There are a number of interpretive centres, museums and heritage sites to explore in Prince George, such as the Prince George Railway & Forestry Museum, Huble Homestead, and the Exploration Place. Heritage walking tours are also available.
The Prince George Railway & Forestry Museum (850 River Road) provides a truly authentic sense of Prince George's railway history and the importance of forestry to the community. The museum is interesting at any season, though probably best visited in the spring, summer and fall months as many of the exhibits are outside. There are authentically decorated buildings, a number of different train displays, and other machines. The most remarkable exhibit is the Nechako Coach, a fully adorned train, complete with a functioning kitchen and dining room area. It was built in 1913 and operated by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway until 1976.
Huble Homestead
Seeking a northern Canadian historic experience? The Huble Homestead Historic Site is an exciting detour, just a short drive away from Prince George. The site is located 40km/25mi north of the city on Highway 97 and Mitchell Road.
Albert Huble built the first house at Huble Homestead in 1912. It is a traditional log home and the oldest building in the region on its original site. He worked with his partner at a trading post where they performed services like guiding and surveying, and upgrading the Giscome Portage Trail.
Other buildings at this location include the Salmon Valley Post Office, a general store, a blacksmith shop, and a restored First Nations fish camp. Today, the Huble Homestead/Giscome Portage Heritage Society operates the site. There are no fees, but donations are accepted to help maintain the heritage site.
The Exploration Place
While not exactly a heritage site, The Exploration Place (333 Becott Place, at the end of 20th Ave, in Fort George Park) is easily the most exciting indoor attraction in Prince George, and is filled with historic displays. It is especially suited to families and children as it features exhibits, interactive demonstrations and activities.
The building is two stories. The main floor has activities for younger children and the upper floor a variety of exhibits and activities for older children and adults. The main floor has replicas of dinosaur skeletons, and some neat activities including a dinosaur bone dig area and a water table with boats. The upper floor contains the original Prince George jail cell, a replica of the first city theatre, a replicated billiard hall with the original billiard table, First Nations artifacts, an interactive sports games area, an interactive area to see and touch animals like snakes, and a trading centre where kids can exchange one item (like a pinecone) for another.
Admission fees apply for adults, seniors, students and children. Admission rates without the SimEx are lower.
Walking Tours
History buffs can also take a Downtown Heritage Tour, which should be arranged in advance via the Prince George Public Library, which leads the tours. The tours highlight the history of various buildings in downtown, some dating back to 1914.
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