Sustain Prince George

Prince George is dedicated to preserving its natural beauty while fostering a connection between visitors and the environment. By integrating sustainable practices and promoting responsible tourism, Prince George ensures that both its ecological and cultural heritage are not only preserved but also enriched for future generations.

Prince George’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship. The city prioritizes green infrastructure, such as the development of extensive urban green spaces and the implementation of innovative stormwater management systems. These initiatives enhance the urban landscape, support local biodiversity, and mitigate climate change impacts. The city’s efforts are further highlighted by its transition to renewable energy sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. One great example of this is the new Tourism PG Visitor Info Centre (opening in 2024). Part of the Downtown Renewable Energy System (DRES), the Visitor Info Centre will be part of a district energy system heating nearly a dozed buildings. The system uses sawmill residuals (often known as “wood waste”) to heat water that is pumped through more than 3 kilometers of underground piping. What a great example of a local, renewable and carbon-neutral fuel source – way to go PG!

A significant aspect of Prince George’s sustainability strategy is the promotion of eco-friendly transportation. The city has expanded its network of bike lanes and pedestrian pathways, encouraging residents and visitors to opt for low-impact travel methods. Prince George Transit has also introduced hybrid and electric buses, further reducing the carbon footprint of public transportation. For tourists, these options provide a greener way to explore the city, offering a more intimate experience with the local environment and culture. On Clean Air Day, BC Transit and the City of Prince George offer free transit to help promote awareness about air-quality and climate change.

Engaging the community is a cornerstone of Prince George’s sustainability efforts. The city offers a variety of educational programs and workshops that focus on environmental conservation and sustainable living practices. These initiatives aim to foster a culture of sustainability among residents and visitors alike, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to make environmentally conscious decisions. Events such as the “Green Living Workshops” provide practical tips on topics like composting, water conservation, and energy efficiency.

The Northern BC Tourism Association website also offers a list of certifications and assessments that local businesses can use measure and improve their sustainability performance. These include Biosphere Certification (a Sustainable Tourism System certified by the Responsible Tourism Institute), BC Tourism Sustainability Network (providing information on how to implement sustainable practices in your tourism business), Sustainability Lens Assessment (online assessment to give users insight into how their business is performing based on GreenStep’s Sustainable Tourism criteria), plus links to calculators, tools, strategies and resources for businesses and organizations to use to become more sustainable.

The local food scene in Prince George is another pillar of its sustainability initiatives. The city supports local farmers and producers through farmers’ markets and farm-to-table dining experiences. By prioritizing local and sustainably sourced ingredients, these initiatives help reduce the carbon footprint associated with food production and transportation. Visitors can enjoy fresh, seasonal produce while supporting the local economy and sustainable agricultural practices.

Prince George’s dedication to conservation is reflected in its efforts to protect local wildlife and natural habitats. The city collaborates with various organizations to preserve critical ecosystems and protect endangered species. Conservation programs focus on reforestation, wetland restoration, and invasive species management, ensuring that the region’s biodiversity is maintained and enhanced. Tourists are encouraged to participate in volunteer opportunities, such as tree planting and habitat clean-ups, contributing to these regenerative efforts directly.

Prince George’s sustainability initiatives exemplify its commitment to environmental stewardship and regenerative travel. By embracing green infrastructure, promoting sustainable transportation, investing in renewable energy, and engaging the community, the city sets a powerful example for other destinations. Visitors to Prince George can immerse themselves in eco-friendly accommodations, local cuisine, and conservation activities, all while contributing to the city’s vision of a sustainable and vibrant future. Through these collective efforts, Prince George not only protects its natural beauty but also enhances it for generations to come.

Regenerative travel is a new approach to tourism that goes beyond sustainable or responsible travel. While sustainable travel aims to minimize the negative impacts of tourism on the environment and local communities, regenerative travel takes it a step further by actively contributing to the restoration and well-being of those environments and communities. The idea is to leave a destination in a better condition than before you visited.

The key principles of regenerative travel include:

Restoration and Conservation: Actively engaging in activities that contribute to the restoration and conservation of ecosystems and natural habitats. This could involve participating in habitat restoration projects, behaving appropriately to avoid negative interactions with local wildlife, and practicing leave no trace principles.

Community Empowerment: Prioritizing the well-being and empowerment of local communities. This includes supporting local businesses, respecting local cultures, and actively participating in community development projects that enhance social and economic conditions.

Cultural Preservation: Respecting and preserving the cultural and indigenous heritage of the destination. Travelers are encouraged to learn about local first nations, traditions, language, culture and history, while avoiding activities that may negatively impact cultural integrity.

Sustainable Practices: Adopting and promoting sustainable practices in transportation, accommodation, and other travel-related activities. This includes choosing eco-friendly transportation options, staying in accommodations with environmentally friendly initiatives, and minimizing waste generation.

Educational Experiences: Engaging in educational and immersive experiences that promote a deeper understanding of the destination’s natural and cultural aspects. This could involve guided tours, workshops, or activities that educate travelers about the importance of conservation and responsible tourism, such as this quiz ;).

Carbon Offsetting and Positive Contributions: Actively seeking ways to offset the carbon footprint associated with travel by investing in carbon offset programs. Additionally, regenerative travelers may look for opportunities to make positive contributions to the local environment, such as participating in community-led restoration or supporting sustainable agriculture projects.

Collaboration with Local Initiatives: Collaborating with local organizations and initiatives that support regenerative practices. This could involve volunteering time or resources to support projects that align with regenerative travel principles.

Mindful Consumption: Being mindful of the resources consumed during travel, such as water and energy, and making efforts to minimize waste. Choosing products and services that prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility is also part of regenerative travel.

Regenerative travel aims to create a positive impact on both the traveler and the destination, fostering a sense of responsibility, connection, and contribution to the well-being of the places visited. It represents a holistic approach to tourism that seeks to regenerate ecosystems, empower communities, and enhance overall sustainability.

Why is educating yourself about the community you are visiting important?

Educating yourself about the destination in regenerative travel is crucial. It fosters cultural respect, minimizes negative impact, supports local economies, and enables participation in community initiatives. Informed travelers make responsible choices, reduce environmental impact, and enhance the quality of experiences. Cross-cultural understanding is promoted, encouraging sustainable practices and empowering local communities. Overall, destination knowledge is a key element in creating a positive and regenerative impact on both travelers and the places they visit.

If you look at it on a map, Prince George, the “basecamp to the North,” is pretty much right in the middle of British Columbia. To the east, about 4 hours by car, is the remarkable Mount Robson Provincial Park, the highest point of the Canadian Rockies. For lots of locals, this proximity to the Rocky Mountains is a huge bonus of living up here.

Closer to home, there are lots of provincial parks including and rec sites within an hour of Prince George, like Chun T’oh Whudujut/Ancient Forest Provincial Park and Purden Lake. The Goodsir Nature Park isn’t a provincial park but it is a must-see when the snow is gone. Made by one man over his lifetime, Goodsir Nature Park is a “living botanical museum” with well-maintained trails and interpretive signs to identify native plants and trees. When the snow finally starts to melt, locals can be found packing away their snow gear and dusting off their hiking boots, boats, and paddle boards. Popular summertime activities are lake days at one of the many public access beaches or a lazy float down the one of the rivers.

Being the largest city in the north, Prince George is something of a hot spot for bigger community events such as farmers’ markets, festivals, concerts, sporting events, and more, drawing people in from the surrounding smaller towns. Prince George might get a bad rap from southerners, but there really is a lot to get excited about here. I mean, the city has one of the last drive-in movie theatres in the province – who can say no to that? Every Saturday, summer and winter, the Prince George Farmers’ Market draws a crowd. We highly recommend browsing the farmers’ markets wherever you travel. It’s an excellent way to get a glimpse of the real culture and community of the city and directly support them!

Even in the coldest depths of winter there are ways to get out and enjoy yourselves. Prince George delivers recreation opportunities through community associations in each of the major neighbourhoods that offer recreational programming, activities and events. The volunteer-based community associations are able to offer low cost services, making them accessible for everyone. Who doesn’t want to go for a nice warm sauna and steam after a long day working through the darkest days of the year? And we definitely recommend checking out one of the 28 community outdoor ice rinks in Prince George! Strap on those skates, practice your skating skills, play a little hockey, and meet some locals. Other ways to stay active indoors include a climbing gym, multiple options to go bowling, or why not join a sports club? There are community-based clubs, open to all ages and abilities, for just about any sport you can imagine: kayaking, speed skating, swimming, hockey… the list goes on.

What some don’t expect to see in Prince George is such a thriving arts and culture scene. Live music and theatre are common popular events – and the cold doesn’t stop them! Coldsnap, Prince George’s winter music festival is a prime example. Held in late January or early February, a time when the cold and dark starts to take its toll, Coldsnap is a breath of fresh air with a week of events throughout town, featuring local and international music. The local stadium, CN Centre, books lots of talent that you might not expect to see up here. Think Ludacris, Paula Abdul, comedy shows… you never know who might make an appearance! The PG Playhouse is another great venue option for theatre, live music, and comedy.

Of course, we can’t talk about the community and culture of Prince George without an honourable mention toward Mr. PG, the city’s official mascot. Born in 1960, Mr. PG still welcomes visitors at the intersection of Highways 16 and 97 with his towering demeanor and warm smile. Mr. PG also helps promote community events and brings awareness to charitable causes by holding a promotional flag or illuminating him with various colours. You can even apply to book Mr. PG…

Sustain Prince George

Welcome to the unceded, traditional territory of Lheidli T’enneh, encompassing 4.3 million hectares from the Rocky Mountains to the interior plateau. In their language Dakelh, Lheidli means “the confluence of the river” and T’enneh translates to “the people”. The people from the confluence of the river.

If you’ve ever been to Prince George, you’ll recognize the reference to the two main rivers that flow through and meet where this northern city now stands. The Nechako River (Nee Incha Koh, the “river with strong undercurrents”) and Fraser River (Ltha Koh,  the “Big Mouth River”) converge here.

Today, Lheidli T’enneh are a proud, united people with the purpose to improve quality of life for their community members while promoting self-reliance, cultural beliefs, and flourishing with the environment. Throughout the city, there are lots of accessible and fun opportunities to learn more about the region’s culture and history while exploring the beautiful scenery of Prince George.

Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park is located on the east side of Prince George next to the banks of the Ltha Koh (Fraser River). This is where their village site was located, until it was destroyed in 1913. Today, burial grounds are all that remains of their village. In 2015, the park was renamed from Fort George Park to Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park, an homage to these burial grounds and the destruction these peoples faced due to colonialism. The Lheidli T’enneh flag is permanently displayed at the park, acknowledging the legitimacy of their Government while serving as a reminder of their traditional territory. This use was disrupted due to residential schools, which impacted many traditional practices. Today, there are active efforts to reconnect with these traditions through educational programs and partnerships that honour and preserve the cultural heritage of the Lheidli T’enneh.”

While you’re in the park, visit The Exploration Place and Science Centre featuring hands-on exhibits about the region’s rich history, culture and local wildlife. One of the permanent galleries is called Hodul’eh-a: A Place of Learning. Dedicated to Lheidli T’enneh and containing an abundance of historical cultural material, the gallery promotes cross-cultural understanding of our shared history. Over the years, a strong trust and partnership has formed between the Centre and Lheidli T’enneh elders. The museum acts as a “designated repository” for artefacts, documents, and objects pertaining to the community.

Travelling a bit further outside of Prince George, you’ll find the awe-inspiring Chun T’oh Whudujut/Ancient Forest Provincial Park. Established in 2016, this park protects a portion of the only inland temperate rainforests in the world. The area is home to thousand-year old Western red cedars that will make you feel like you’re in the presence of ancient elders, and an incredibly rich biodiversity of plants, mosses, lichens, and fungi. Historically significant for the local Indigenous communities, they would visit the forest during summer fishing trips along Ltha Koh (Fraser River) and collect medicinal plants. This use was disrupted due to residential schools. Today, the park features 450 meters of beautifully made boardwalk that is accessible for people of all abilities, plus a long 2.3 kilometer boardwalk that leads to the majestic massive trees and an epic waterfall.

Thanks to the collaboration of local hiking groups, the University of Northern British Columbia, Lheidli T’enneh, the provincial government and the Ancient Forest biodiversity assessment projects, the protection of Chun T’oh Whudujut has become a great example of conservation and tourism-based economic development.