DISCOVER THE BEST OF NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA
It is a land of mountains, forests, rivers and coastline so vast, wild and remote that it’s hard to grasp its enormity. Visitors come to northern B.C. to experience natural wonders and unlimited adventure, and the region never fails to meet their expectations.
Start the journey to northern B.C. on BC Ferries’ Inside Passage route. The day-long, 500km voyage is from Port Hardy on the northern tip of Vancouver Island to Prince
Rupert on B.C.’s northwest coast, just below the Alaska Panhandle. Experience spectacular coastal scenery; towering mountains, dramatic fjords and islands can be enjoyed from aboard a wellappointed vessel.
As the ferry arrives at the port city of Prince Rupert, the adventure begins. Travel the Yellowhead (Highway 16) eastward along the mighty Skeena River and into the heart of northern B.C. Tucked into the Bulkley Valley is Smithers (www.tourismsmithers.com), a charming alpine-themed town. Summer is hiking season and there are endless trails in the area, from short jaunts to guided multi-day adventures.
Drive to the top of Hudson Bay Mountain and from there it takes about an hour to reach Crater Lake. The views along this trail are spectacular. There are also trails for mountain bikers, from the leisurely perimeter trail, to the more advanced Bluff network of trails.
As the largest centre in the region, Prince George (www.tourismpg.com) has shopping, dining and accommodation options to suit every traveller’s needs and the city is home to UNBC, consecutively ranked Canada’s #1 small university. Prince George also offers easy access to some amazing wilderness experiences from fishing to mountain biking to hiking. A special spot is the Ancient Forest, east of the city, which is the only inland temperate rainforest of its kind and a new provincial park. Hike amongst towering old growth cedars – some are more than 1,000 years old.
Dawson Creek (www.tourismdawsoncreek.com) is Mile 0; the official start of the Alaska Highway. This year, join in the celebration of the 75th anniversary of this world famous roadway. The route is the gateway to the far north, including the Yukon and Alaska. Experience all that Dawson Creek has to offer – including an art gallery, in a converted grain elevator, the Alaska Highway House, and the Bear Mountain Wind Park, with its interpretative trails around a network of 34 wind turbine generators.