Nanguz ‘An (Fox Den) Container Market: Prince George’s New Social and Cultural Hub

Nestled in the heart of Prince George, British Columbia, Nanguz ‘An, also known as the Fox Den container market, brings together local culture, food, music, and community in a fresh, modern setting. This unique outdoor venue is much more than a temporary fair. It offers both residents and visitors an engaging space built from repurposed shipping containers that celebrate entrepreneurship and regional charm.

What Is Nanguz ‘An?

Nanguz ‘A translates to Fox Den, a name chosen to reflect local heritage and community identity in partnership with the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation. The market sits in Canada Games Plaza, just outside the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre. Its design features a cluster of vibrant, repurposed shipping containers surrounding a central plaza and an all-season ice rink, creating a space that blends small business, public art, and social interaction.

Designed to be active year-round, the market shifts with the seasons. While winter months lean into skating and holiday-themed events, the warmer months bring open-air shopping, food pop-ups, and weekend music. Hours and vendor rosters rotate, so there's always something new to experience.

A Place for Local Makers and Small Business

One of the key goals behind Nanguz ‘An is making entrepreneurship more accessible. Each stall gives local makers, artisans, and food vendors an affordable way to showcase their products. The model supports micro-businesses by removing high startup costs, allowing more people to step into retail or food service with minimal risk.

The market also encourages variety. Instead of locking vendors into long-term leases, the Fox Den rotates its participants regularly. That means you’re just as likely to find small-batch hot sauce one week and handmade beadwork or wood carvings the next. It’s a refreshing change from the usual retail experience and creates incentives for shoppers to return often.

Events and Experiences

Beyond the shopping, Nanguz ‘An is a place to hang out. From grand openings to summer Saturdays, the plaza often fills with live music, lawn games, food trucks, and even local beer gardens. It’s not just about what you can buy—it’s about the people you meet, the conversations you have, and the energy in the space.

The rink in the center of the plaza operates year-round thanks to synthetic ice technology. Families and couples stop by to skate during lunch breaks or in the evening while music plays and string lights glow overhead. It’s a setting that turns an ordinary day into something memorable.

Culture and Community

The cultural component of Nanguz ‘An sets it apart from other markets. From the name itself to the container naming system—each one inspired by rivers in the region—the project embraces a deep sense of place. It acknowledges the land’s significance to Indigenous communities while inviting everyone to participate in a shared civic space.

Public feedback and community partnerships helped shape the vision. Locals wanted a downtown gathering place, something vibrant and walkable that reflects the character of the region. The Fox Den delivers that with a design that prioritizes open access, public art, and creative commerce.

Practical Info for Visitors

Nanguz ‘An is typically open Thursday through Saturday, with extended hours on the weekends. Most of the action happens in the afternoons and early evenings, making it a great spot to visit after work or during a casual Saturday downtown.

Because vendors change often, it’s a good idea to follow the market’s social media or check with local tourism sites for updated listings. You might stumble across a local chocolatier one week and an up-and-coming coffee roaster the next. Some weekends also feature special themes, like Indigenous arts showcases or regional food spotlights.

Why It Works

Using shipping containers for markets isn’t new, but Nanguz ‘An brings something different to the table. Instead of mimicking large-scale urban examples, it adapts the model to fit Prince George’s personality. It’s compact but thoughtful, lively without being overwhelming. It feels local, because it is.

What really makes it work is how it centers people—vendors, visitors, musicians, and families all share the same space. There’s no velvet rope or ticket booth. It’s a public market in the truest sense, rooted in collaboration and designed for exploration.

A Fresh Take on Downtown Prince George

For years, cities have been searching for ways to breathe life into their downtowns. Nanguz ‘An shows what’s possible when urban planning meets grassroots creativity. It’s not just a market—it’s a gathering space, a stage, a platform, and a place to reconnect.

Whether you’re browsing for gifts, meeting friends for a snack, or just soaking in the atmosphere, the Fox Den gives you a reason to linger a little longer. And in a world where connection and community are more valuable than ever, that’s something worth celebrating.