All Aboard!!!
I recently had the opportunity to travel by train from PG to Terrace on Via Rail's Skeena passenger train.
The journey, ten hours in length from Prince George to Terrace is made comfortable by several seating options. I sat in the dome car with seating similar to the top of a Double Decker bus. For maximum wildlife and scenic viewing, the ceiling is a glass dome. I would suggest dressing warmly and packing a blanket, as the heater was questionable, blowing cool air into the car.
The return trip was quite spectacular as Northern BC just received a heavy snowfall (knocking out power lines in several communities!).
As the rails clacked underneath, we were treated to the most stunning scenery in the north. Snow covered mountain peaks towered over the Skeena River flowing below. We crossed the Skeena River over the Seeley Gulch Bridge- a trestle 59 dizzying meters in height!
As the sun set, we viewed the reddish -pink alpenglow off the peaks of the mountains. This occurs when weak sunlight reflects off the snow, and is quite magical indeed!
For the journey, I packed magazines to pass the time. Once aboard however, I couldn’t take my eyes off the enchanting scenery as we passed through it.
The Skeena travels East and West from Jasper to Prince Rupert with an overnight stay in Prince George. Phone 1-800-668-7646 for more information!
Legends of the Fall
There is still a chance to enjoy the fall colours in and around Prince George!
One spectacular place to head outside to ‘get away from it all’ is the Forests For The World, located atop Cranbrook Hill by the University of Northern British Columbia.
This interpretive forest has over 15 kilometers of trails to choose from to explore. One such trail is an easy fifteen minute walk around Shane Lake. A leisurely stroll down a dirt trail, through a carpet of yellow and golden leaves leads to the floating dock on the lake. It is not uncommon to view wildlife here, including ducks and moose!
A slightly longer (approx. twenty minutes one-way) and steeper incline leads to a wooden lookout point that boasts a 180 degree view of Prince George. The lookout provides interpretive signage highlighting distant mountain peaks, the glacier formed cutbanks and local industry.
This hike is suitable for your family and leashed dog. Be sure to pack your camera to capture all the colours and shades of fall.
For more information on Prince George visit us at Tourism Prince George.
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