Ski into a Wonderland in Quesnel, BC, with local legends
Quesnel, BC What makes winter in Quesnel so legendary? Two things: the vast and varied terrain, and the local legends who tend to and promote its active use.
John Courtney and his dog, Nelly have taken me out on the trails at Wonderland to prove the point.
"This is the Gold Rush Cycling Club’s trail network," says the co-owner of local outdoor shop Rocky Peak Outfitters. "It's just adjacent to the town of Quesnel. Whether you’re fat biking or getting out on the snowshoes, it’s a great place to get the dog or even just yourself out for some exercise.”
With close proximity to town amenities, Wonderland is truly a gem in its ability to make you feel enriched while exploring its vast trail network.
HIT PLAY > to tour local Quesnel winter trails with local legends
While touring the sweeping twists and bends, you can truly feel the love and passion that the Gold Rush Cycling Club’s members have breathed into it.
You are surrounded by old growth forests, natural land features such as boulders and drops, and various stunning viewpoints of Dragon Lake and the surrounding farms.
John Courtney, out snowshoeing the Wonderland trail network.
When asked what he likes most about Quesnel's trail network, with a deep breath up on the snow covered trail, John says, “I love the way the light comes through the trees in Wonderland.
Just something about the aspect and the fall line and the openness of the trees up here. I just love the way the light filters through morning, evenings, and any time of day.”
As Wonderland has landed its place on the maps as a mountain biking destination, John wants to ensure it is known that this trail network is for all year use: “It is not just a summer time mountain bike destination. People can come out here any time of year walking their dogs, snowshoeing, hiking, trail running, whatever.
It is just great to be able to have this community asset this close to town, where you can disappear into the woods for a little bit of chill time.”
The best part about this network is that you don’t have to roll into town all geared up in order to experience the magic.
As John says, “If you find yourself in Quesnel and you just want to get out and explore the area, no problem. Drop by Rocky Peak! We’ve got stuff for rent, cross-country skis, snowshoes, or gear yourself up. If it’s a lifelong passion, you want to head down that road.”
Rocky Peak Outfitters has almost everything you need to get out and enjoy the many activities Quesnel has to offer, ranging from snowshoeing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, hiking and camping, as well as a wide array of comfortable and fashionable clothing.
Rocky Peak Outfitters is a local hub for outdoor gear and community.
“I am 19 years into this community," reflects Courtney. "I am president of the bike club, investing time and energy in getting people geared up and getting them outdoors because I am passionate about it.
I love being outdoors. I love the way it makes me feel, physically and mentally. It is something that has contributed so much to my life.
I just want to spread that passion and get more and more people out there. I am really proud of the community, the way everyone works together, the outdoor community, whether that is cross-country skiing, the downhill ski club, or the mountain bike club.
I love this place.”
Courtney's passion for the outdoors is spreading in Quesnel.
An added bonus to the Wonderland Trail system is that it is so easy to locate!
Heading out the Quesnel Hydraulic Road, you head up the hill just past Dragon Lake toward Davon Road, and make an immediate left to the large free parking area.
Escape to winter in Quesnel
Get out on the winter trails in Quesnel
Another added bonus to this location is that just a few kilometers more up the Quesnel Hydraulic Road, is the well-known Hallis Lake Cross-Country Ski Facility, home of the Cariboo Ski Touring Club.
The 3000 sq. ft. Hallis Lake Ski lodge opened its doors in 1998 in preparation for the 2000 BC Winter Games. Its trail network is maintained and growing with over 75 kilometers of groomed trail, four-plus kilometers of lit trail for evening skiing and almost nine kilometers of dog trails.
Hallis Lake Nordic Centre, with over 75km of groomed trails, is another local trail gem.
There is a variety of forest environment at Hallis Lake, as well as open spaces, as the Nordic trails share in the Community Pastures.
You can ski through wide open pastures with a majestic view of Dragon Mountain, to the bends and twists of the birch forests, then float through the tall old growth fir, all in one loop of trail. It is nothing short of magical!
Hallis Lake has groomed trails for all levels.
This year, Hallis Lake is celebrating its 50th year with a variety of events planned to thank the community that has helped build it.
As a volunteer-operated club, with many of the original members still involved, it is truly special.
One of the unique things this club has to offer is its welcoming family environment, with multiple generations skiing, coaching, or competing.
Brian Balkwill, president of the Cariboo Ski Touring Club, out grooming the snow.
As the current club president, Brian Balkwill, states, “It's a terrific place to raise your kids and have a family.
We've got over 70km of trail here at Cariboo Ski Touring Club, and almost all of it is maintained by volunteers.
So it's a great, fun place for families to bring their kids.”
When you go
Getting here on your #skinorthbc trip you can get there through either of two major regional hubs:
drive 4h20 from Kamloops via Hwy BC-97N
drive 1h20 from Prince George via Hwy BC-97S
Where to stay in Quesnel check Explore Quesnel for accommodations and après options.
Gear up at Rocky Peak Outfitters for skis, snowshoes and tips to the trails.
Cross-country skiing in Quesnel Connect with Cariboo Ski Touring Club, offering a wide range of nordic programs.
If you are new to the sport of cross-country skiing, the club offers trained coaches to guide you and help build your confidence.
If you are a skijorer or ski with your dog, there is a community and trails just for you. If you are a parent, there is a brilliant Jackrabbit program for the kids. If you are a racer, there is a talented race team, and if you are feeling extreme, there is a strong biathlon team with growing training facilities.
Sociable be sure to tag #skinorthbc, #explorequesnel and us at @snowseekers to share your adventures!
