Inside the city, you’ll find everything from gentle riverside strolls to forested loops perfect for running, biking, or snowshoeing. For detailed maps, reviews, and difficulty ratings from real hikers, resources like (alltrails.com/canada/british-columbia/prince-george) are excellent starting points. Popular in-city options range from the Cottonwood Island loop, known for its carved cedar art, to the Cranbrook Hill Greenway, a long, forested escape that feels far more remote than it actually is.
Beyond city limits, the region opens up into true northern wilderness. Ancient Forest/Chun T’oh Whudujut Provincial Park, located about 1 hour and 15 minutes east, is world-famous for its inland temperate rainforest, one of the only ecosystems of its kind. The 2.3 km boardwalk takes you through towering cedars, some estimated to be over 1,000 years old (details at bcparks.ca/ancient-forest-chun-toh-whudujut-park). North, west, and east of Prince George are dozens of trails that offer panoramic views, alpine lakes, and opportunities for wildlife encounters.
Top 10 Local Hikes Around Prince George
If you're the kind of person who wants a quick hit-list of the best hikes, from easy family walks to rewarding summit climbs — here are ten local favourites:
- Teapot Mountain – Short, steep climb with incredible panoramic views. A local rite of passage.
- LC Gunn Trail – An easy, scenic trail along the bluffs overlooking the Fraser River.
- Forests for the World & Shane Lake Loop – Family-friendly, well-marked, and close to town.
- Ferguson Lake Nature Reserve – Easy loop around a quiet lake; great for casual walkers.
- Raven Lake Trail – Stunning alpine hike with ridge views and a backcountry cabin.
- Ancient Forest Boardwalk – Unique rainforest boardwalk suitable for all ability levels.
- Giscome Portage Trail – Historic route with interpretive signs; gentle terrain.
- Tabor Mountain Recreation Trails – Network of multi-use routes with year-round access.
- The Greenway Trail (Cranbrook Hill) – Long forested corridor, great for hiking and running.
- Sugarbowl–Grizzly Den Provincial Park – A more strenuous alpine hike with rewarding views.
These hikes offer a great mix of accessibility, scenery, and variety — from a 30-minute climb to an all-day adventure.
Prince George offers a lifestyle grounded in nature — whether you want your evenings to end at a quiet lake, your weekends filled with new summits, or your family time spent outdoors. And if you’re exploring a move here, these trails are the perfect introduction to what living in northern British Columbia feels like.
