City

Prince George

Canada. Prince George is the capital of Northern BC. It's a rugged, friendly city surrounded by wilderness. It's the perfect base for outdoor adventures, from fishing and hiking to skiing, and a vital stop on the way to Alaska or the Rockies.

Country guide: Canada
Vibe: North • Nature • Hub
Prince George — city view
Photo: Tim Wenzel · license
In Short: Gateway to the North
  • The Ancient Forest/Chun T'oh Whudujut is a stunning inland rainforest with giant cedars (1 hour east).
  • Mr. PG is the city's mascot—a giant log man you have to take a selfie with.
  • The Railway and Forestry Museum showcases the region's industrial history with old trains.
  • Cottonwood Island Park is great for walking and spotting beavers in the river.
  • It's a major hub—roads (Hwy 16/97) and rails meet here.

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When to go: Summer or Winter

Summer is great for camping and hiking. Long days.

Winter is cold but sunny—perfect for snowmobiling and skiing.

  • Best: Summer.
  • Winter: Snow sports.
  • Fall: Hunting.

Getting there: Fly or Drive

Prince George Airport (YXS) has flights from Vancouver. It's 15 mins from town.

Driving from Vancouver takes 9-10 hours through the Fraser Canyon.

  • Airport: YXS.
  • Drive: Scenic.
  • Train: VIA Rail (Jasper-Prince Rupert).

Where to stay: Downtown or Highway

Downtown has the Coast and Ramada hotels. Highway 97 strip has motels.

Camping is popular nearby.

  • Downtown: Central.
  • Highway: Motels.
  • Camping: Lakes.

What to see: Mr. PG and Trains

See Mr. PG at the junction. Visit the Railway Museum. Walk the Heritage River Trail.

Go to the Ancient Forest (it's a provincial park).

  • Mr. PG: Icon.
  • Museum: Trains.
  • Forest: Cedars.
  • Winery: Northern Lights.
Prince George — travel photo
Photo: RadRafe · license

Food: Pubs and Steak

Hearty food rules here. Steak and burgers. Northern Lights Winery has a great bistro.

Betulla Burning makes amazing pizza.

  • Winery: Fruit wine.
  • Pubs: Local beer.
  • Steak: Alberta beef.
  • Pizza: Wood-fired.

Getting around: Car

You need a car. Public transit is limited.

Everything is spread out.

  • Car: Essential.
  • Transit: Limited.
  • Walk: Trails.

Budget: Affordable

Hotels and food are cheaper than in Southern BC.

Nature is free.

  • Hotels: Reasonable.
  • Food: Good value.
  • Gas: Cheaper.

1 Day in Prince George

Morning: Railway and Forestry Museum. Selfie with Mr. PG.

Lunch: Downtown pub.

Afternoon: Drive to the Ancient Forest for a hike.

Evening: Dinner at Northern Lights Winery.

  • Morning: History.
  • Afternoon: Nature.
  • Evening: Wine.

FAQ

Is it cold?

In winter, yes (-20°C is common). Summer can be +30°C.

Are there bears?

Yes, black bears are common around the city. Be bear aware.

What is the smell?

Sometimes you can smell the pulp mills. Locals call it 'the smell of money'.

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