Caledonia Nordic Ski Club (CNSC) today celebrated the official opening of its new paved roller ski and roller biathlon competition trail network at the Otway Nordic Centre, 8141 Otway Road. Built to International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) and International Biathlon Union (IBU) standards, the new trails are one of only three dedicated roller ski facilities in Western Canada and complete a long-held vision for a true year-round training and recreation destination in Prince George.
The official opening ceremony was held at the trailhead beginning at 10:30 a.m. and included an official welcome from Lheidli T’enneh and remarks from government and community representatives, a ribbon cutting, and a public try-it event that gave residents and visitors their first chance to experience the new trails. Caledonia Nordic Ski Club is also pleased to be the venue for the IBU Regional Event, Biathlon Canada Western Summer Series 1, happening this weekend, July 24–26, 2026.
The project was made possible through a $1,000,000 contribution from the Province of British Columbia’s Destination Development Fund and a $234,650 contribution from the Government of Canada through PacifiCan’s Tourism Growth Program. The paved trails increase sport tourism in the region by supporting national, provincial, and regional training camps, sanctioned competitions and time trials, and visiting team sessions, in addition to community and recreational access.
Community members, recreational users, and visiting teams will be able to access the new trails under CNSC’s new Paved Trails Access Policy, which sets out seasonal passes, day passes, group and visiting team bookings, and rules of use for the one-directional course. Details on access tiers, pricing, and how to book will be posted to the club’s website at caledonianordic.com.
“Prince George is a community that draws people from across Canada and around the world to experience the best of Northern B.C., and this new trail network will build on that momentum. By creating a year-round venue for training, competition and recreation, this investment will attract visitors, support local businesses, and give residents more ways to
stay active and connected. The Government of Canada is investing in sport and recreation infrastructure because strong communities are built around the places where people come together, challenge themselves, and thrive. This investment will help more Canadians enjoy the benefits of sport, healthy living and community,” said Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan)
“This project strengthens Prince George as a premier training and recreation destination, and enhances the city’s sport event hosting capacity, attracting athletes, spectators, and visitors worldwide. Additionally, by providing new reasons to visit and stay longer, this project will generate economic benefits for the community, supporting local businesses and job creation, while advancing B.C.’s Tourism Sector Action Plan’s goal to double tourism revenues by 2036,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
“This trail network has been years in the making, and today is a proud day for our club, our athletes, and our whole community. Prince George now has a world-class facility that will allow our skiers and biathletes to train and compete here at home, all year round, while also welcoming visitors and teams from across the country. We are grateful to the Province of British Columbia and to PacifiCan for believing in this project and helping us bring it to life,” said Kevin Charlston, Board President, Caledonia Nordic Ski Club
