Prince George offers so many things to do, and the real estate market has seen a lot of growth in recent years. If you’re considering buying property or investing in Prince George real estate, this page will give you some information about what life is like in Prince George and what’s available for purchase in the area.
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Area Information | Things To Do | Day Trips
About Prince George, BC
The history of Prince George, as a Canadian city, begins in the late 1800s. Forestry and agriculture were important industries for the area, but it wasn’t until 1914 that Prince George became incorporated as a town with more than 5000 residents. The economy is still driven by forestry, but now it’s also driven by natural gas extraction from coal beds, tourism, farming (hay production), and manufacturing of items like farm machinery, paper, and lumber.
Those who call Prince George home enjoy it because it’s a slower pace of life, with the city being more spread out than a larger hub like Vancouver. The size of Prince George makes it possible to find plenty of outdoor activities, places to explore, and natural wonders to enjoy. Skiing is popular among Prince George residents and visitors alike – there are five ski hills within an hour’s drive from town. For those looking for some calmer activities, Prince George has several cycling and walking trails. The city also has many great public amenities to enjoy, from the sprawling Paulatuk Memorial Gardens Park to spectacular mountain views day or night.
Prince George has been rated the “Best Place to Raise Kids” by MoneySense magazine for four years in a row and is ranked as one of Canada’s top-five most affordable places to live. Local schools in Prince George are of high quality, and they offer a wide variety of programs for students at all levels.
Prince Gorge Real Estate Market
The real estate market in Prince George is a diverse mix of older and newer homes. There are a number of new subdivisions in the city, but many people prefer to renovate an old home or settle down in one that has been passed down through generations. A majority of the homes in Prince George are single-family detached, and the average home price is just over $300,000. Settling in Prince George is best for those who enjoy a slower pace and the peace of mind that comes from being surrounded by natural beauty.
Prince George Transportation
If you’re wondering about how to get around Prince George, there are a few different options. If you have a car, this is the best way to experience all that your new town has to offer! However, parking downtown is primarily street and metered parking, so if you want to avoid that, a different method may be best. In that case, there are public buses you can use for transport if you want to save some money and explore on foot. Finally, Prince George also offers bikes to rent to help you move about the city if that’s your preferred method.
Distance to Nearby Cities
- 516km (320 miles) from Vancouver
- 521km (323 miles) from Burnaby
- 535km (332 miles) from Surrey
- 611km (379 miles) from Victoria
Things To Do in Prince George, BC
Prince George offers nature loving residents plenty of different options to explore. Between parks, recreation areas and the amazing outdoor adventures that surround Prince George, residents always have something to do. Here are some top picks for things to do around Prince George:
- Northern Lights Estate Winery
- Northern Lights Estate Winery is a family owned and operated winery that has been around for over 35 years. It offers visitors an opportunity to taste the best wines in Canada, as well as explore Prince George’s premier wine country.
- Cottonwood Island Nature Park
- Cottonwood Island Nature Park is a popular Prince George destination for residents and visitors. It offers plenty of different outdoor activities including nature walks, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and bird watching.
- Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park
- Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park is an urban park that offers residents a chance to enjoy the beauty that Prince George has to offer. A favorite destination for kids, it has plenty of play equipment and picnic areas.
- Prince George Railway Museum
- The Prince George Railway Museum is a popular destination for families and history buffs. It offers visitors the chance to explore and travel through time by train, bus, or horse-drawn wagon.
- The Exploration Place Museum and Science Centre
- The Exploration Place Museum and Science Centre is a place for people of all ages to learn about the world around them. Visitors can explore natural history, human geography, and science experiments from other cultures.
- Huble Homestead Historic Site
- Dine, drink, and lounge at Huble Homestead. This restaurant offers a unique experience from their delicious dinner menu to the live entertainment on stage every night of the week.
- Purden Lake Provincial Park
- This beautiful provincial park offers visitors a chance to canoe, hike and camp. Beautifully clear water makes it a perfect spot for fishing, and ample space makes for plenty of room to relax outdoors.
- Teapot Mountain
- Teapot Mountain is one of the most popular hikes in Prince George. Named for its teapot-shaped peak, it’s a perfect hike for families and has spectacular views at the top!
- Connaught Hill Park
- Connaught Hill Park is a popular spot for Prince George residents to go walking, cycling, or just relax. There are plenty of trails that offer beautiful views of the city and Fraser River Valley below.
- CrossRoads Brewing & Distillery
- As Prince George’s only brewery and distillery, this spot has plenty of outdoor seating, great food, live music on Saturdays, and a large selection of microbrews and hand-crafted spirits!
Prince George Day Trips
If you’re looking to explore British Columbia outside of Prince George, there are several day trips to choose from. A majority of Prince George day trips will offer an expanded look of the area’s beauty and natural wonder. Here are some of our favorites:
- Fort Fraser – Fort Fraser was established by the Hudson Bay Company in 1862 where it served as a trading post and fur-gathering depot. It’s about a two-hour drive northeast of Prince George and is one of the best preserved historic buildings in British Columbia.
- Barkerville, BC – Barkerville National Historic Site is located a few hours away from Prince George, opening for most of the summer months. The reception centre is open from 8am to 6:30pm during the summer months, and you should visit Barkerville in two days unless you’re traveling with kids.
- Fort St. James, BC – Another nearby historic site, Fort St. James National Historic Site, is only 3 hours northwest of Prince George and features weekend events on gorgeous Stewart Lake. Visit Woody’s in Vanderhoof for freshly baked goods before taking a day dip- it’s worth it!
- The Ancient Forest/Chun T’oh Whudujut Park – An hour’s drive east on Highway 16 from Prince George, The Ancient Forest is an inland rainforest protected area. There are trails with options depending on how much time you want to spend here. For those unable to use wood planks there is a 15 minute wheelchair-accessible portion of the trail that provides access to some of the falls view
