California to Alaska: The Puppy Dog Edition is an eight part series. If you missed the start of the trip, Day One, click here. For notifications, subscribe to the Retirement Monkeys Newsletter.
Today’s Itinerary –
Morning visit to Hope Dog Park
1st Stop: Williams Lake, BC Boitano Dog Park
2nd Stop: Prince George, BC, Ingledew Dog Park
Lodging: Pomoroy Prince George
We are up early today. Head to the Hedlund dog park in Hope, BC for some running and ball chasing. After 30 minutes or so, we are on the road. Today will take us through the mountains to Prince George. I’m expecting lots of mountain driving, a bit of construction delays, and some pretty scenery. Unlike later in the Yukon, this patch of road will have a fair number of other cars around. On a two-lane highway, it means being mindful of crazy passing. There is a section of this road, about a hundred miles south of Prince George that is known to be quite dangerous because of head on collisions. Highway 97, the Cariboo Highway, from Cache Creek to Prince George requires very attentive driving but I’m well rested and ready for the challenge!
Today is our first introduction to the intense beauty of Canada. The highway travels through rolling hills, dense forests, expansive canyons, and vast prairies. Once the Gold Rush trail, the route is now home to ranching, mining, and logging. You’ll pass through some of British Columbia’s most historic towns and impressive scenery. Take the time to slow down and enjoy Canada’s mountains, river valleys and crystal lakes!
Our first stop is in Williams Lake and Boitanio Park. This 17 ha park is located at Borland St. and 7th Ave. There are plenty of walking paths that meander through the park. The dog park is near to the Skate Park and has fully fenced small and large dog sections. There are trees for shade, shrubs for sniffing and a bench for the humans. There is no water so bring your own. The dog park is small, and the terrain is not flat but there is plenty of room for running around. It’s a short walk from the upper parking lot.
The park is only a minute or two from the highway and there is a store nearby where you can stop and pick-up provisions. Since you can’t bring fresh fruit and veggies across the border, it is the perfect opportunity to load up for your time in Canada. We also gas up and, before long, we are back on the road.
More driving and soon we are in Prince George. We check-in at the Pomeroy Inn and Suites. I made the mistake one year of booking a hotel in the downtown area. I do not recommend it. Traveling solo, I did not feel safe downtown. The Pomeroy (or any of the hotels out of downtown) offers camera surveillance in the parking lot and a small green patch for dogs. The hotel is dog friendly – there is a charge, but it is one charge for all pets.
It still pays to be diligent. I had to take the dogs out for a 3 am bathroom break and heard some noises near the dumpster. I didn’t have my glasses on so can’t tell you if it was human or bear and I didn’t stick around to find out!
On the plus side, Prince George has a plethora of dog parks to try out. My favorite is the Ingledew Dog park. It is a small neighborhood park located at 17th Ave and Ingledew St. There are entrances at each corner of the park and plenty of street parking (including room for vehicles pulling trailers!). The entrances are NOT dual-gate so be mindful of potential for escape. There are benches for humans, trees for shade, and even a squirrel or two to taunt the dogs. The water was turned off when we were there so you may have to bring your own water.
The Duchess Dog Park is a large park in a residential area close to downtown. There is a small and large dog park area. Plenty of room to run, chase the ball and play with the other dogs. There is running water for the pups.
One of the nicest things about visiting neighborhood dog parks is meeting the people. Canadians are famously polite and friendly, and I have found that to be true. My experience at dog parks, and at Canadian dog parks in particular, is that the people in general are wonderfully kind. With only the dogs as company, it is nice to have a conversation with other humans! I’ve learned so much from my Canadian dog park “friends”.
As is the case with all conversations between strangers at the dog park, the initial discussion is all things dogs. What breed is your dog? How old is your dog? We talk about the pups’ character and our challenges raising doggies. Eventually the conversation turns to the humans and who we are.
On the trip over the years, I’ve met nurses, students, environmentalists, logging operators, wildlife specialists, and community advocates. I’ve met people from diverse backgrounds and I’ve learned about the issues of homelessness, climate change, health insurance, and indigenous rights in Canada from their perspective. We’ve also talked about the weather, tips for raising dogs and places to go and see in Canada. In all cases, the conversation was polite and informative.
I’m sure there are not nice people in Canada but I’ve yet to meet them. One of the highlights of the trip and something I always look forward to is talking with Canadians and getting to know the country. Visits to the dog parks are a great avenue for meeting the people!
Day three of our trip has been long and tiring. Time to take a little time for myself on Day Four.
California to Alaska: The Puppy Dog Edition is an eight part series. If you missed the start of the trip, Day One, click here. For notifications, subscribe to the Retirement Monkeys Newsletter.
