Acknowledgment
We respectfully acknowledge the unceded ancestral lands of the Lheidli T’enneh, on whose land we live, work and play. Prince George is situated on the unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and their traditional lands cover much of the area from present-day Prince George to the Rocky Mountains.
Located in the heart of British Columbia, and the gateway to the North, Prince George offers an immersive birdwatching experience. Located amidst a range of ecosystems including forests, riversides, wetlands, and meadows, Prince George provides a unique and enriching birding adventure.
With this itinerary, birders can design their route to explore the city’s neighbourhoods, discover locally-owned businesses, and access outstanding birding sites.
Whether observing waterfowl by the riverside or trekking through forested trails, each moment is an opportunity to foster a deeper connection with nature.
Getting Here
By Land
By Air
By Train
Spring Birding in Prince George
Spring is an exciting time in Prince George as birds return from their migration. Keep an eye out for the vibrant Red-breasted Sapsucker, with its striking red and yellow plumage, scaling up tall trees. Keep an ear out for hammering on trees , a sign of Pileated Woodpeckers. On lakes and rivers there are many waterfowl to observe, like Green-winged Teals and Mallards.
Summer Birding in Prince George
Summer in Prince George offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. The season brings a wealth of bird activity to the region. Look for the striking American Redstart, with its vibrant red and orange plumage on its wings, in wooded areas. Listen for the cheerful songs of the American Robins filling the air. American Wigeons and Lesser Scaups are staples on rivers and ponds. Prince George’s rich birdlife promises exciting encounters with these and other species during the summer months.
Fall Birding in Prince George
Fall in Prince George is an exciting time for birdwatching as migratory birds pass through or make the region their temporary home. Keep your binoculars ready for the striking Common Loons and Hooded Mergansers on the waterways. Scan the forests for tiny Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets flitting among the trees. Listen for the calls of the Dark-eyed Juncos and Chickadees in forested areas and underbrush. Prince George’s diverse landscapes make it an exciting destination for nature bird enthusiasts in the Fall.
Winter Birding in Prince George
Winter birdwatching in Prince George can be a cold but rewarding experience. While some birds have migrated south, the region is still home to a variety of hardy bird species. Look for beautiful Bohemian Waxwings and charismatic Black-capped Chickadees, which remain active year-round. In forests you may hear the soft hoots of Great Horned Owls and the calls of the Red-breasted Nuthatches. Pine Siskins and Common Redpolls are also winter residents, bringing subtle purple and red tones to the Wintery landscapes.
Prince George
Located in the heart of British Columbia, and the gateway to the North, Prince George offers an immersive birdwatching experience. Located amidst a range of ecosystems including forests, riversides, wetlands, and meadows, Prince George provides a unique and enriching birding adventure.
With this itinerary, birders can design their route to explore the city’s neighbourhoods, discover locally-owned businesses, and access outstanding birding sites.
Whether observing waterfowl by the riverside or trekking through forested trails, each moment is an opportunity to foster a deeper connection with nature.
-
1River Road, Prince George, BC, CA, V2L 5S8
Just north of downtown along the shoreline of the Nechako river, Cottonwood Island Nature Park features stunning trails that wind their way through towering Cottonwood Trees, across heritage bridges and through abundant wetlands. The park is a great place to search for woodpeckers year-round, with the Pileated and hairy being the most common, and during migration is host to a plethora of warblers.
-
21112 Connaught Drive, Prince George, BC, CA, V2L 3X6
A hilltop park offering panoramic views of the city amongst carefully maintained gardens, it can yield a surprising number of species especially during migration. The high vantage point offers an excellent opportunity to view soaring birds of prey and the varied foliage creates habitat for a number of warblers, kinglets, chickadees and nuthatches.
-
3Prince George, BC, CA
A quiet wetland park just minutes away from the bustle of Prince George, this serene location is excellent for waterfowl such as buffleheads, mallard and scaup. You may be fortunate to encounter a muskrat as you explore the edges of the slough, and the wooded areas are home to warblers and chickadees during the spring and summer.
-
41085 3rd Avenue, Prince George, BC, CA, V2L 1R3
This spot offers freshly roasted single-origin coffee, delicious baked treats, and uncomplicated yet delightful breakfast options such as breakfast burritos and sandwiches.
-
5399 2 Avenue, Prince George, BC, CA, V2L 2Z4
This trendy industrial establishment offers a selection of small-batch craft beers and seltzers, alongside a menu of top-notch comfort dishes such as brisket mac & cheese and elk carpaccio.
-
6508 George Street, Prince George, BC, CA, V2L 1R7
Visit CrossRoads Brewing & Distilling for a taste of BC craft beer. Also try their in-house made pizzas.
-
71230 4th Avenue, Prince George, BC, CA, V2L 3J4
Get a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine in downtown Prince George at this family-owned restaurant. With seafood, meat, vegetarian and gluten free options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
-
81253 3rd Avenue, Prince George, BC, CA, V2L 3E6
Indulge in great pizza in Downtown Prince George. This pizzeria boasts an inventive menu featuring creative pizzas, pasta, salads, and entrees, all crafted with a commitment to using locally sourced ingredients whenever available.
-
9900 Brunswick Street, Prince George, BC, CA, V2L 2C3
Located just minutes from Downtown Prince George, and steps away from Connaught Hill Park, this hotel is the perfect home base. Enjoy their modern rooms and convenient amenities like an indoor pool and spa, gym and onsite restaurant.
-
101685 3rd Avenue, Prince George, BC, CA, V2L 3G5
A favourite among local bookworms, Books and Company sell a wide variety of new and used books, games, toys, knick knacks and more!
-
11Prince George, BC, CA, V2M 7C5
An absolute gem of a park with a diversity of habitats that host a number of exciting species that can be challenging to spot in the area. With 15 kilometres of trails that circumnavigate Shane Lake, both woodland and wetland species flock to the area, and the wildlife is active year round. Be sure to keep your eye out for the Beavers living at the lake and Moose have occasionally been spotted throughout the park.
-
124750 1st Avenue, Prince George, BC, CA, V2M 0A3
Situated on a large glacial moraine kettle left by receding glaciers, interpretive signage around the park will take you on a journey from the ice age to present day.As you explore the 9.5 kilometres of trails that traverse this biologically diverse landscape, keep watch for Red Tail Hawks, Great horned Owls and woodpeckers along with the smaller passerines who pass through.
-
13Prince George, BC, CA
North of the city lies this wetland nature reserve popular for the gentle trail that loops along the shoreline of Ferguson Lake. A number of waterfowl frequent the lake, while the surrounding forest and seasonally abundant insect populations draw in nesting songbirds.
-
14BC, CA
Another landscape carved by the retreat of glaciers millenia ago, Eskers Provincial Park is a popular destination just outside of prince george. With a series of wetlands surrounded by coniferous forests, it is a birding hotspot with over 100 species observed here. Pine marsh is a particularly popular spot for birdwatching, with two platforms dedicated to wildlife viewing, with evening visitors occasionally encountering the resident beaver in the lake.
-
151205 3rd Ave, Prince George, BC, CA, V2L 3E6
This family-owned restaurant in downtown Prince George is renowned for its fresh, original cuisine and warm, personalized service. Treat yourself to creative, chef-driven dishes in a warm, welcoming space.
-
16745 Prince George Pulpmill Road, Prince George, BC, CA, V2K 5P4
Savor a unique lunch or dinner experience amidst the stunning scenery of Northern Lights Estate Winery. Enjoy farm-fresh dishes and sample their acclaimed fruit wines.
-
171733 Nicholson Street South, Prince George, BC, CA, V2N 1V7
Sustainable small batch brewery serving up a variety of hand-crafted beers in an intimate taproom. Often accompanied by local food trucks which you can enjoy in their taproom.
-
18901 Central Street West, Prince George, BC, CA, V2M 3C8
Unwind with a snug stay at Grama’s Inn. This charming, family-owned inn has been a beloved fixture in Prince George for more than 50 years. You can choose from a range of cozy and updated rooms, each with a delightful retro charm.
-
193387 British Columbia 16, Prince George, BC, CA, V2N 5P8
Get a good night’s rest at the Best Western, conveniently located along Highway 16 for easy access to attractions in the Prince George area. This pet-friendly hotel offers a range of rooms, and amenities like an indoor pool, fitness center and complimentary breakfast.
-
201151 Commercial Crescent, Prince George, BC, CA, V2M 6W6
Enjoy a comfortable stay at this affordable hotel just a short drive from Downtown Prince George. They offer 1 and 2 bedrooms, and a complimentary breakfast.
The town of Prince George is an excellent basecamp for exploration, but don’t miss the chance to explore the town itself as you immerse yourself in the wilderness of Northern British Columbia. Located at the confluence of the Nechako and Fraser Rivers, the many shoreline parks provide an abundance of habitat for birds and wildlife.
As you make your way further afield from Prince George, civilization quickly gives way to an expansive wilderness where people are an occasional presence rather than a permanent fixture. As you explore the parks in the area, make sure to watch for some of the iconic wildlife that calls this area home and immerse yourself in the rhythms of nature.