Prince George City Guide

Prince George is the largest city in northern British Columbia, located at the intersection of Highway 97 and Highway 16 just east of the province's geological centre. The city sits in a deep bowl formed between the Nechako River and the larger Fraser River, with a population of 89,490. Known as BC's Northern Capital, it serves as the economic, administrative, and transportation hub for a vast northern region. The local economy generates $5.7 billion in household and business incomes, amounting to $63,505 per resident - 6.6% above the BC provincial average. Health care and social assistance, retail trade, and construction represent 38% of regional employment. The real estate market recorded 1,335 sales in 2025 with the average price rising to $491,000 (up from $467,000 in 2024). Strata properties average $273,000, and median rents of $1,490/month sit 22% below the national average. Browse all Prince George listings, explore our market trends analysis, discover the most expensive homes, or compare the best neighbourhoods.

The housing stock spans from mid-century homes in the Bowl (downtown grid, built 1940s-1970s) to newer suburban development in College Heights and the Hart area. College Heights hosts the city's highest-assessed properties. South Fort George along the Fraser River features older character homes. The 2025 average sale price of $491,000 and strata median of $273,000 make Prince George significantly more affordable than the Lower Mainland or Okanagan. The market saw 1,335 sales in 2025, with conditions characterised as balanced - low inventory but fewer competing buyers. New home construction takes up to one year from start to completion. Renters pay a median of $1,273/month for a one-bedroom, $1,350/month for two bedrooms, and $2,198/month for three bedrooms (March 2026). Active rental areas include Millar, East Central Fort George, Van Bow, Spruceland, and Downtown Prince George. For current pricing data and trends, see our market trends analysis.

Prince George is shaped by its rivers and boreal forest. The region contains more than 1,600 lakes, rivers and streams within a 160-kilometre radius. The Forests for the World demonstration forest offers 18 kilometres of trails through old-growth forest, while the Heritage River Trail follows the Fraser and Nechako Rivers through the city. Powder King ski hill provides downhill skiing in winter; the city experiences roughly five months of winter with conditions well suited to winter sports. Downtown anchors include Two Rivers Gallery at 725 Canada Games Way - which maintains a public collection of 425 artworks and runs up to 12 exhibitions annually with an A designation for international museum standards - alongside the Exploration Place museum (First Nations heritage and natural science), the Railway and Forestry Museum (largest vintage rail collection in BC), the Prince George Astronomical Observatory, Huble Homestead historic site, and the Prince George Playhouse. The Prince George Cougars play WHL hockey at CN Centre.

Prince George sits at the intersection of Highway 97 (Vancouver 780 km south; Dawson Creek north) and Highway 16 (Prince Rupert west; Edmonton east). Residents can drive across the city in under 30 minutes. Prince George Airport (YXS) is an international airport operated by the Prince George Airport Authority, offering non-stop daily service to Vancouver with connecting flights nationally and internationally; terminal hours are 3:30am to 12:30am, with parking at $2/hour or $15/day. BC Transit operates local bus service. VIA Rail's Jasper to Prince Rupert route stops in Prince George, and CN Rail operates major freight facilities. Arterial roads include 15th Avenue, Victoria Street, and the Highway 97 bypass. River corridor trails provide off-road cycling routes.

The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) at 3333 University Way is one of Canada's best small universities and one of BC's research-intensive institutions. It sits on the unceded traditional territory of the Lheidli T'enneh and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in environmental science, health sciences, business, and northern studies. Its motto En Cha Huna - from the Dakelh language, meaning "respecting all forms of life" - reflects its commitment to Indigenous reconciliation and experiential learning. The College of New Caledonia (CNC), founded in 1969, enrolls approximately 5,000 students annually across six campuses (Prince George, Burns Lake, Fort St. James, Mackenzie, Quesnel, Vanderhoof), serving a 117,500 sq km region with a population of over 148,000. CNC offers trades, technology, health sciences, early childhood education, business, and university transfer programs. School District 57 operates elementary and secondary schools citywide, including Duchess Park, Prince George, and D.P. Todd secondary schools, with French immersion and Catholic school options available.

University Hospital of Northern BC in Prince George is the regional referral centre for all of northern BC under the Northern Health Authority, which serves 30+ communities across 14 First Nations territories. Northern Health provides cardiac diagnostics, imaging, surgical and respiratory care, mental health and substance use programs, home health, assisted living, maternity services, and Indigenous health programs. Recreation facilities include the Aquatic Centre, Four Seasons Pool, and multiple community arenas. Pine Centre Mall and the Victoria Street corridor serve retail needs. Forests for the World (18 km of old-growth trails), the Heritage River Trail, and Crooked River Provincial Park anchor outdoor recreation. Two Rivers Gallery, Exploration Place, the Railway and Forestry Museum, the Astronomical Observatory, and CN Centre anchor cultural and sports programming.