Things To Do
in Prince George
Prince George is the largest city in northern British Columbia and a regional hub for industry, education, and outdoor recreation. It sits where the Fraser and Nechako rivers meet, surrounded by forests, lakes and mountains that invite year-round activities. The city blends a working-resource-town character with a growing arts scene, shops, and restaurants serving local ingredients.
Visitors find easy access to wilderness day trips while still enjoying the conveniences of a mid-sized Canadian city.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the Exploration Place, where you can learn about the local history and indigenous culture. After enjoying a hearty breakfast at a nearby café, stroll through the historic downtown area admiring the heritage buildings and vibrant street art. Don't miss the chance to snap a few photos at the iconic Prince George Courthouse, a stunning example of early 20th-century architecture.
In the afternoon, enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants that serve delicious northern cuisine. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the Fraser River, where you can enjoy the scenic views and perhaps spot some local wildlife. Conclude your afternoon by visiting the Two Rivers Gallery, which showcases contemporary art and hosts community events.
As the sun sets, head to the nearby Connaught Hill Park for a picnic dinner while enjoying panoramic views of the city. After your meal, take a relaxing stroll through the park, where you can see the city lights begin to twinkle. End your evening with a visit to a local pub for some live music and a taste of Prince George's vibrant nightlife.
Start your day with breakfast at a local diner before heading to Forests for the World, a beautiful park featuring walking trails and educational displays. Spend your morning hiking the scenic trails, where you may encounter local wildlife such as deer and a variety of bird species. The park's unique blend of forest and wetland habitats makes it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts.
After a packed morning, enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, surrounded by the sounds of nature. In the afternoon, continue exploring the area by visiting the nearby Hartley Bay Marina, where you can take a guided boat tour on the Nechako River. Keep your eyes peeled for beavers, otters, and even the occasional eagle soaring overhead.
As dusk approaches, return to the city for a cozy dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant that showcases local ingredients. After dinner, take a walk along the riverfront, where you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and perhaps spot some evening wildlife. Finish your day with a nightcap at a local brewery, sampling some of the region's finest craft beers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Cafe coffee | $3-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within city) | $10-20 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-160 |
| ⛽Gas (per litre) | $1.50-1.90 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent access to forests, lakes and outdoor recreation within short drives
- Regional hub with amenities, restaurants and cultural attractions
- Strong craft brewery scene and local food producers
- Good base for exploring northern British Columbia and First Nations culture
- Long distances to major urban centres—travel between cities can be time-consuming
- Winter weather can be severe and limit some outdoor activities
- Less nightlife and fewer specialty shops than in larger cities
Places to Visit in Prince George
Visit one of these nice places.
Riverfront trails offer golden-hour views of the Fraser River, city skyline and bridges—good for sunrise/sunset cityscape shots.
Old-growth stands, boardwalks and panoramic viewpoints provide classic northern-forest scenes and seasonal color.
Ancient, moss-draped cedars and dramatic forest scenery are excellent for atmospheric nature photography.
Higher-elevation viewpoints give expansive photos of Prince George and surrounding valleys, especially in clear weather.
Downtown murals and public art projects make for colorful urban photography and portraits.
Food in Prince George
Prince George Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh or smoked salmon from B.C. is commonly available; try it at seafood restaurants or local markets like the Downtown Farmers’ Market when in season.
Must-Try!
Venison, elk or bison appear on menus at higher-end bistros and lodges—great for sampling regional flavours in autumn and winter.
Classic Canadian comfort food like poutine and hearty soups are widely available in diners and pubs across the city.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market (summer to early fall) with local produce, smoked fish, preserves and baked goods—ideal for trying local berries, honey and salmon jerky.
In warmer months you’ll find food trucks offering everything from tacos to pulled-pork sandwiches and fusion dishes near parks and events.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Residents value courtesy and patience—stand in line, say 'please' and 'thank you', and keep interactions polite.
Be respectful of First Nations lands and culture—ask before photographing cultural sites, and follow guidance when visiting Indigenous-run attractions.
Follow Leave No Trace principles when hiking or camping: pack out trash, respect wildlife, and follow signage for permitted activities.
Safety
Tipping in Prince George
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary in Canada—expect to tip 15–20% at full-service restaurants, $2–$5 for bar service or taxis, and round up for takeout or casual services.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Interac) are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common. Carry some cash for small vendors, farmers’ market stalls and remote areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days (often pleasant and dry), long daylight hours and many festivals; ideal for hiking, canoeing and outdoor markets. Mosquitoes can be noticeable near wetlands and lakes—bring repellent.
Crisp air and colorful foliage make it a scenic time for drives and hikes; temperatures cool quickly and rain becomes more common later in the season.
Cold, snowy winters with sub-freezing temperatures and short daylight hours; excellent for skiing, snowshoeing and winter festivals but dress warmly and be prepared for icy conditions.
Thawing snow and muddy trails as temperatures moderate; good time for birdwatching and early wildflowers but expect variable weather and some closed backcountry roads.
Prince George at Night
Hiking in Prince George
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular network of trails and boardwalks near the city with short loops, viewpoints and interpretive signage—good for families and photographers.
A protected old-growth area offering boardwalk access to towering cedars and ancient forest ecosystems; plan for a day trip and follow park guidance.
Mixed forest and ridge trails with panoramic views—suitable for moderate hikes and mountain biking in summer.
Trail networks around Purden Lake include lakeside walks, forest trails and access to water recreation—popular in warm months.
Airports
How to reach Prince George by plane.
The main regional airport with scheduled flights to Vancouver and other BC destinations; easily reachable by a short drive or taxi from downtown.
Major international hub offering extensive domestic and international connections—reachable by a short flight to Prince George or a long drive; useful for international visitors connecting to Prince George.
Smaller regional airport south of Prince George serving local flights and charter services; useful for accessing communities to the south.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Prince George is on the traditional territories of several First Nations, and Indigenous communities are an important part of the region’s culture and population.
A large portion of the population is of European ancestry, reflecting historic settlement patterns tied to forestry, mining and rail.
The city hosts visible-minority communities and newcomers who contribute to cultural diversity, small-business ownership and cultural events.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Hockey is a dominant sport at youth and community levels, with local rinks and junior teams drawing strong interest.
Curling clubs are active in winter months and form a strong part of community sports culture.
Nearby ski hills and cross-country networks make winter snow sports popular among residents and visitors.
Trails around the city are well used in summer—mountain biking is increasingly popular and supported by local shops and groups.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Prince George.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many cafes and restaurants offer vegetarian options like grain bowls, hearty salads and mushroom/cheese dishes; call ahead for larger groups or strict needs.
Vegan options are available at many cafes and some restaurants, but choices are more limited than in larger cities—plan ahead and check menus online.
Most restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests; bakeries and markets sometimes offer GF baked goods but check labeling and cross-contamination policies.