With its superb folk festival, rich fishing rivers, wonderful local produce and jaw-droppingly beautiful scenery, Prince George is one of Canada’s finest holiday destinations.
Located in the north of British Columbia, the town is host to a number of great attractions, including the fascinating Railway and Forestry Museum, as well as the historic Huble Homestead, which shows how life was lived in the area over 100 years ago. The city centre also has plenty of eateries, with a cosmopolitan selection that includes sushi, Italian, Indian and Canadian barbecue options.
But it’s outside the centre that Prince George really enchants visitors. Close to the town there are miles and miles of beautiful trails at locations such as Fort George Park and Goodsir Nature Park. There are also specially maintained mountain biking trails at Pidherny and Cranbrook Hill and lake side beaches as well.
Between November and March the area is blanketed by snow, but that doesn’t stop Prince George being a tourist destination. Use the town as a base from which to visit ski resorts like Powder King or take a special helicopter to the more remote slopes at Bearpaw. Rent a snowmobile and explore the forests or attend an ice hockey match, try dog sledding or just take in the many winter illuminations provided by the town.
Winter is also festival season – with the Coldsnap Festival the highlight in Prince George’s hectic cultural calendar.
In summer, everything is different, but no less enticing. Rent canoes or kayaks, try geocaching, see some exhilarating drag racing at North Central Motorsport Park or enjoy a round of golf in the fresh air. Summer also sees irresistible food festivals featuring local produce that no visitor will want to miss.
The bus service is reliable and regular, but won’t be of much use in reaching ski resorts and some sights of natural beauty during the summer. Instead, renting a car is the best option. Most outlets will have offices in the centre of Prince George.