Prince George in British Columbia is the winter vacation spot you didn’t know your adventurous spirit was missing.
Prince George is located almost precisely in the middle of the province of British Columbia. It’s an area treasured by those in the know for its outdoor pursuits and family-friendly activities. It’s a less travelled area of the province making it the perfect spot for adventurers who aren’t content to do what everyone else is doing.
Getting there is part of the fun. Of course, you can take the easy way and fly into the Prince George airport on a direct flight from Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Edmonton, Calgary, Terrace or Fort Nelson. There are new connecting flights from Vancouver Island via Kelowna. But if the journey is part of the pleasure for you, the drives along the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) running East to West, or Highway 97 running North to South are a scenic introduction to the lush interior of the province.
Gateway to Northern B.C. winter adventures
Tourism Prince George calls the city of just under 80,000 the “Basecamp to the North.” It’s a nickname that suits, with a plethora of parks and natural areas where outdoor enthusiasts can make the most of the region’s forests and abundant snowfall.
Snowshoeing, skiing, fat biking, skating, and snowmobiling are the most popular ways to explore the area, and anyone looking for a place to set out and get closer to nature is spoiled for choice.
Located in the vicinity of Prince George are Livingston Springs, Ferguson Lake, Eskers Provincial Park, Tabor Mountain Recreation Trails, Wilkins Park and Raven Lake, each with trails and winter activities that will have you yearning to return next winter.
A little further out, about a two-hour drive from the city, is Powder King Mountain Resort, a ski and snowboard resort known for its fluffy powder. A little closer to town, you’ll find the smaller resorts of Purden Ski Village and Hart Ski Hill, the latter of which is within city limits.
For an adventure you can’t find anywhere else, head out to Ancient Forest/Chun T’oh Whudujut Park, about an hour east of the city. The provincially protected park is a unique blend of the only inland rainforest in the world and boreal forest. The boardwalk pathway through the park is prime snowshoe territory.
Not your average city break
You don’t even have to leave the city to find winter adventures. Within the city’s boundaries (about 15 minutes from downtown) you’ll find the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club, which has an extensive trail system with options for expert cross-country skiers as well as newbies. Forests for the World has more than 15 kilometres of trails around Shane Lake and through the forest. The Prince George Outdoor Ice Oval is a well-maintained spot to get in some serene laps. The premier park in Prince George is Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park, a gorgeous place to take a winter walk and recognize the contemporary and ancient history of the Indigenous Peoples who have made their homes here and continue to make the community a vibrant place to be.
Prince George is filled with fun for families, too. Active families will want to take advantage of the outdoor adventures, but that’s not where the all-ages fun ends. The Central B.C. Railway and Forestry Museum is a local favorite, especially popular with families. Set on eight acres of land, the museum has locomotive and train cars, some of which you can climb on and explore, rolling stock, historical logging machines, and railway buildings.
Everything you need for the perfect vacation
Another can’t-miss spot for families is The Exploration Place Museum and Science Centre. Set in the Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park, it’s the largest museum and only science centre in the region. Visitors of all ages delight in hands-on learning in the new Explorations Gallery, complete with a climbing structure. There are live “animal ambassadors” in the Biome, plus historical exhibits and natural history displays. Plan to stay at least an hour and a half to see everything.
After all the exploring, you’ll need to refuel and refresh. Prince George has some delightful restaurants, featuring everything you crave, from global flavours to home-cooked comfort food. The city also has a happening beer scene, with plenty of local breweries and microbreweries to sample from.
Lay your head to rest after your day in the snow at one of the city’s cozy lodging options. Prince George has a host of options, including traditional hotels and motels, vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts, winter campsites, and riverside cabins.
Prince George is your basecamp for winter adventures. Visit tourismpg.com for more info on making your trip to the snowy wonderland a reality.
