Prince George, British Columbia

Like most northern towns, Prince George traces its history back to the earliest days of Canadian settlement and the establishment of a Hudson's Bay Company outpost on the banks of the Nechako River. Named for the reigning monarch of time, Fort George was constructed in 1806 by the explorer Simon Fraser in an effort to develop trade with the local natives – the Lheidli T'enneh. As a relatively small outpost however, the development of Fort George did not begin in earnest until the early part of the 20th century and the introduction of the Grand Trunk Railway (later to become CN Rail). Expanding industry and easy access by rail brought numerous settlers, forming what is today's Prince George.

With a population of approximately 72,406, Prince George is often referred to as British Columbia's northern capital. Still home to many of the industries on which it was built (forestry, mining, and oil exploration), Prince George provides residents with both the excellent recreational possibilities of the north and the infrastructure of southern living; with a Western Hockey League team, the (Cougars), a symphony orchestra, dance troupe, and multiplex boasting performances by the likes of Bill Cosby and Bryan Adams, it is hard to believe that Prince George is an isolated community in the heart of the Rockies. Within a 10-minute drive however, access to the British Columbia's rugged landscape is achieved – including excellent opportunities for skiing, hiking, horseback riding, golf, fishing, hunting, and even llama safaris.

Housing in Prince George is moderately priced, with new homes ranging in price from C$130,000 to $250,000. Outstanding public schools as well as post secondary school opportunities at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) and the College of New Caledonia (CNC) provide educational opportunities for all.

Prince George is located at the intersection of Hwy. 97(north south) and Hwy. 16(east west), approximately 800 kilometers (497 miles) west of Edmonton, 850 kilometers (528 miles) north-northeast of Vancouver, and 750 kilometers (466 miles) east of Prince Rupert. Numerous airlines, as well as VIA Rail, provide regular service to and from Prince George.

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