Prince George is definitely a place to find an outdoor activity that’s a fit for you.
Located less than an hour away from the geographical centre of the province, Prince George, British Columbia offers endless accessible recreational options and outdoor clubs to match. Though the clubs in the central interior haven’t always been large in numbers, their passion and persistence has helped maintain and develop recreation throughout the region.
Moving up to Prince George will allow any outdoor community driven enthusiast to find a club to settle into. Unknown even to many locals exists a long list of clubs who maintain certain trail systems, apply for further development and get together for a couple of meetings a year to keep organized.
Here are some categories to get you started exploring:
- Hiking, climbing and nature lovers
- Paddling
- Biking
- Skiing
- Motorized
- Around Prince George
HIKING, CLIMBING and Nature LOVERS
If you’re a hiking enthusiast or a nature lover, then you’re in luck as Prince George offers numerous trails ranging from easy to strenuous and multiple clubs to support you in navigating hiking trails and better understanding our natural surroundings. Follow the links for more insight on each club!
- Caledonia Ramblers: “The Caledonia Ramblers Hiking Club was formed in 1974 by a group of people interested in the outdoors around Prince George. Come join us for a hike in the Prince George area”
- Association of Caledonia Trailbuilders
- Alpine Club of Canada – Prince George Section
- Prince George Naturalists: “The Prince George Naturalists Club is a non-profit society registered in BC. The purpose of the Club is to foster awareness, appreciation and understanding of our natural environment, so that it may be wisely used and maintained for future generations.”
- Back Country Horsemen of BC – Omineca Chapter
- The Adventure Club
- UNBC Outdoors Club: “The UNBC Outdoors Club is a student club at the University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George, BC.”
PADDLING
If being on the water is more your style, then you’ll want to check out one of the following clubs. They offer support for all water sport enthusiasits, including kayakers, canoeists, and paddlers.
- Prince George Canoe and Kayak Club: Looking for something for the kids? “Our goals are to teach children water and boat safety skills, encourage a love of paddling and the outdoors, and develop a respect for the environment we paddle in.”
- Northwest Brigade Paddling Club: “The NW Brigade Paddling Club is Prince George and central BC’s Paddling group. If you live in the area and are an active paddler or interested in the sport, join our group. We are also the go-to resource for information on the region’s rivers and whitewater.”
BIKING
Biking is a popular sport across Central and Northern BC and Prince George offers up some top notch biking trails, along with a club that supports all types of cyclists.
- Prince George Cycling Club: “The Prince George Cycling Club is an inclusive group that advocates for road, mountain, and urban cycling.”
MOTORIZED SPORTS
If motorized sports speak more to your heart, then you’ll want to check out the following clubs and then get exploring the great outdoors by ATV, motorcyle or snowmobile.
SKIING
There are multiple downhill and cross country ski facilities located within a short drive of Prince George, making enjoying skiing, snowboarding, and cross country skiing a breeze.
- Hickory Wing Ski Club: “The Hickory Wing Ski Touring Club is a small ski club which maintains approximately 60 km of trails on Tabor Mountain… In the Winter months our group leads twice-weekly ski outings, usually Sunday and Wednesday. In the Summer months we have regular outings to perform trail maintenance.”
- Caledonia Nordic Ski Club: “The Caledonia Nordic Ski Club (CNSC) is operated as a not-for-profit. Located minutes west of Prince George BC, and situated on the traditional unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nations. The facility includes 55km of groomed trails, night skiing, dog friendly trails and numerous snowshoe trails.”
AROUND PRINCE GEORGE
If you’re looking for something a little different, then these clubs might be for you.
- Penny Community Historical Association
- Ozalenka Alpine Club
- Fraser Headwater Alliance: “The Fraser Headwaters Alliance was formed in 1988 as the Robson Valley’s first grassroots conservation organization. Our mission is to maintain and restore ecosystem health and support ecologically sustainable human communities and economies in the Fraser Headwaters bioregion.”
All these clubs are run by small groups of people who have put in countless hours to maintain the status of each membership. These knowledgeable community members can be contacted through their webpages or social media platforms.
Moving up to Prince George doesn’t mean that you are left here in the wilderness alone.
From motorized to non-motorized outdoor activities, these clubs take to local waterways and access outstanding historical trails. So whatever your outdoor adventure style might be, Prince George has a club/community for you.
Kimberley Kenyon
Stand up paddling athlete and local instructor
About the Author: Born and raised in Prince George, Kimberley spent a decade of her life exploring and working throughout British Columbia where she discovered a passion for surfing; however with a desire for local community and family she left her love for surfing behind. She settled back to Prince George working for Canfor and a local pulp mill. As a land locked surfer she rediscovered the local region by taking to the endless waterways on a standup paddle board. Reminiscing on her passion for surfing, she now represents the region as a sponsored stand up paddling athlete and gives back to the community as an instructor.
