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Staying local this summer: Barkerville, Robson Valley, Haida Gwaii

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A photo of Barkerville historic site.
Barkerville historic town and park (Photo credit: Holly Hughes, healthy settings advisor, Prince George)

Lots of people are taking vacations close to home this summer (also known as staycations!) in Northern BC – including NH staff! Check out these staff staycation ideas for exploring our beautiful Northern backyard.

Hiking in the Robson Valley

Vicki Cardinal, a care aid in Burns Lake, was able to explore Mount Robson Provincial Park and take a well-deserved break.

“I was feeling like I was getting burnt out from the long spring since the pandemic hit the world by storm. I was on vacation when my daughter, Cayla, suggested we take a hike up to Kinney Lake at Mount Robson Park. We were already camped in Valemount, 520 km from our little town in Burns Lake. So myself; Cayla; her boyfriend, Russ; my sister-in-law, Jennifer; as well my dog, Leroy piled into the SUV and drove to Mount Robson Park. This is where my journey to rejuvenate began! We hiked eight kilometres to Kinney Lake, a third of the way to the top of the mountain. We saw such serene beauty in the mountains. There is nothing quite like the mountain-fresh air to bring one back to feeling energized!”

Moutains loom behind a calm body of turquoise water.
Kinney Lake, Mount Robson Park (Photo Credit: Vicki Cardinal, care aid, Burns Lake)

Exploring historical sites in the Cariboo

Diana, a medical transcriptionist/admitting clerk in Prince George, recommends exploring the historical Cariboo Gold Rush Trail near Quesnel.

Barkerville is always a good one to go to. They have a great deal of history, theatre, stage coach, restaurants, and shopping. Camping is available and, if you’re just day tripping and have your dog with you, they have a dog area for you to leave your furry friend. I especially love walking through the cemetery and reading the history there.”

 Staying home on Haida Gwaii

Margaret Fennell, a primary care nurse in Port Clements, shares staycation tips for sticking closer to home for Haida Gwaii residents.

  • Walk and talk – I love to catch up with friends who are far away by doing a cell phone chat while walking my favourite trails on Haida Gwaii.
  • Curl up by the woodstove and read a great book. A recent favorite: Greenwood, by Michael Christie. Haida Gwaii residents can borrow the digital and audio versions through the Vancouver Island Regional Library. If you're from off island, check out your local library. 
  • Awaken your inner artist by spreading out in the yard and having an art/painting party with a small group.
Grass grows out of an old wooden boat on the beach.
A Haida canoe, with Tow Hill, Haida Gwaii in the background. (Photo Credit: Linda Knox, medical radiography technologist, Masset)

More staycation ideas

Looking for more local Northern BC spots or staycation tips? Check out: