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- For other places with the same name, see Prince George (disambiguation).
Prince George is 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 located at the crossroads of highway 16 (East-West) and highway 97 (north-south). It is situated in a large valley at the confluence of the Fraser river and the Nechako river, both significant, high flow rivers.
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.
In spite of several interesting and exciting natural features, and a few notable museums, a superb Prince George Folkfest in July, a fabulous art gallery, a fantastic seasonal farmer's market, and many other attempts by the city to make Prince George an interesting tourist destination, Prince George remains a stop; a service center for transiting tourists, and not a destination on most travelers' itineraries.
[edit] Get in
Air
Air Canada [1] and Westjet [2] have regular, direct service from Vancouver, BC as well as connecting service to the rest of Canada. The Prince George Airport is located half an hour out of town. There is Taxi service available, as well the PG Airporter[3] offers shuttle service to major hotels in town.
Car
Prince George is located at the intersection of TransCanada 16 and Provincial Highway 97. It's a 10 hour drive north from Vancouver, and a 10 hour drive west from Edmonton. Prince George has all services in town, including dealerships for most major car manufacturers. Prince George is a frequent stop for people en route to travel the Alaska Highway.
Bus
Greyhound Canada[4] has frequent service north to Dawson Creek, Fort St. John and Whitehorse; south to Vancouver, Kamloops and Kelowna; east to Jasper, and Edmonton, and west to Terrace and Prince Rupert. The bus terminal located at 1198 Victoria Street.
Rail
VIA Rail Canada[5] offers service west to Prince Rupert and east to Jasper. The train runs once a day, east and west on alternating days. The station is located at 1300 1st avenue. It is open only during arrivals and departures of the train in the early morning and late evening.
[edit] Get around
Public Transit
BC Transit[6] operates Prince George's public transit system, which features 14 bus lines. The service is some what reliable with most buses running once every half hour. Fare options include single rides ($2.00/adult, $1.50/child) day passes ($4.50/adult, $4.00/child).
Taxi
Prince George has several taxi companies, the major ones are:
- Prince George Taxi - +250 564 4444
- Emerald Taxi - +250 563 3333
Cab rates in Prince George are comparable to rates in other medium sized cities in North America.
Car
Personal car is the easiest way to get around P.G. Most major rental outlets in North America have offices in town, as well as at the airport.
- Mr. PG: 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. Mr. PG has been successfully burned down by repeated arson attempts, and is now constructed of fire-proof metal.
- University of Northern British Columbia Grounds: Located high up above town, the view from campus is spectacular. There are lots of hiking trails and mountain bike paths in this area.
- Fort George Park: Located just outside of downtown, Fort George is a pleasant river side park with a large playground.
- Connaught Hill - 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.
- Prince George Courthouse: This impressive, new building features a prominent dome roof.
- Nechako River Cutbanks: These large banks of sand along the Nechako river are an impressive view. In mid-summer, the cutbanks host the Prince George Sandblast, where competitors ski and snow (sand?) board down the sandy cutbanks to the city below. This competition has been featured in several of Warren Miller's ski movies over the years.
Sightseeing
- The Exploration Place:[7] This small museum located 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. Admission is $8.95 for adults, $5.95 for children, students and seniors.
- Prince George Railway & Forestry Museum:[8] is located north 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 railroad that operates seasonly and offers rides around the museum ground. Admission is $6.00 for adults, $3.00 for children.
- Huble Homestead [9] This historic site located 40km north of Prince George just off Highway 97 consists of the house of trader Al Huble, who arrived in 1904, and 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.
- Two Rivers Art Gallery:[10] This large, public art gallery is located right 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 low admission price. Admission is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children.
Activities
- Skiing: There are several ski areas around town. Hart Highlands is a small hill located right in town. 1/2 and hour west is Tabor ski area, another 1/2 hour west is Purden ski area. Both of these feature fairly long runs and interesting terrain.
Prince George is mostly a suburban community. This means that the major shopping areas are in shopping centers, usually filled with the typical chain stores you see everywhere. The major shopping centres in Prince George are: Pine Centre Mall and Parkwood Mall which are standard shopping centres. Theres also several 'big box' style retailers, including a Walmart west of town along highway 16.
Prince George also has a small downtown area, which has several local stores. Some of the more interesting ones are the very unique Centre City Surplus: which is a classic style outfitting shop; Books & Company, located on the edge of downtown is a very nice, local book shop that features books by local authors. The downtown area has struggled to compete with the malls. There have been several revitalization efforts.
Many young entrepreneurs have decided to take a chance by opening their businesses downtown and give a pulse back to the core of Prince George. Some of these businesses are Meow Records, Plateau Clothing Co, Ruins, Riot Clothing, and there's more to follow.
Prince George has many fine pubs and bars around town, some favorites include:
- The BX: A favorite among locals, has good food and cheap beer, located just west of downtown.
- JJ's: Located across from the multiplex, has very good food, but the prices are steep.
- Sergeant's: Located in the basement of the coast hotel, an Irish style bar with cheep beer and friendly staff. Often features local bands.
- The Generator: The 'gennie' is THE Saturday night hang out spot in Prince George. Drinks are cheap and the music's bad. The friendliest bouncer in the world mans the door (think 55 year old obese woman who likes to have a GOOD time). The scene has earned the bar the nickname 'the penetrator' for obvious reasons. Cover is typically $5.00 Drinks are 3-5 bucks for highballs and beers.
- The Cadillac Ranch: Located in the heart of down town, features country music every night. Great place if you know how to two-step (or get one of the cougars to show you how). Cover is typically $4.00.
- The Rum Jungle: The place to be for the younger crowd on Saturday night (The Cadillac is your best bet if you're over 25). Free cover charge for girls, and good music. Thankfully, no live bands.
- The Westwood: Used to be a real dive, nowadays it's a fairly classy sports pub, with big TV's and expensive food. Located on Westwood Dr, South of Pine Centre Mall.
- The College Heights Pub: Located in the suburb of College Heights, a way south of town. This English-style pub has very good food, but steep prices.
- The Alpine: Neat pub located 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.
There are numerous motels in Prince George, along Highway 97/Central, along Highway 16 West, and downtown.
- The Coast in of the North, located downtown, is generally considered the high-end accomodation in Prince George.
- Esther's Inn, just off Central, is popular with families with children because in addition to hotel rooms and a restaurant it has a swimming pool, a steam room, whirlpool baths, and water slides.
[edit] Get out
