 British Columbia's
north is a vast wilderness of grizzly bears, pristine glaciers,
ancient totems and raw rugged beauty. Out
of the vast land of white water,  creeping glaciers and dense,
ancient forests come tales of a wilderness steeped in mystery
and adventure. The North is a land where outdoor recreation
is a certainty and where alpine mountains and crystal clear
lakes offer everything from helicopter skiing to salmon fishing.
Ancient totems loom as a testament to show that aboriginal
culture is not just vibrant, but alive and well. Visit and
explore the North’s mysterious wild rivers and deep forests.
 Northern British Columbia offers stunning scenery and limitless
outdoor adventure recreation. Speckled with countless rivers
and streams, the landscape is adorned by unspoiled wildlife
and is framed by picturesque backdrops. As a land trekked by
true nature enthusiasts, lofty snowcapped mountains and deep
plunging valleys that is Northern British Columbia will surround
travellers.
Like a large outdoor playground, the north offers an extensive
wealth of wilderness recreation for those who choose to indulge.
Tourists can find themselves hiking, river rafting and horse
back riding all in one day. Other activities include golfing,
alpine and cross-country skiing, mountaineering and camping.
Those escaping to Northern BC often find themselves coming
back year after year.
 Visitors can also explore the abundance of cultural heritage
land in Northern BC The Haida Nation has inhabited the Queen
Charlotte Islands for 10,000 years and was recognized as the
prime culture of the west coast when the Europeans first explored
Canada. On the mainland, countless communities house the remains
of once booming trading posts and mining or logging towns.
Today, these cozy communities offer a getaway full of heritage
and ancestry for those curious to explore.
Traveling through Northern BC offers a wonderful glimpse
of untouched wilderness. Four main highways give access
to Northern
BC: the Yellowhead Highway 16, the Alaska Highway 97,
the Steward Cassiar Highway 37 and Atlin Highway 7. This
huge,
diverse region is surrounded by Alaska and the Yukon
Territory to the North; the Pacific Ocean to the west;
and Alberta
and the Rockies to the east.
Alaska Highway 97
 The Alaska Highway takes you on a 1,000 km (600 mi) route
shifting from fertile hills of the Peace River Valley through
to the wild mountain splendor of the Rockies. Lucky eyes may
catch a glimpse of an elusive grizzly or mountain goat. The
highway climbs through three spectacular mountain wilderness
parks: Stone Mountain Provincial Park, Muncho Lake Provincial
Park and Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park and on to
the BC and Yukon border. Amidst all the natural majesty, find
time to be pampered with massages and full spa treatments,
gourmet meals, and sleep with the full colors of the northern
lights overhead. As you travel the historical route, take time
to savor the fresh mountain air, wilderness vistas, abundant
wildlife and northern hospitality. More »
Atlin Highway 7
 Found well off the beaten track and in the rugged mountains,
Atlin is referred to as “Atlin Eden” by many visitors.
Such a name is fitting as Atlin’s natural beauty is captivating
and inspiring. Historic buildings reveal Atlin’s pioneering
past and visitors can rent a gold pan and stake of piece of
land for their own fortune just like many did at the turn of
the century. Enjoy a day of fishing or kayaking in the serene
and enchanting lakes – an outing that will not be forgotten. More »
The Queen Charlotte Islands
 The Queen Charlotte Islands has become renowned for its plethora
of natural beauty and its rich First Nations lineage. Visitors
can expect spectacular wildlife viewing that includes many
species of birds, migrating whales and seals and sea lions.
The towering western hemlock, red cedar, and Sitka Spruce forests
exhibit and the rugged mountains, freshwater streams, sovereign
beaches and restless ocean all come together on the magnificent
Queen Charlotte Islands. Each of the four main towns offers
its own unique scope on island life – a relaxing and
slow paced yet wholehearted and welcoming way of life. More »
Stewart Cassiar Highway 37
 The Stewart-Cassiar region on the northwest of British Columbia,
stretches from the Skeena River to the Cassiar Mountains and
offers some of the most awe-inspiring scenery on the continent.
Wild rivers, deep canyons, magnificent glaciers, clear lakes
and pristine areas distinguish the region. The 721 km (448
mi) long Stewart-Cassiar (Highway 37) connects the communities
of the region and offers an excellent alternate route for visitors
traveling to or from the Yukon and Alaska. The First Nations
were the first people of the area, and their communities offer
opportunities to experience the rich Native heritage locked
up in the region. Aside from the deep cultural roots, there
are many wilderness parks to explore – Mt. Edzizza and
Spatsizi Plateau are the defining features along the route.
This region is an acclaimed wilderness expanse with views of
truly rugged and remote scenery. Travellers are sure to hold
on to memories of the visitors and ambiance that fills the
north. More »
Yellowhead Highway 16
 The
scenic, interprovincial Yellowhead Highway 16 stretches 1,073
km (667 mi) across the lower section of northern BC and crosses
from Alaska into British Columbia’s Mt. Robson Provincial
Park. The scenery here is simply extraordinary in every direction.
The park is dominated by Namesake Mountain, which at 3,954m
(12,972ft) is the highest point in the Canadian Rockies. It’s
here, up in the glaciers where the Fraser River is born. Highway
16 continues west across the province to Prince Rupert on the
north coast and terminates at Masset on Haida Gwaii, the Queen
Charlotte Islands. This northern route follows a historic trail
traditionally used by settlers, gold-seekers, fur-traders,
explorers, aboriginal people and the Royal Canadian Mounted
Police. Along the Yellowhead route find towering mountains,
spectacular rivers, glacier-fed lakes, diverse wildlife, vast
valley lands, beautiful wildflowers, temperate rainforests
and BC’s spectacular coastline. If you travel early in
the year, witness spring’s “coming to life”,
while later in the year be amazed by the stunning fall foliage
found along this westerly route in Northern BC. More »
Northern British Columbia offers a succession of astonishing
panoramas, rare and majestic wildlife, and enough outdoor recreation
to keep you returning year after year.
Links
Need a place to stay or camp while exploring Northern
British Columbia?
Explore the Communities
of Northern British Columbia
Discover Northern British Columbia's Sub Regions
Tourism Region Contact
Northern British Columbia
Tourism
PO Box 2373
Prince George, BC V2N 2S6
Toll Free: 1-800-663-8843
Phone: (250) 561-0432
Fax: (250) 561-0450
Email: info@nbctourism.com |
