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History
The origins of Prince George can be traced to the fur trading post of Fort George, established
in 1807 by Simon Fraser. The post was centered in the centuries-old homeland of the Lheidli T'Enneh
First Nation. Agricultural settlement around Fort George began about 1906 when it was realized that
the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway (later Canadian National Rail) would pass near the fur post. The
railway arrived in 1914 and construction of the railway townsite commenced. The City of Prince
George was incorporated on March 6, 1915.
Location
Prince George is situated where the Nechako River joins the Fraser River, near the center of
British Columbia. Surrounding the City are the lake-dotted, rolling hills of the Nechako Plateau.
The north-south Highway 97 and the east-west Highway 16 intersect at Prince George. The City is
also the junction of the British Columbia and Canadian National Railways.
Prince George is a very large city in terms of landmass, stretching a total area of 32,271 ha
(over 13,000 acres). The City is 786 kilometres (472 miles) northeast of Vancouver, BC, 789
kilometres (474 miles) northwest of Calgary, Alberta, and 2800 kilometres (1680 miles) southeast
of Anchorage, Alaska.
Places to See
- The Exploration Place
The newly expanded 23,000 square foot Museum boasts a Children's Museum, the Canfor Explorations
Gallery with hands-on natural history and science activities, Simex Adventure Theatre, a First
Nations Gallery, and a History Hall depicting the cultural and human history of this region.
- Prince George Railway and Forestry Museum
Prince George Railway & Forestry Museum is located at 850 River Road, beside Cottonwood Island Park.
The Museum has a gift shop, over 60 pieces of railway cars, and many other displays. It is open from
mid-May to September.
- Two Rivers Gallery
The Two Rivers Gallery is a vital centre for visual art in Prince George and the central interior of
British Columbia. It is run by the nonprofit Prince George Regional Art Gallery Association with a
mission to encourage lifelong learning through the arts, create an environment for vigorous
artistic and cultural expression, and provide opportunities for diverse experiences through participation
and exhibition.
- Huble Homestead
A fully-restored turn-of-the-century trading post on the banks of the Fraser River, just 40 kilometres
north of Prince George off Highway 97. The Huble Homestead includes the original log home, a general store,
farm animals, and other heritage buildings. Open daily 10am to 5pm from the May long weekend to the Labour
Day weekend.
- Prince George Symphony Orchestra
A high-calibre symphony orchestra, with its busy roster of performing guests and talented local performing
members, conducts many concerts appealing to all types of music listeners.
Things to Do
- Play Sports!
Hockey, baseball, soccer, rugby, football, figure skating, track and field, golf, gymnastics,
swimming and diving, curling, skiing, snowboarding, biking, auto racing, and even chuckwagon
racing - you name it and there is probably a club or a team playing it in Prince George.
No doubt about it, this is a sports crazy town. Whether playing sandlot softball or watching
the Western Hockey League's popular Prince George Cougars take to the ice in front of 6000
screaming fans, residents of the city always 'give 110 per cent.' So prepare for action and
excitement. And prepare to be part of it!
- Hiking!
Hiking opportunities abound in the Prince George area, from day excursions to backwoods backpacking
to horseback tours to, believe it or not, Llama trekking. Great rock climbing, caving, and in the
winter, ice-climbing can be had in every direction.
Package tours can also be arranged. Canoe down a portion of the mighty Fraser River and then spend
the rest of the day hiking through wilderness trails. Or combine llama trekking or horseback riding
with a day-long river trip via pontoon boat or river jetboat.
- Fishing! Hunting!
With over 1600 lakes and streams within an hour of Prince George, the central interior offers world-class
angling all year long. Area waterways are uncrowded by people and are teeming with rainbow trout, arctic
grayling, Rocky Mountain whitefish, kokanee, bull trout, lake trout and burbot.
If big game is what you're after, opportunity abounds, whether you're looking to bag a trophy or simply
capture wildlife on a strip of film. A large variety of guide-outfitters can take you to where the animals
are.
- Canoeing! Boating!
Canoes have been a form of transportation in BC for centuries. Now they transport you to the most remote of
settings for true backwoods adventure. Kayakers will also find ample opportunity to shoot the rapids or just
enjoy a quiet paddle on a pristine lake.
A number of lakes allow jet-skis, water-skiing and pleasure crafts. River jetboat excursions are also
available to take you where few have gone before. Wild whitewater can be had on river rafting expeditions
just hours from town.
- Golfing!
If you enjoy communing with nature of a groomed kind, you'll think you've died and gone to golf heaven when
you arrive in Prince George. The city is fast becoming the golfing destination of northern British Columbia,
with seven courses offering over 30,000 yards of fairway to challenge any skill level.
- Camping!
Breathe in a blend of pine needles and wood smoke just feet from the lake's edge as you enjoy your morning
coffee in one of dozens of isolated backwoods campsites as close as 30 minutes from the city. Or park your
home-away-from-home on the edge of town.
You won't find a better selection of full-service campgrounds and R.V. Parks than in Prince George, where
six parks with full amenities are located within city limits. Three more sit on nature's front porch 50
kilometres (30 miles) or less from downtown.
- Snowshoeing! Skiing! Snowmobiling!
In the winter, exchange your hiking boots for a pair of snowshoes and make tracks into the bush. Nordic
skiing opportunities are limitless, from groomed trails to sparkling, snow-covered backcountry.
If sliding downhill is more your speed, strap on a board or two and get powdered at one of our local ski
hills. Or switch on the engine and join brigades of local snowmobiling enthusiasts on hundreds of miles
of groomed trails and limitless backcountry sledding throughout the region.
Some other popular winter activities include:
- Cross-country skiing at Forests For the World.
- Snowshoeing at Moore's Meadow.
- Skating at one of the city's public facilities or outdoor rinks throughout the city.
- Sledding at Carney Hill, Rainbow Park or Moore's Meadow Park.
- Taking snowboard/ski lessons from one of the local ski hills.
- Picking up a Park & Trail Guide and exploring Prince George Parks.
Events
- Farmer's Market
The Prince George Farmers' Market is one of the summer favourites of Downtown Prince George.
The Farmers' Market offers a wonderful selection of locally grown vegetables and herbs, in-season
fruits, specialty meats, breads & baking, sweet and savoury preserves, soaps, plants and cut flowers,
wood crafts, art, clothing and jewellery.
- Friendship Day
Celebrate your friends by participating in Friendship Day! Bring 2 items or more for the Salvation
Army Food Bank and receive 6 Roses- 1 for yourself and 5 to give to your friends and help raise
5000 lbs of food. Rose giveaways while quantities last, on a first come, first served basis.
- Multicultural Drum Festival
Come out to see drums and dances from around the world. Performances will take place on stage, and a
strawberry pancake breakfast will be served in the morning. At noon, there is a BBQ with hot dogs,
corn on the cob, and international foods. Pony rides, storytellers, riverboat rides, and handmade
gifts and collectibles will also be available. Admission by donation.
- Summerfest
Summerfest is a Prince George summer tradition! The event starts with a kids' parade in
front of the Farmers' Market, kicking off a full day of good old family entertainment. Ethnic food,
crafts, activities, and family attractions are spread throughout the day!
Notable Comments
- Will you be my friend? This is the question Morg the space traveller from Mars asked when he
arrived at this year's annual Friendship Day festival in Prince George. Unfortunately, his English
was completely indecipherable due to his multiple tongues, and his face- fresh from a trans-Neptunian
makeover- was so completely hideous to the eyes of Prince George's residents that chaos ensued as he
chased frightened townies around with his basket of fresh roses.
Order finally returned after Morg's mother (an extraterrestrial diplomat with years
of experience in dealing with Earth's rulers) arrived and took her complaining son back to his
spacecraft. Since then, Prince George's residents have learned to accept their encounter
with Morg, though there are still reports of many who wake up screaming after seeing his
alien visage.
- Logan Ashcroft, in an article for the Dawson Creek Inquirer
- "I like Prince George!"
- Delores Clayburn, an enthusiastic eight-year old from Kamloops
Contact Information
City of Prince George
City Hall Service Centre
1100 Patricia Boulevard
Prince George, BC V2L 3V9
Telephone: 250-561-7600
Fax: 250-612-5605
Email: servicecentre@city.pg.bc.ca
Website: http://www.city.pg.bc.ca
Tourism Prince George
#101- 1300 First Avenue
Prince George, BC V2L 2Y3
Toll Free: 1-800-668-7646
Telephone: 250-562-3700
Fax: 250.564.9807
E-mail: info@tourismpg.com
Website: www.tourismpg.com
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