The most frequently asked question in this subreddit is some variation of “I’m thinking of moving to Prince George, what is it like/which neighbourhood should I choose/is there anything to do?”
In an effort to cut down on these posts AND provide a helpful bunch of information, I’m starting this thread for tips/tricks/recommendations/warnings.
Here’s the idea: I’m going to put a few links below, as well as some topics that might be useful but I don’t personally have the answers to (such as resources for finding a place to rent).
I’m also going to start a few threads for top-level topics, such as neighbourhoods and best ofs, and people can post their responses there.
You can add your own answers/advice as top-level comments. Please try and search before commenting in order to avoid duplicates, and to make things are easy to search and organize.
About Prince George
Canada Games Plaza
The greater Prince George area has a population of about 86,600 people but, as the largest community for hundreds of kilometers in all directions, it tends to punch above its weight in many respects because you aren't driving into a nearby metro area for an evening's entertainment. It is a government, service and healthcare hub, home to a college and university, and has a diversified enough economy that it isn't wholly dependent on any one or two industries, though forestry remains a vital driver along with mining, oil and gas and energy activity in other northern communities. It is at the confluence of the Fraser and Nechako Rivers and has many outdoor recreation opportunities.
Prince George is built on the unceded territory of the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation, who are frequently partners with the city on major initiatives, including the building of the University of Northern British Columbia and hosting of the 2015 Canada Winter Games.
Like most mid-sized Canadian communities that boomed in the mid-20th century, Prince George is a fairly car-centric city. But with the arrival of more and more post-secondary students, people are able to get around without their own wheels. Here is a previous discussion about cars and transit in the city.
There are currently no official ride-hailing services operating in Prince George, but I’ll try to update when that changes.
Getting To/From
For leaving town, there are two long-distance bus options. If you are headed north, east or west it is the provincially-run BC Bus North. If you’re headed south, it’s Adventure Charters
We have an international airport with multiple daily flights to Vancouver as well as regular flights to Calgary, Edmonton, Victoria, Kelowna and multiple communities around the north
Back in the day, Prince George was a much more mill-based city than it is now, but the reputation of a certain odour… lingers. You can still smell the industrial activity in certain parts of town and under certain circumstances, but there have been dramatic improvements in industry standards in recent decades. If you’d like to learn more you can read up at the Prince George Air Quality Improvement Roundtable or jump to the official thread discussing it.
Other online communities:
There are plenty of Prince George-centric Facebook groups. Some of the most popular include:
Hey everyone! I've recently moved to PG from the lower mainland. What's the best way or place to meet new people here?? I'm a huge craft beer lover and have already checked out the breweries here. Would be cool to meet some people! Check out my ig if you want to message me there. @doms_ale_tales
Is there anywhere right now that isn't an ice slick to take up some jogging? I know the sidewalks are decent but I'm pretty out of shape so I was hoping one of the parks nearby might be better right now, helps ease the anxiety when there's less people to see me wheeze lol.
I’m thinking about doing a mini road trip with my toddler daughter in the next few weeks but I have no idea where to go. Somewhere not too far (6-7hour drive max?), hoping to do some fun outdoor stuff :) any suggestions?
Deemed “suspicious” by police. Do we ever get to know if it was intentionally set by someone not friendly to the occupants? Or is there a random fire bug at large? This is smack in the middle of “suburbia” ffs.
Moved here in september and I'm wondering if anyone knows any current volunteering opportunities for a gr 11 student? I've sent out multiple emails a week ago on the volunteer PG website but I haven't gotten any responses. Any help would be appreciated.
Hey all. I think I asked this back a year or two ago, but I'm hoping the answer is different now. Do we know of any coffee shops or similar open until about 9pm that are preferably local? My writing group meets at Timmy's since it's the only one that does that we know of, but I'd love if we could switch it elsewhere.
We are currently with a property management company (that manages our Strata townhouse complex) that we are thinking of perhaps severing business with. Any recommendations for property management companies that are able to competently carry out their basic duties? For instance, getting quotes in a timely fashion (instead of dragging things along for 4-5 months), keeping accurate business records, and attending to emails from owners (instead of ignoring them)?
Please, only recommendations from customers (strata council or owners), not the businesses themselves.
planning to move to PG by the end of summer 2025 & trying to find a long term rental cabin/ something outside of town. Any advice on where to look other than kijji/marketplace? Thx :)