Geography
Quesnel is located in the central interior of British Columbia in the Fraser River basin. Highway 97 connects Quesnel to the larger centre of Prince George to the north and Williams Lake to the south. Quesnel is 660 km northeast of Vancouver.
Government
The City of Quesnel is a municipality governed by an elected mayor and 6 councillors. It is one of four municipalities within the Cariboo Regional District. The Regional District Areas A, B, C and I surround Quesnel.
Indigenous Peoples
There are four First Nations with overlapping territories in the Quesnel area. Lhtako Dene, Nazko, and Lhoosk'uz Dene are Southern Dakelh Nations; ?Esdilagh is part of the Tsilhqot'in Nation.
Many Metis people also call Quesnel home.
It is common practice for meetings and events to start with a land acknowledgement. Some events will begin with a traditional welcome by an Elder or one or more Chief from a local Nation.
Watch for events held by indigenous communities and organizations that are open to all like Indigenous Peoples' Day (June 21), National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30), and the Lhtako Dene Pow Wow (August long weekend). Other events may be held throughout the year.
Unlike other parts of Canada, most of British Columbia is not covered by treaties. There are no treaties signed with the First Nations in the Quesnel area.
The British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide provides more information on Indigenous Peoples in BC, their long history on this land, colonial history, and reconciliation.
City history
From pre-contact to current day, you can learn all about Quesnel's history online or in-person at the Quesnel & District Museum & Archives.
Weather
Quesnel has four distinct seasons, summers are usually warm and dry and winters are cool and sunny. Precipitation (rain or snow) is generally spread out evenly throughout the seasons. Quesnel is one of BC’s sunniest cities, receiving over 2025 hours of sunshine per year!
Wildlife
Wildlife encounters from a distance are not uncommon in Quesnel, you may notice a deer from the roadside, a neighbourhood fox or a visit from a bear. Generally wild animals avoid humans, but it is good to be aware of wildlife and how to be safe when you encounter wildlife.
Backcountry and Wilderness Preparedness
Quesnel is close to some of the best fishing, hiking, and camping spots in BC, whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or new to spending time in nature, there is something for everyone, but it is important to prepare before you go.
Quesnel is surrounded by backcountry, these are areas that are more remote and not serviced by roads. People often seek out wilderness experiences in the backcountry, to take in nature, hike, hunt, fish or camp. There are many beautiful areas and great experiences to be had in nature, however, if you plan to go out in the backcountry, even for just for a short time, ensure you are prepared in the event of accident on injury. Many backcountry areas do not have cellular service, so it is important to plan ahead.