Food and drink in Prince George: a guide to the local scene
Eating and drinking in Prince George: downtown cafés, family restaurants, global flavours, craft beer, the farmers’ market and northern ingredients.
Updated
At a glance
- Downtown has the densest mix of independent cafés, restaurants, pubs and breweries.
- College Heights, the Hart and the highway corridors add family restaurants and quick stops.
- A diverse population means South Asian, Asian, European and Latin American flavours alongside classic diners.
- Local craft brewing has grown in recent years, with taprooms in and around downtown.
- Wild berries, farm produce and northern game shape seasonal menus and home kitchens.
Prince George’s food scene reflects the city itself: practical, friendly and more varied than first-time visitors expect. As the service centre for all of northern BC, it feeds hungry mill workers, university students, hockey fans, travellers passing through on Highways 16 and 97, and a population with roots all over the world.
This guide gives the lay of the land rather than rankings. For specific places, hours and contact details, use the PG Pulse directory:
Where to eat, by area
Downtown
Downtown has the densest mix of independent restaurants, cafés, pubs and taprooms, many within a few blocks of each other. It is the best area to wander and choose on the spot, and it is close to Two Rivers Gallery, the CN Centre and the Civic Centre, so it works well before a show or a game. Weekday lunches are busy with office and courthouse crowds.
College Heights and the southwest
Up the hill near UNBC and Highway 16 west, you will find family restaurants, casual dining and quick-service options clustered around shopping centres. It is convenient if you are staying on the west side or heading out of town.
The Hart and the highway corridors
North of the Nechako and along Highway 97 and Highway 16, restaurants cater to locals and travellers alike, with classic diners, pubs and fast food. Truck-stop breakfasts are a northern BC institution.
What you will find
- Coffee culture. Local roasters and independent cafés are a big part of daily life, especially on cold winter mornings.
- Pub food and sports bars. Hockey is king, and many pubs fill up for Cougars games and NHL nights.
- Global flavours. Prince George has a large South Asian community, including one of northern BC’s larger Sikh populations, along with Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Italian, Greek, Mexican and other cuisines.
- Craft beer. Local craft brewing has grown in recent years, with taprooms serving pints and snacks.
- Comfort food for winter. Hearty breakfasts, burgers, pizza and soups are staples in a place where January lows average −12°C.
Northern ingredients
The north has its own pantry.
- Wild berries. Blueberries, huckleberries in the mountains, raspberries, saskatoons and low-bush cranberries ripen from July to September. Soapberries are used to make a traditional whipped treat known in English as “Indian ice cream.”
- Mushrooms. Morels flush in spring, especially in areas burned by wildfire the year before.
- Farm produce. Market gardens in the valleys around Prince George, Vanderhoof and the Robson Valley supply potatoes, root vegetables, greens and berries through the short but intense growing season.
- Meat. Regional beef and bison ranches, and wild game for those who hunt.
- Honey and preserves. Local honey, jams and pickles are staples at markets.
Farmers’ market and local producers
The Prince George Farmers’ Market runs every Saturday, year-round, from about 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1310 3rd Avenue, on the corner of Quebec Street downtown. Vendors set up outside in summer and move indoors for the winter season. Expect seasonal produce plus baking, meat, eggs, honey, preserves and crafts. It is a good place to meet growers from across the region. Farm stands and u-pick berry farms pop up around the city in summer.
Festivals and food events
- The BC Northern Exhibition in mid-August (August 13 to 16 in 2026), the city’s big summer fair since 1912, has a large food fair.
- Coldsnap concerts in early February often pair well with dinner downtown.
- Look for seasonal markets, pop-ups and community dinners around harvest time. See Fall in Prince George.
Eating with kids, students and groups
Prince George is a family and sports-tournament town, so many restaurants are used to big tables, team dinners and young diners. Near UNBC and CNC you will find casual, budget-friendly spots popular with students. For large groups, especially on tournament weekends, call ahead and ask about set menus or separate bills.
Tips for visitors
- Hours. Many restaurants close earlier than in big cities, especially on Sundays and Mondays. Check hours in the directory before heading out.
- Reservations. Book ahead on Friday and Saturday nights, and on game nights near the CN Centre.
- Winter. In deep cold, choose places close to parking or transit, and plug in your vehicle if you will be a while.
- Driving. If you are drinking, take a taxi or plan your bus trip. Roads can be icy for much of the year.
Related
Common questions
Where are the most restaurants in Prince George?
Downtown has the highest concentration of independent restaurants, cafés and pubs within walking distance. College Heights and the Highway 97 corridor have many family and chain restaurants.
Does Prince George have craft breweries?
Yes. The city has several local craft breweries and taprooms. Browse the bars and breweries directory for current listings and hours.
Is there a farmers’ market in Prince George?
Yes. The Prince George Farmers’ Market runs every Saturday year-round, roughly 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 1310 3rd Avenue downtown (corner of Quebec Street), outdoors in summer and indoors in winter.
What local foods should I try in Prince George?
In season, look for wild blueberries and saskatoons, local honey, regional beef and bison, and baking made with northern-grown grains. Many restaurants feature seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
