Family Weekend Getaways from Prince George, BC

Last reviewed: June 2026

Northern BC winters are long, summers are precious, and sometimes you just need to get out of town for a weekend. The good news: Prince George sits at the crossroads of some genuinely beautiful parts of the province, and there are solid family weekend trips in every direction.

Here are some of our favourite overnight and camping destinations within a few hours' drive — organized by direction so you can pick what works for the season and the crew.

West: Smithers & the Bulkley Valley

Drive time from Prince George: approximately 4–5 hours

Smithers is a mountain town done right — outdoor access, a walkable downtown, good food, and a community that genuinely welcomes families. It makes a great base for a long weekend.

While you're in the area, don't skip the side trip to 'Ksan Historical Village in nearby Hazelton — a living museum of Gitxsan culture at the confluence of the Bulkley and Skeena Rivers. One of the most meaningful cultural stops in Northern BC.

For hiking, Twin Falls and Driftwood Canyon Provincial Park are both accessible and rewarding for families with kids of different ages. Tyhee Lake is a good pick for a slower day — swimming, picnicking, and just being outside.

Where to stay: Riverside campground for the outdoor experience, or one of several local hotels if you'd rather sleep in a bed after a big day.

North: Tumbler Ridge

Drive time from Prince George: approximately 4–5 hours

Tumbler Ridge is genuinely underrated as a family destination. The drive through Pine Pass is beautiful in its own right — stop at Bijoux Falls on the way, which takes about five minutes and pays off immediately.

The Tumbler Ridge Museum and Dinosaur Gallery is the obvious stop — interactive and educational, and the dinosaur trackway discoveries in the area are legitimately significant. Quality Falls is worth the hike, and the trails here cover a wide enough range that you can match difficulty to whoever's in your group.

East: Robson Valley

Drive time from Prince George: approximately 3–4 hours

The drive east through the Robson Valley is one of the most scenic routes from Prince George, and the Ancient Forest is reason enough to make the trip — a rare inland temperate rainforest with accessible boardwalk trails that work for all ages.

The valley runs through Dunster, McBride, and Valemount, each with its own character. McBride's Beanery and the Valemount Swiss Bakery are both worth a stop. Jack Pine Trails near Valemount and Swift Creek are good family hike options. If you want views, the drive up to McBride Peak delivers.

Accommodation ranges from campgrounds to small hotels — check what's available in Valemount or McBride depending on where you're planning to spend most of your time.

More Weekend Trip Ideas from Prince George

Barkerville Historic Town & Park

A gold rush era town preserved and restored — you can walk the streets, visit working shops, and get a real sense of what life looked like in 1860s BC. Great for school-aged kids who have some historical context to bring to it. About 3 hours southeast of Prince George. barkerville.ca

Fort St. James National Historic Site & Stuart Lake

One of the best-preserved fur trade posts in the country, on the shores of Stuart Lake. The combination of the historic site and the lake makes for a full weekend — tour the fort, then spend time on the water. About 1.5 hours west of Prince George. Parks Canada — Fort St. James

Beaumont Provincial Park — Fraser Lake

A straightforward, low-key camping trip about 1.5 hours west of Prince George. Sandy beach on Fraser Lake, good swimming, and a relaxed campground that works well for families who want a first camping trip or a mellow long weekend. bcparks.ca

Williams Lake & the Cariboo

About 4 hours south — a good hub for exploring the broader Cariboo region. Horsefly Lake and Quesnel Lake are both beautiful, and the area has strong fishing, hiking, and lakeside camping options. The Williams Lake Stampede is a major annual draw if your timing lines up.

Lakes District — Burns Lake & Area

About 3 hours west, the Lakes District lives up to its name. Boating, fishing, and lakeside camping with a lot of space and relatively few crowds. A good option if you want to truly unplug for a weekend.

Hudson's Hope & Peace River Canyon

About 4.5 hours northeast — a smaller detour but a distinctive one. The Peace River Canyon is dramatic, there's more dinosaur history here (the area has significant fossil finds), and the W.A.C. Bennett Dam is worth seeing for the sheer scale of it.

Have a favourite weekend getaway from Prince George that's not on this list? Share it in the comments — we'd love to hear what's working for other families. And if you need to gear up the kids before you head out, come find us at 3049 McGill Crescent in College Heights or browse nestandsprout.ca.