Here, where the Nechako and the mighty Fraser Rivers converge, and less than 100 km from the province's geographical centre, sits Prince George, British Columbia's "Northern Capital". The area around Prince George is the traditional territory of the Carrier Sekani First Nations people, who made their livelihood off the bountiful rivers, lakes and forests of the region. In 1793, the great explorer Alexander Mackenzie explored the area on his first crossing of the North American continent. However, it wasn't until 1807 that European explorer Simon Fraser wintered over here, and before long, a trading post turned into a town. Originally called Fort George, after King George lll, the town flourished as a trading post, and was officially incorporated as a town in 1915. For visitors today, Prince George is the fourth largest city in BC, and a gateway to the great North by Northwest. For the urban folks, there are all the cafés, art galleries, boutiques and museums that a modern city can offer. For those who get their thrills under the open sky, Prince George is a paradise. Several parks and heritage trails are close by, as are 18-hole golf courses, and a salmon camp. Literally thousands of lakes and rivers beckon you and your rod, canoe, boat and backpack. Over a dozen flights daily to and from the city make connections with all major regional, national and international centres easy. Regularly scheduled flights to smaller centres in the north leave Prince George daily. Prince George is the first stop on VIA Rail's spectacular Skeena route that takes visitors from Prince Rupert on the west coast through the middle of BCs backyard to Jasper in the Canadian Rockies, with connections to VIA's national network of routes. Location: Prince George is located at the junction of Highway 97 and the Yellowhead Highway 16, 76 miles (123 km) north of Quesnel, 200 km (120 miles) south of Mackenzie, 451 miles (722 km) east of Prince Rupert, and 487 miles (780 km) north of Vancouver.