Prince George, locally known as PG, is a city in the North Coast-Nechako region and a major service centre in Northern British Columbia, Canada. It is the largest city north of Kamloops in BC, and known as BC's Northern Capital. Prince George is at the crossroads of Highway 16 (East-West) and Highway 97 (North-South), in a large valley at the confluence of the Fraser River and the Nechako River, both significant, high flow rivers.
Understand
From the very beginning, Prince George was built around the forest industry. Today, the forest industry is still the largest employer in town. Prince George has a significant industrial areas North and South of town, along the Fraser River. This includes 3 pulp & paper mills, several chemical factories, several saw mills and an oil refinery. Since its beginnings, Prince George has diversified significantly. Today, Prince George has a large government presence, an important court house, a large provincial jail and the University of Northern British Columbia, one of five British Columbia universities.
Prince George is commonly divided into three regions: the Bowl, the center of town west of the Fraser River; the Hart Highlands, the community around Highway 97 north of the Nechako River; and College Heights, the area south of the Bowl.
Prince George has several interesting and exciting natural features, and a few notable museums, the superb Coldsnap music and entertainment festival in January, a fabulous art gallery, a fantastic seasonal farmer's market, and much more; however, for many, Prince George remains a service center for transiting tourists, and not a destination on most travelers' itineraries.
53.8843-122.67411Prince George Airport(YXS IATA),4141 Airport Road,☏ +1 250-963-2400.4:30AM-12:30AM.15 minutes from the city centre. There is taxi service available, and the PG Airporter shuttle. Say hello to the airport's mascot, Amelia Bearhart, if she's wandering around the airport.(updated Apr 2022)
Destinations
Direct flights to Prince George from Calgary (1.5 hours), Edmonton (1.75 hours), Terrace (1.25 hours), and Vancouver (1.25 hours).
WestJet,toll-free: +1-877-952-0100.Canada's second largest airline services with hubs in Calgary and Toronto. It operates across Canada and services international destinations.(updated Apr 2022)
By car
Prince George has two highways servicing the city, which intersect in the middle of the city. Those highways are:
Highway 97. Prince George can be reached by traveling south from Dawson Creek or by traveling north from Kamloops. It's an 8-10 hour drive north from Vancouver, involving traveling on Highway 1 and then transferring to Highway 97 at Cache Creek. Prince George is a frequent stop for people en route to travel the Alaska Highway, which starts in Dawson Creek.
By bus
Ebus,toll-free: +1-877-769-3287.Operates bus service three days per week per direction between Kamloops and Prince George with stops in Savona, Cache Creek, Clinton, 70 Mile House, 100 Mile House, Lac La Hache, Williams Lake, Quesnel, and Hixon. Travel time to Prince George from Kamloops is 6.5 hours, from Cache Creek is 5.75 hours, from 100 Mile House is 4.25 hours, from Williams Lake is 2.75 hours, and from Quesnel is 1.5 hours. Same day transfers at Kamloops to and from Vancouver are available.(updated Jan 2023)
BC Bus North,☏ +1-844-564-7494.Provides twice per week bus service on the following routes:.(updated Mar 2022)
Between Prince George and Fort St. John with stops in Mackenzie, Chetwynd, Dawson Creek, and Taylor. Travel time to Prince George from Dawson Creek is 6.75 hours and from Fort St. John is 8 hours. Fare is $48. There is also a weekly trip between Dawson Creek and Fort Nelson, allowing passengers to travel between Prince George and Fort Nelson over two consecutive days.
Between Prince George and Prince Rupert with stops in Vanderhoof, Fraser Lake, Burns Lake, Houston, Smithers, New Hazelton, Kitwanga, and Terrace, and Port Edward. Travel time to Prince George from Prince Rupert is 11.5 hours, from Terrace is 9.25 hours, from Smithers is 6 hours, from Burns Lake is 3.5 hours, and from Vanderhoof is 1.5 hours. Fare is $40 to $65, depending on distance.
Between Prince George and Valemount with a stops in McBride and Tete Jaune Cache. Travel time to Prince George from Valemount is 3.5 hours. Fare is $35.
Note: You are required to book 24 hours in advance, though exceptions may be made (you can try just walking up). Payment by card only, on the bus. Don't expect the bus to closely follow the stop schedule online, or even to stop in the smaller towns if the driver isn't aware someone wants to get on or off there.
VIA Rail Canada,toll-free: +1-888-842-7245.Operates a route between Jasper and Prince Rupert with stops in McBride, Prince George, Vanderhoof, Burns Lake, Houston, Smithers, New Hazelton, Kitwanga, and Terrace. The train travels during the daytime, taking two days in each direction. Travel time to Prince George from Jasper is 7.5 hours, from Vanderhoof is 2 hours, from Burns Lake is 4 hours, from Smithers is 6 hours, from Terrace is 10 hours, and from Prince Rupert is 12.5 hours. The train stops overnight in Prince George, where passengers will need to book sleeping accommodations. Jasper is also a stop for The Canadian, which travels between Vancouver and Toronto.(updated Apr 2022)
Get around
By public transit
BC Transit (Prince George Transit System),☏ +1-250-563-0011.Operates over a dozen bus routes, most which operate multiple times daily. The service is fairly reliable, with most buses running once every half hour.Fare options include single rides ($2.25/adult, $1.75/student or senior) day passes ($4.50/adult, $4.00/child).(updated Apr 2022)
53.9135-122.74693BC Transit (Bulkley Nechako Regional Transit System),7th Ave & Dominion St (approximate stop location),toll-free: +1-855-499-1119.Operates bus route 161 from Prince George via Vanderhoof to Burns Lake running Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and bus route 162 from Burns Lake to Smithers running Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays. Going between Prince George and Smithers requires an overnight stay at Burns Lake.(updated Jul 2018)
Personal car is the easiest way to get around PG. Most major rental outlets in North America have offices in town, as well as at the airport.
See
Mr. PG53.896823-122.7685641Mr. PG(Hwy 16 & Hwy 97).A large statue of man with tree stumps for legs and arms, around 10 metres high, has to be seen to be believed. Mr. PG stands near the tourist information centre at the intersection of Highway 16 and Highway 97.(updated Jul 2020)
53.887333-122.8137222University of Northern British Columbia,3333 University Way,☏ +1 250-960-5555.Located high above town, the view from the campus is spectacular. There are lots of hiking trails and mountain bike paths in Forests for the World behind the campus.(updated Jul 2020)
53.90675-122.7338463Lheidli T'enneh Memorial Park(Fort George Park),17th Avenue.Just outside of downtown, Fort George is a pleasant river side park with a large playground.(updated Jul 2020)
53.9368-122.81714Moore's Meadow Park,4750 1st Ave.(updated Mar 2023) - a beautiful natural meadow surrounded by forest in a deep hidden valley right next to one of the town's suburban areas.
53.91072-122.7470375Connaught Hill Park,1112 Connaught Dr.A small hill in the middle of town, take the short drive to the top to see a spectacular view of town, as well as enjoy the gardens and shaded areas on the summit.(updated Jul 2020)
53.92856-122.760087Nechako River Cutbanks.These large banks of sand along the Nechako river are a striking view. In mid-summer, the cutbanks formerly hosted the Prince George Sandblast, where competitors ski and snow (sand?) board down the sandy cutbanks to the city below, but the annual event has been cancelled as a result of injuries and accidents. This competition has been featured in several of Warren Miller's ski movies over the years.(updated Mar 2023)
53.92168-122.732218Central BC Railway & Forestry Museum,850 River Rd,☏ +1 250-563-7351.mid-May to Aug: daily 10AM-5PM; Sept to mid-May: Tu-Sa 11AM-4PM.East of downtown, on the other side of the railway yards along River Road. The museum features lots of old railway equipment, including a number of coaches in the process of being restored. Some notable pieces of equipment include the Russel Wooden Snowplow, BC Rail Electric locomotives and the BC Government Coach "Endeavour". There is also a miniature railway that operates seasonally and offers rides around the museum grounds.$5/7/8 (child/youth or senior/adult).(updated Nov 2015)
54.21045-122.538719Huble Homestead,15000 Mitchell Road,☏ +1 250-564-7033.10AM-5PM mid-May (Victoria Day weekend) to early Sept (Labour Day); may also open for special events around Halloween and Christmas.This historic site is 40 km north of Prince George, just off Highway 97. It consists of the house of trader Al Huble who arrived in 1904. There are various other buildings, including a blacksmith shop, general store, and trapper's cabin, some original and some reconstructed. The site is located at the south end of the historic Giscome Portage, once an important route between the Fraser and Peace River systems. During the tourist season, interpreters in period costume are on hand and a blacksmith is at work at the forge. It is also a nice site for a walk or picnic.Admission is by donation (recommended $5 for adults and $3 for children/seniors or $10 for a family).(updated Nov 2015)
53.9133-122.7494810Two Rivers Art Gallery:,725 Canada Games Way,☏ +1 250 614-7800.M-W F Sa 10AM-5PM, Th 10AM-9PM, Su noon-5PM.This large, public art gallery is downtown in an impressive, purpose-built building. The gallery features art by artists from all over British Columbia. A highlight in Prince George, and well worth the admission price.$3/6/7.50 (child/youth or senior/adult).(updated Nov 2015)
Do
53.90533-122.735551The Exploration Place,333 Becott Pl,☏ +1 250-562-1612.This small museum in Fort George Park offers local history, as well as a hands-on natural history and science exhibit for children. Hours vary from season to season and should be verified before visiting.(updated Mar 2023)
53.89495-122.832232Forests for the World,Kueng Rd.On Cranbook Hill, it's a short drive from the downtown core, with 15 kilometres of hiking trails, Shane Lake, a picnic area, and a lookout point. A good place to see wildlife without going too far.(updated Mar 2023)
Activities
Skiing and snowboarding: There are several ski areas around town. Hart Highlands is a small hill in town. Located half an hour west is Tabor ski area, another 1/2 hour west is 53.9003-121.88483Purden ski area. These hills feature fairly long runs and interesting terrain.
Fishing: 54.0369-122.84644Ferguson Lake is 15 km north of Prince George featuring a 50-ft dock, an old homestead site, canoe launch and interpretive trails. This is a great place to fish with the kids from the dock.
53.91061-122.759632Parkwood Place,1600 15th Ave.(updated Mar 2023)
There are also several 'big box' style retailers, including a Walmart, Costco and Superstore which are on the west side of town along highway 16.
Downtown
Prince George also has a small downtown area, which has several local stores. 4th Avenue has been emerging as a revitalized downtown area. There are several unique shops including:
53.91863-122.752413Books & Company,1685 3rd Ave,☏ +1 250-563-6637.Very nice local book shop that features books by local authors (a café/bookstore/concert venue).(updated Mar 2023)
53.91661-122.745175Homework,1245 3rd Ave.A clothing store.(updated Mar 2023)
Eat
53.91764-122.748841North 54,1493 3rd Ave,☏ +1 250-564-5400.Excellent, friendly service combines with a lovely decor to give an exquisite restaurant. Not a cheap restaurant, but the high quality steaks and pasta are well worth the price(updated Mar 2023).
53.86928-122.777592Spicy Greens,5087 Domano Blvd,☏ +1 778-416-1616.Serves up home made Indian cuisine that will keep your taste buds popping. The food is very good and the prices very reasonable.(updated Mar 2023)
53.91665-122.780633Sushi97,104-892 Central Street E,☏ +1 250-612-0028.An awesome place to have sushi!
53.91667-122.745544Nancy O's,1261 3rd Ave,☏ +1 250-562-8066.Small 13-table restaurant with tons of character. Over 50 different beers available. Generous meal portions are created from raw ingredients. It can get very busy, especially when there is live music - so reservations are recommended.(updated Mar 2023)
53.9103-122.760816Sticky's Candy,1600 15th Ave, Prince George, BC V2L 3X3,☏ +12505969446.A locally owned candy store that also has ice cream, bubble tea, and other treats.(updated Jun 2023)
Drink
Prince George has many fine pubs and bars around town, some favourites include:
53.92134-122.769711BX Pub,433 Carney St,☏ +1 250-561-2900.A favourite among locals, has good food and cheap beer, located just west of downtown.(updated Mar 2023)
53.98503-122.801612Alpine Pub & Grill,6145 Kelly Rd S.Neat pub up in Hart Highlands, north of town. Very good food and low prices. Out of the way, but a good place to check out after an evening of skiing.(updated Mar 2023)
Sleep
There are numerous hotels & motels in Prince George, along Highway 97/Central, along Highway 16 West, and downtown. For those seeking hostel level accommodations Prince George is not particularly well equipped to suit that style of travel. Camping is available in the outskirts of the city.
53.913734-122.7500731Coast Inn of the North,770 Brunswick St(8th Ave & Brunswick St),☏ +1 250 563-0121.Generally considered the high-end accommodation in Prince George.$150 and up in summer.(updated Jul 2020)
53.914817-122.7429332Ramada Prince George,444 George St,☏ +1 250 563-0055,toll-free: +1-800-830-8833.Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon.190-room hotel with one king/two queen standard rooms and some suites. Amenities include fitness center, indoor swimming pool and whirlpool.$140 and up in summer.(updated Jul 2020)
53.894924-122.7627513Prestige Treasure Cove Hotel,2005 Hwy 97 S(SE corner of Hwy 97 & Hwy 16),☏ +1 250 614-9111,toll-free: +1-877-614-9111.80-room hotel attached to the Treasure Cove Casino. Amenities include complimentary continental breakfast, pool with waterslide and fitness centre.$170 and up in summer.(updated Jul 2020)
53.9149-122.784176Super 8 by Wyndham Prince George,1151 Commercial Cres,☏ +1 250-980-3946.Hotel and restaurant with a swimming pool, steam room, whirlpool baths and water slides.(updated Mar 2023)
53.8577-122.8140710Bon Voyage Motor Inn,4222 Highway 16,☏ +1-250-964-2333.This motel is somewhat outside of the city. Connected to Bon Voyage shopping plaza.(updated Mar 2023)
From 2010 to 2012, Maclean's magazine listed Prince George as one of the most dangerous cities in Canada. Expect gang wars and drug abuse, even though this has been declined over the years; travel with caution. Violence is however largely restricted to the drug gangs. People not involved in the drug trade are at little risk.
This city travel guide to Prince Georgeis a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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