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Prince George, British Columbia

Prince George is a city in central British Columbia, Canada, at the confluence of the Fraser and Nechako rivers.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Prince George is a city in central British Columbia, Canada, at the confluence of the Fraser and Nechako rivers. Incorporated in 1915, it is the largest city in northern British Columbia and a regional centre for transportation, government services, education, and industry.

History

Prince George began as a fur-trading post and later expanded with railway construction in the early 1900s. It was incorporated as a city in 1915 and has grown into a major northern regional centre.

Geography

The city lies at the junction of the Fraser and Nechako rivers in central British Columbia. Its location places it near major highway corridors and at the geographic centre of the province.

Economy and services

Prince George has long been linked to forestry and other resource industries, including minerals, oil and natural gas, and hydropower. It also functions as a centre for public services, education, and transportation in northern British Columbia.

Population

The city’s population was 76,708 in the 2021 census, while the broader census agglomeration had 89,490 residents. Earlier census figures show steady long-term growth.

Key facts

  • Prince George is the largest city in northern British Columbia, incorporated in 1915.
  • The city originated as Fort George, a fur-trading post established in 1807.
  • It is located at the confluence of the Fraser and Nechako rivers in central British Columbia.
  • Prince George serves as a regional hub for transportation, education, health care, and resource industries.
  • The city is on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T'enneh (Dakelh/Carrier peoples).
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Canadian context

Prince George is a major northern British Columbia city and service hub, important to Canadian transportation networks, resource industries, and regional public services.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Prince George located?
Prince George is in central British Columbia, Canada, at the confluence of the Fraser and Nechako rivers.
When was Prince George incorporated as a city?
Prince George was incorporated as a city in 1915.
How many people live in Prince George?
The city had a population of 76,708 in the 2021 census; the larger census agglomeration had 89,490.
What is Prince George known for?
It is known as the largest city in northern British Columbia and as a regional hub for transportation, services, and resource industries.
What is the historical origin of the city?
The area began as Fort George, a North West Company fur-trading post established by Simon Fraser in 1807.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Prince-George-British-Columbia
    Supports: Location, founding history, incorporation, regional role, economy, population figures.
  2. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/prince-george
    Supports: City status, population, geographic location, Indigenous territory context, northern significance.
  3. City of Prince George — https://www.princegeorge.ca/community-culture/heritage/history-prince-george
    Supports: Local history, founding timeline, railway development, traditional territory context.
  4. Government of Canada — https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/immigration-matters/local-economies/prince-george.html
    Supports: Population and economic profile, household and business income, regional demographics.