In northern British Columbia, four distinctive roadside attractions spanning different centuries have been chosen as finalists in the Search for B.C.’s Best Roadside Attraction, selected from over 300 submissions province-wide. These four locations north of Williams Lake showcase the diverse history and development of the province.
In the 18th century, the eruption of a volcano in the Nass Valley resulted in the formation of lava beds within Nisga’a territory along Highway 113. This geological event, which claimed the lives of approximately 2,000 individuals, had a significant impact on both the people and the landscape of the area. Justina Moore, the education and programs director at the Nisga’a Museum, emphasized the historical and cultural significance of this site, where traditional oral histories intersect with Western science.
During the 19th century, the discovery of gold in the region east of Quesnel brought about lasting changes as thousands of miners flocked to the area. Notably, the town of Barkerville, a partially reconstructed historic gold rush town, offers visitors a glimpse into the past. Stewart Cawood, the manager of public programming and media at Barkerville Historic Town, highlighted the town’s role in the early settlement history of British Columbia.
Moving into the 20th century, Prince George became synonymous with the forestry industry, symbolized by the iconic Mr. PG, a towering log man welcoming visitors to the city. Claire Thwaites, the manager of communications in Prince George, described Mr. PG as more than just a landmark, but a beloved symbol with a friendly and charismatic personality.
In the 21st century, resource-based communities like Tumbler Ridge are exploring ways to diversify their economies and attract tourists by showcasing their natural wonders. The Tumbler Ridge UNESCO Global Geopark, led by executive director Manda Maggs, has capitalized on the region’s natural beauty, including waterfalls and canyons, accessible through a network of hiking trails developed in part due to the resource industry’s infrastructure.
These four roadside attractions offer a glimpse into the past, present, and future of British Columbia. However, only two will advance to the next round of the competition. The voting process to determine the ultimate winner continues throughout August, with matchups featuring Mr. PG against the Tumbler Ridge Geopark, and the Nisga’a Lava Beds competing with Barkerville. Voting is open until Thursday evening, with the champion set to be crowned before Labour Day. Cast your vote and help decide which roadside attraction will reign supreme.