Burns
Lake | Fort St. James
| Fraser Lake | Granisle
| Haida
Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands) |Hazelton
Highway37: Iskut, Telegraph Creek, Dease Lake
| Houston
Kitimat | McBride |
Oona River | Prince George
| Prince Rupert
Smithers | Stewart
Telkwa | Terrace | Vanderhoof
BURNS LAKE
At the centre of an area known as the Lakes District, the community
of Burns Lake serves as the launch point for wilderness adventures of
all kinds. Some of the best fishing in BC can be found in the area's
many lakes. To the south, Tweedsmuir Park beckons hikers and campers.
But, there's more to see and do: nature trails, a golf course, curling,
skating rink, tennis courts, mountain biking, horseback riding, swimming,
water sports, hunting, and boating. Burns Lake is located 230 km (142
mi) west of Prince George on Hwy 16.
FORT
ST. JAMES
Just 60 km (37 mi.) north of Vanderhoof is Fort St. James.
First established as a fur trading post in 1806, it is now a centre
for the forest industry. The re-created Hudson's Bay trading post at
the National Historic Site has reenactments of fur trading life that
is surely the highlight of a visit to Fort St. James. The area also
contains one of the oldest churches in British Columbia. Ft. St. James
offers a golf course, hiking trails, ski hill, public beaches, fishing
and hunting lodges, houseboats, hiking, biking, and camping.
FRASER
LAKE
Set along the shores of Fraser Lake and a fly rod's cast from
hundreds of other lakes, is the village of Fraser Lake. There are lakes
in every direction which have lodges and resorts popular, not only for
fishing, but for family vacations. Canoeists enjoy the many rivers while
hikers, sightseers and mountain bikers can enjoy the many backwoods
trails. There's a golf course too, so bring along your clubs. There
are a number of private and provincial campsites in the area with many
lodges and resorts on the surrounding lakes. Fraser Lake is located
on Hwy 16, 160 km (99 mi) west of Prince George
GRANISLE
The village of Granisle is built upon the shores of Babine
Lake; the longest natural lake in British Columbia. First built to support
the copper mines in the 1960's, it now depends on its location and recreational
appeal to attract residents and visitors. Babine Lake offers prime fishing
and boating. The surrounding forested The village of Granisle is built
upon the shores of Babine Lake; the longest natural lake in British
area provides plenty of opportunity for hiking, hunting, camping and
any number of outdoor adventures. Just west of Burns Lake, you turn
north off Highway 16 (Yellowhead) at Topley. Granisle is 50 km (31 mi)
from Topley.
HAZELTON
Located close to the junction of the Bulkley and Skeena Rivers,
the original Hazelton settlement, built on the flats where the hazel
nut bushes grew thickly, began as a riverboat stop. South Hazelton or
"South Town" and New Hazelton or "New Town", sprang up with the building
of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway in the early 1900's. The communities
are all either on or very close to Highway 16, 124 km (77mi) east of
Terrace. Recreational activities: fishing, hiking, camping, wildlife
viewing, trail rides, local arena, ball diamonds, historical, wildlife
and natural history tours
HAIDA
GWAII (QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS)
Haida Gwaii is an archipelago of more than 150 islands. It
has gained a reputation for outstanding natural beauty and a remarkable
First Nations culture. This area can provide something of interest to
everyone; history, archeology, fishing, boating, hiking, biking and
more. The four main towns (Massett, Queen Charlotte City, Sandspit,
Skidegate) and numerous communities on the island all have something
unique to offer. To reach the islands, you can travel from Prince Rupert
by air or ferry. The trip by air is about 45 minutes; the ferry crossing
takes about six hours. Direct air service from Vancouver is also available
HIGHWAY
37: ISKUT, TELEGRAPH CREEK, DEASE LAKE
Iskut, Telegraph Creek and Dease Lake are located along Highway
37, often referred to as the Stewart-Cassiar Highway. It links the Yellowhead
16 with the Alaska Highway west of Watson Lake. The 733 km (454 mi.)
route is slightly shorter than the comparable route on the Alaska Highway.
On this route you will see some of the most inspiring beauty and abundant
wildlife on this continent.
HOUSTON
Halfway between Prince George and Prince Rupert, Houston is
both a wilderness and an industrial hub. Forestry and mineral explorations
have contributed to the area's prosperity but recreation and fishing
in the area's rivers and lakes are bringing more people to Houston every
year. The lakes, rivers and forest entice those interested in backpacking,
camping, canoeing, photography and wildlife viewing. Visitors will also
find 2 golf courses, a swimming pool, curling & skating rink, and cross
country ski trails. Houston is located 80 km (50 mi) west of Burns Lake
on Hwy 16.
KITIMAT
For those interested in nature and industry, Kitimat is an
excellent choice. The community enjoys a beautiful natural setting and
is also home to some of the most advanced industrial technology in North
America. Kitimat offers racquet courts, a gym, soccer and baseball fields,
skating rinks, aquatic centre, golf course, established hiking trails,
heli-hiking tours, fishing, swimming, camping, scuba diving, water-skiing,
wildlife viewing, charter fishing companies. Kitimat is 60 km (38 mi.)
south of Terrace on Highway 37.
MCBRIDE
McBride, the first B.C. community on the Yellowhead Highway,
has a history tied to railroads and forestry. The Robson Valley's exceptional
scenery and recreation opportunities draw back packers, anglers and
white water enthusiasts. McBride offers a golf course, recreation centre,
curling/skating/roller skating rink, ski trails, hiking trails, and
heli-skiing. There is camping at the nearby Konneman Regional Park,
and there are motels/lodges available in and near town. The community
is right on the main Highway 16 (Yellowhead). It is 220 km (136 mi.)
east of Prince George and 65km (40 mi.) north of Tete Jaune Cache.
OONA
RIVER This small northern coastal community is on Porcher Island
about 42 km (26 mi ) south of the port of Prince Rupert.
PRINCE
GEORGE
Prince George is the largest service centre for the northern
part of British Columbia; perfectly situated at the crossroads of two
major highways and two railways. Once a fur trading fort, Prince George
now has all the modern amenities amidst a sea of natural attractions
that entice visitors from around the world. Recreation Facilities &
Activities: golf courses, ice & curling rinks, tennis courts, pools,
parks, ball diamonds, trails, forest tours, hiking, biking, fishing,
boating, swimming, kayaking, waterskiing, camping, and hunting. Prince
George is located at the crossroads of Highways 16 and 97, 786 km (487
mi) north of Vancouver, and 721 km (447 mi) east of Prince Rupert.
PRINCE
RUPERT
Where the Yellowhead Highway 16 meets the Pacific, you'll find
Prince Rupert, and en route you will drive along one of the most scenic
stretches of highway in the world. Prince Rupert is home to Canada's
deepest ice-free harbour and acts as a base for those wanting to take
advantages of the adventures waiting just off the coast or on the mainland;
whalewatching, sea kayaking or fishing, hunting, hiking and backcountry
expeditions are all close at hand. It is a hub for ferry, rail and air
traffic as well as being the western end of the Yellowhead Highway 16.
There are regular ferry sailing from Prince Rupert to Alaska, Haida
Gwaii and Vancouver Island.
SMITHERS
Smithers is set in the Bulkley Valley, against a backdrop of
towering mountains. Numerous lakes, rivers and waterfalls provide outdoor
adventures. Area lodges cater to those who are keen for fishing, wildlife
watching, canoeing or even photo safaris. Local golf courses, a swimming
pool, curling & skating rinks, a fitness trail, picnic sites, cross
country & downhill skiing, horseback riding, river rafting, snowmobiling
and waterskiing are just a few of the things to keen you busy. Smithers
is located on Highway 16, 370 km (229 mi) west of Prince George and
68 km (42 mi) east of the Hazeltons.
STEWART
Stewart sits at the head of the Portland Canal, a 90 mile long
ocean fjord which forms a natural boundary between Canada and Alaska.
Towering peaks, chilling glacier scenes and unparalleled bear-watching
make it a must-see. The townsite is very interesting with many of the
buildings dating from 1910 when 10,000 people lived there. Stewart is
on Highway 37A, north off Highway 16 at Kitwanga, Greyhound Bus Lines
travels the highway north and south. The 61 km (38 mile) road joining
Stewart with the Cassiar Highway is one of the most spectacular in the
North.
TELKWA
Located at the junction of the Telkwa and Bulkley Rivers, Telkwa
is also known for its many possibilities for the outdoor enthusiast.
Hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing and heli-skiing are just some of the
activities to be experienced in the area. Telkwa lies on the major Highway
16 just 10 km (6 mi) east of Smithers. Nearby Tyhee Lake Provincial
Park offers camping, picnicking and boating.
TERRACE
Fishing, adventures, lava beds and a chance to see the rare Kermodi
bear are but a few of the enticements to visit Terrace. Anglers migrate
to Terrace to challenge the legendary steelhead and spring salmon of
the Skeena River. There are also a multitude of opportunities for those
who enjoy swimming, boating, camping and hiking. The city of Terrace
is easily accessed from all directions. Terrace is on air, rail and
bus routes while being on the Yellowhead Highway 16, 140 km (87 mi)
east of Prince Rupert and 581 km (361 mi) west of Prince George
VANDERHOOF
Located in the centre of British Columbia, Vanderhoof is a
pleasant agricultural and forestry based community with nearby opportunities
for outdoor adventures. You will enjoy the golf course, ski trails,
riding arena, curing and skating rink, bowling alley, tennis courts,
fishing, boating, canoeing, waterskiing, hunting, and camping. Vanderhoof
is located on the Nechako River 100 km (62 mi) west of Prince George
on Highway 16.
