Whether you’re looking to do something active, learn something new or embrace local history and culture, there is a wide range of activities and events planned in and around Quesnel this long weekend to help you and your loved ones celebrate Family Day.
• Barkerville Historic Town and Park
Barkerville will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Saturday, Feb. 15 to Monday, Feb. 17 for expanded Family Weekend Celebrations.
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for youth and seniors and free for children five and younger on Saturday and Sunday, and admission is free for everyone on Monday.
Throughout the long weekend, there will be town tours; presentations such as Amazing Tales from the Goldrush Trail, Novas to Nuggets and The Billy Barker Story; printing press and blacksmithing demonstrations and face painting, and there will be opportunities to snowshoe, skate and race down the Shamrock Tube Run. Many exhibits and shops will be open throughout the weekend, and a walk down Barkerville’s main street will offer many chances to see the historic town’s well-known interpreters.
For more information and the daily schedule, visit barkerville.ca/familydaycelebrations.
• Troll Ski Resort
The Silver Lift will be open all three days, giving skiers and boarders easier access to the Silver Bowl, and the whole family can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, delicious food, the Tube Run and giant culvert slides each day.
On Sunday and Monday, Rocky Peak Adventure Gear will offer a sneak peek at next season’s newest skis during their Demo Days. Brenda Beatty and John Courtney will be set up outside the lodge to answer questions about the new skis, and you can even try them out.
To celebrate Family Day on Monday, Troll is offering lift passes and all rentals at half-day rates. The Tube Run, which is free, will be running all day, and the Yellow Lift (Bunny Hill) will also be free.
Visit trollresort.com for more information.
• Quesnel and District Museum and Archives
Visit the Quesnel Museum and Archives at 705 Carson Ave. for free family activities between noon and 4 p.m.
There will be crafts, games and scavenger hunts, and this year’s Family Day activities have a First Nations theme to tie into the museum’s new Our Living Languages exhibit.
The whole family can try their hand at beading and make a traditional toy that tests co-ordination, and there will be a memory matching game featuring animals and a storybook corner with First Nations stories.
The official opening reception for the Our Living Languages exhibit will take place Sunday, Feb. 16 from 1-3 p.m. at the museum.
Through interactive stations, original First Nations artwork, video, audio and live engagement, Our Living Languages provides visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the history of disrupted languages in B.C., the complexity of these languages, and the people — and entire communities — that the museum.
This free event gives visitors a chance to explore the different, interactive parts of this exhibit and enjoy refreshments and bannock. Family Day crafts and games will also be available.
This interactive exhibit is produced by the Royal BC Museum in partnership with the First Peoples’ Cultural Council.
• Quesnel and District Antique Machinery Park
Join the Quesnel and District Heritage Association and the Quesnel Maker Space Society for a day of demonstrations, information and crafting! Displays inside will be open for viewing, while machinery and equipment will be operating for a demonstration outside, and there will be fun crafts for children.
The Antique Machinery Park, which is located at 3055 Dragon Lake Rd., will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15 and Sunday, Feb. 16.
Admission is free, and there will be refreshments available.
• Quesnel Youth Centre
The Quesnel Youth Centre is hosting a Family Day Barbecue Monday, Feb. 17 from noon to 2 p.m. at 610 Wade Ave. There will be hamburgers, hot dogs and door prizes. For more information, contact Maynard at 250-992-9160.
• Quesnel Arts and Recreation Centre
The City of Quesnel is hosting a free family swim Monday, Feb. 17 from 1-4 p.m. at the Quesnel Arts and Recreation Centre at 500 North Star Rd.
Grab your swimsuit and bring the whole family to enjoy games in the swimming pool.
There will also be a Family Day Animal House activity at the Arts and Recreation Centre at 1 p.m. Compete with your children in games of skill, balloon races, splash competitions, underwater hockey and more. Regular admission applies.
• Quesnel Arena 2
Lace up your skates Monday, Feb. 17 for a free family skate from noon to 2 p.m. at Arena 2 at 500 Barlow Ave.
READ MORE: Educational Family Day fun at the Quesnel Museum and Archives
editor@quesnelobserver.com
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