Weekend weather should be pleasant, not hot
It’s the last official long weekend of summer and there’s a mixed bag of weather in store for Prince George.
The good news is there’s no snow in the forecast. That means campers, walkers, runners, bikers, archers, tennis/pickleball players, gardeners and anybody who ventures outdoors can get active without freezing or getting drenched, at least until Sunday night.
After a pleasant start to the weekend Friday, expect cloudy skies all day today with the high temperature of 20 C. No rain is expected. According to Environment Canada, after an overnight low of 7 C, the sun will break through the clouds on Sunday and the mercury should climb to a high of 18 C, but showers are expected at night (a 30 per cent chance) with the low dipping to 11 C.
Monday is forecast to be the best day of the Labour Day weekend with sun shining all day and a high expected to reach 21 C.
Summer weather will be sticking around the rest of the week and it will be getting progressively warmer with nothing but sunshine and predicted highs of 24 C on Tuesday, 25 C on Wednesday and 25 C on Thursday.
If you’re looking for something to do around town, the Prince George Auto Racing Association is hosting its annual hit-to-pass demolition derby weekend tonight (starting at 6 p.m.) and on Sunday (starting at 1 p.m.). PGARA Speedway is located north of the airport off Acheson Road.
The Silvertip Archers are hosting the B.C. Outdoor Target Archery Championships at their outdoor range off Highway 16 a few kilometres east of the city today (10 a.m. start) and Sunday (9 a.m. start). Spectators are welcome.
On Sunday, watch out for runners in and around Canada Games Plaza. They’ll be competing in the 46th annual Labour Day Classic road race, hosted by the Prince George Road Runners. Runners will be chasing medals in several categories, including the 17-mile run, 8.5-mile run, 8.5-mile walk, 8.5-mile wheelchair, five-kilometre run and one-kilometre kids fun run. The race starts at 9 a.m. at Canada Games Plaza.
Rain or shine, a visit to the Ancient Forest, also known by its aboriginal name Chun T’oh Whudujut, is always worth the 113-kilometre drive east of Prince George off Highway 16. Today from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. there’s a special event – Arts In the Park – planned for the old-growth cedar and sitka spruce forest.
Visitors who venture onto the path at the Ancient Forest will find local musicians and dancers tucked in the woods performing and artists – quilters, knitters, painters, sculptors, felters, basket weavers and wood turners – displaying their creative works of art.
Shuttle bus service is available from the CN Centre parking lot leaving at 9:30 and 11 a.m. and retuning at 2:30 and 4 p.m. There’s also a bus from McBride train station (103 km southeast of the forest) which leaves at 9:30 a.m. and returns at 2:30 p.m. Lunch is available by donation to the Dome Creek Community Association while supplies last.
On Sunday, Northern Lights Estate Winery is offering free winery tours from 2-3:30 p.m. The winery is located along the Nechako River at 745 Prince George Pulpmill Rd.
Also on Sunday, the Caledonia Ramblers are leading a group hike to the Lepruchaun Ridge trail, 112 km east of the city. Hikers will meet at city hall at 8 a.m. and for a car pool fee of $10 will be driven to the trailhead. The 10-15 km hike is considered moderately strenuous with a climb which ranges from 600 to 900 metres. Hikers should bring insect repellant, sunscreen, waterproof boots and rain gear and carry plenty of water and a lunch. The hike takes six to eight hours.