(about Prince George Canada, BC Canada, last edited on Nov 23, 2007)
The location of a city is very important and it can make a big difference in its development. It is obvious that the first settlers had this crucial point in mind and they have chosen the confluence of two rivers: the Fraser and Nechako rivers as a location for the settlement that was to become Prince George.
It is this location that helped the city flourish both economically and from a touristic point of view. Now the city is the largest in northern British Columbia with and economy based on lumber and tourism, the city being surrounded by vast forests. Lots of paper is produced here and the prosperity this industry has brought to the inhabitants can be seen in the presence of such institutions like the University of Northern British Columbia.
Other imposing buildings like the Prince George Native Art Gallery and Two Rivers Gallery add to the city’s charm. Both galleries showcase the works of local and regional artists and you can see some birch-bark art, cedar-wood carvings, and other interesting things. The second gallery is located in the Civic Center Plaza, a perfect location for such an imposing building. You can buy some nice souvenirs from the gift shop.
After visiting all the nice buildings you can go on to visit the city’s parks and see how much connected it is to nature. You will be amazed by the number of parks: there are more than 120! of course it will take some time to see them all and maybe you won’t even have time for that but one of the must se parks is the 89-acre Fort George Park including lots of facilities. It is the perfect place for families. Adults can visit the history gallery, but kids will love it here too as there is a kid-focused science and nature museum a miniature railway and many more. Actually the whole city is a welcoming place for families as it is both safe and quiet.
The trails in Connaught Hill Park will give you a hint as how much green space there’s around and you will be able to get a great view of the Fraser River and downtown.
Downtown stretches along Third Avenue and George Street and it reveals the soul of the city: a combination of artists and rough lumber workers. People here are just the wood a combination of rough and soft parts. I’d like to think it’s more like soft inside and rough around the edges than the other way round!
Besides the attractions the city has to offer there are plenty of opportunities to visit the surroundings that provide great recreational opportunities in an area dominated by forested mountains, lakes, and mighty rivers and many take the city as the starting point for their exploration.
The city’s neighborly atmosphere and beautiful scenery create a warm community full of opportunity for all those who visit or live here.
