Dinosaur DNA still flows through Prince George #DinoTrail

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At the confluence of the Fraser River and Nechako River, Prince George BC has deep geological, natural and human history that feeds into the present day. The mighty sturgeon that swim these rivers are among the oldest living creatures on earth, cousins to the great sea creatures of the Cretaceous period (and even earlier!). 

The city (pop. 74,000) is a hub for northern BC and features urban attractions surrounded by wide open nature. Beyond city limits, giant landscapes will make you feel right at home exploring palaeontological wonders and natural history connections. 

That little tingling feeling down your spine? That might be a dino descendant watching you.

Head to Prince George to kick off a #dinotrail road trip, connecting four northern BC and Alberta destinations into one epic adventure; learn more on our #dinotrail expedition page

The Exploration Place Museum and Science Centre 

At The Exploration Place, natural history is celebrated, enshrined and interpreted for your appreciation.

Here you can connect the dots between the dinosaur era and the evolutionary path up to present day, literally: Exploration Place has animal biomes housing living descendants, and reptilian and mammalian successors to the dinosaur era. 

Watch feedings with creatures like these axolotls, and get your questions answered by their keepers.

Of course, there’s plenty of dinos too, in the main exhibit! You can check out the exhibits and programs at The Exploration Place

Dino lovers will especially want to check out Gaia Gallery, where you can learn about the ancient history of BC's climate and terroir while roaming among a paleobotany exhibit full of plants that might have grown at the time of the dinosaurs. 

Outdoor activities in Prince George 

Surrounded by two rivers, water sports abound here: kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, fishing. Extensively sculpted mountain bike trails and a skills park line the popular Pidherny Recreation Area, and hiking trails abound. 

Prince George has an extensive downhill bike trail network in the Pidherny area.

One of the most popular hiking trails in the area is The Cutbanks, featuring a steep uphill climb on a loose gravel and shale pitch (although other trails access it as well). Similar to Vancouver's Grouse Grind, it's a popular rite of passage, and the views are spectacular.

For a bit of nature and zen near the city, take a picnic or a visit to Lheidli T'enneh Memorial Park.

You'll find tons more adventures on the Tourism Prince George website.

Art and culture 

Arts play a big part in Prince George culture. You’ll find contemporary and Indigenous artisans at the popular Two Rivers Gallery, a central hub for northern BC art and culture. You can also catch some live theatre at Theatre Northwest or the Prince George Playhouse. For info on more cultural experiences, check out Tourism Prince George

Food and wine 

Did you know Prince George has the northernmost winery in BC, Northern Lights Estate fruit winery? There are also several craft breweries tieing into the northern #BCAleTrail and a strong, northern-BC influenced culinary scene in this northern hub, making great opportunities to enjoy the bounty of the region.

A view from the vineyards at Northern Lights Estate.

As a start or end to a #DinoTrail roadtrip, Prince George makes an elegant anchor. Extend your trip with a few extra days enjoying the authentic northern BC community. Then, get on the road to your next dino adventures!

WHEN YOU GO

Check The Exploration Place website for summer programs and events, including their feature Science Alliance Day camps (info coming soon!).

For more tips on where to stay, eat and play in Prince George, check out the Tourism Prince George website.

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