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.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
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 beginning, Prince George has diversified significantly.
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) 3 BC 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.
1 Mr. 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) 2 University 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) 3 Lheidli 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.
1 The 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) 2 Forests 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.
1 North 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). 2 Spicy 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) 3 Sushi97, 104-892 Central Street E, ☏ +1 250-612-0028. An awesome place to have sushi! 4 Nancy O's, 1261 3rd Ave, ☏ +1 250-562-8066. Small 13-table restaurant with tons of character. Over 50 different beers available.
Prince George has many fine pubs and bars around town, some favourites include: 1 BX 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) 2 Alpine 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)
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.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Prince George typically sees ~23°C daytime highs and 15 rainy days.
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