Located nearly evenly between the cities of Prince George and Williams Lake, it is on the main route to northern British Columbia and the Yukon.

As of 2021, Quesnel's metropolitan area (census agglomeration) had a population of 23,113 making it one of the largest urban centres between Prince George and Kamloops.

To the east of Quesnel is Wells, Barkerville, and Bowron Lake Provincial Park, a popular canoeing destination in the Cariboo Mountains.

Considering it is located inland and around the 53rd parallel north, Quesnel's humid continental climate[7] (Dfb) is mild by Canadian standards, being subject to marine air flows from the Pacific.

Overnight lows are still cool even in summer, but daytime temperatures average above 24 °C (75 °F) in that season according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.

The current city council, elected in 2022 for a four-year term, is composed of mayor Ron Paul and councillors Scott Elliott, Tony Goulet, Debora McKelvie, Laurey-Anne Roodenburg, Martin Runge, and Mitch Vik.

For post secondary education, Quesnel has the College of New Caledonia and University of Northern British Columbia shared campus, which offers several programs, including four year nursing and social work degrees, foundation or apprenticeship-level trades certification, health sciences, human services, academic upgrading, or industry and continuing education courses.

Quesnel's tourism industry is largely based on the city's access to nature, with hunting and guiding outfitters, fishing, hiking, canoeing.

[6] The Rocky Mountaineer, a rail-tour train also travels through and stops overnight at Quesnel at the Pacific Great Eastern Railway Station, owned by BC Rail.

[28] Quesnel is home to the world's largest gold pan,[29] measured at 5.5 m (18 ft) in diameter and weighing 1,400 kg (3,100 lb), although this is disputed by Nome, Alaska.

[30] Quesnel is also the closest city to Barkerville, the largest historic site western North America, and epicentre of the Cariboo Gold Rush.

Quesnel Museum is home to numerous artifacts, including Mandy, a "haunted doll" made in the early 20th century that is claimed to have paranormal abilities and eyes that follow visitors around.