Cheap Flights to Prince George Airport
Prince George International Airport (YXS) got its start in 1920, primarily as a fuel stop for planes travelling to Alaska. At the outset of WWII, the airport gained importance as a protected staging site for military and civilian air carriers. Having outgrown its original locale, the airport moved to its present location and began welcoming commercial flights. Let Skyscanner help you plan your trip to Prince George, sometimes called BC's Northern Capital. Find the cheapest airfares, the best hotel rooms and that much needed rental car so you can fully explore this forest industry town.
Best Time to Book a Flight to Prince George Airport
Summer in Prince George, especially in July and August, is pleasantly warm, averaging 20 degrees Celsius. Expect some rain, a common occurrence during the warmer seasons. In winter, there's lots of snow, bringing skiers to test the local trails. December and January average lows in the -7 degree Celsius range. Try to book early and fly midweek. Being flexible with your travel dates and using the Skyscanner online search engine to find those cheap fares are also wise moves. Use the system's Whole Month Search option to pull up and compare an entire month's worth of fares. Find a great rate? Book it, before someone else does.
What to Expect When Arriving at Prince George Airport
Located only five kilometres south of the city centre, Prince George International Airport is a compact one terminal facility. Air Canada Express, Central Mountain Air and WestJet Encore all fly in from Vancouver. Pacific Coastal Airlines offers service from Victoria, while Central Mountain air also provides flights from northern British Columbia and Alberta cities, including the latter's capital, Edmonton. WestJet also flies into Prince George from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on a seasonal basis.
The terminal at Prince George Airport is open from 4:30 am to 12:30 am daily, but it doesn't close the doors until the last flight arrives. A staffed Volunteer Ambassador Booth, located near the car rental desks next to baggage claim, can help with any questions you might have. You'll find an ATM near the public phones in the pre-security section of the departure lounge. The BC Urban Grill restaurant and lounge are in the same area. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.
A rental car is your best bet for getting around in this scenic, rural area, but shuttles and taxis are available outside the terminal's main entrance. A taxi fare into downtown runs about $20.00 CAD, while the shuttles average $12.00 CAD per person, one way. Some hotels also provide their own shuttles.
What to See and Do in Prince George
- Museum lovers, head for the Railway and Forestry Museum to see how the railroads helped advance the logging industry, which in turn helped Prince George to prosper. You'll find vintage steam engines and rail cars, as well as examples of early-days logging equipment. The Cottonwood Railway invites you to take a ride on their mini-train. One car is even equipped to take passengers in wheelchairs. Another local favourite is the Exploration Place Museum and Science Centre. The Palaeontology Gallery, with its hands-on, "dig for fossils" exhibit, and the wiggly, squiggly creatures in the Biome exhibit are hits with the kids. Expect to hear lots of giggles and "eeewwws" as you wander about.
- Prince George is home to more than 3000 acres of parkland, much of it within the city borders. Go hiking at the Cottonwood Island Nature Park along the Nechako River. Trails lead to both the already mentioned museums and Fort George Park. In winter those hiking trails are used for cross-country skiing. The McMillan Creek Regional Park is another gem. Fishing is permitted in this rainbow-trout spawning area for those 16 and under or 65 and over. Trails are also available for year-round use.
- Try your luck at the tables at the Treasure Cove Casino. At 37,000 square feet, this is one of the largest gambling and entertainment venues in Western Canada. Slots, poker, blackjack--it's all here. The 180-seat show lounge brings talent from across Canada, the United States and beyond. No worries about partying all night and having to find your way home. The Prestige Treasure Cove Hotel is onsite.
