials, just be sure to plan ahead and arrange a safe ride home.
British Columbians aren’t always blessed with winters like this, so take full advantage of the season before the thaw begins in the spring. If you do decide to have a drink, just make sure it’s at the end of your day on the trails.
Over 400,000 B.C. residents are injured each year, and many of those injuries are preventable. Act responsibly when participating in winter sports and save your drinks for the après. Your fellow adventurers will thank you.
