Northern BC is a mountain paradise in Canada that has not yet been “discovered.” It is a place where tourism is so new that mountain trails and peaks, glaciers, alpine lakes and untouched rivers are just beginning to be known by more than just the locals.
This northern region of Canada offers an unbelievable amount of natural beauty and outdoor adventure opportunities. It is an excellent alternative to the often over-crowded and touristed mountain regions in BC’s Rocky Mountain range. From hiking and mountain biking to paddle boarding and kayaking alpine lakes, rafting down unspoiled rivers brimming with wildlife, horseback riding through mountain meadows set against a backdrop of glacial capped mountains as well as coastal waters where humpbacks and orca reside, Northern BC really does have it all!
Want to know how to make the most of a visit to this remote northern mecca? We’ve got you covered with our top 10 things to do in Northern BC!
We based ourselves in the town of Smithers, BC and booked our stay with a local adventure tour company called Adventure Camp Tourism. For a detailed review of the company and an itinerary of our tour check out our guide here.
Top 10 Things to do in Northern BC
1. Paddling Kitseguecla Lake
Kitseguiecla Lake sits at the base of the Nipples Mountain Range, a series of jagged pinnacles near the west end of Rocky Ridge. It is located approximately 40km northwest of the town of Smithers and is accessible from the Kitseguecla Recreational Site . We paddled out to the northwest end of the lake to get a picture perfect view of the apltly named Nipple Peak. The lake and the views are just stunning and makes a perfect place to spend the day paddling and swimming!
2. Kathlyn Lake
Kathlyn Lake is a beautiful lake located just minutes from downtown Smithers. There is a public beach with picnic tables, change rooms and restroom facilities. It is the perfect place to bring your stand-up paddle board or just go for a refreshing swim after a day of adventuring in the mountains. We came for a sunset paddle and watched the sun dip behind Hudson Bay Mountain. Perfect way to end the day!
3. Hike to Crater Lake via Crater Lake Trail
Crater Lake is an alpine lake located in the Hudson Bay Mountain range. You can reach the lake via Crater Lake Trail, a 5.8km out and back trail that starts right at the Hudson Bay Mountain Ski Resort. The trail is a moderate climb and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
The trail meanders through alpine meadows filled with wildflowers and mountain streams and eventually leads to a a clear alpine lake hidden in a crater of the volcanic mountain. Bring a swimsuit if you care for a cold swim and bring bug spray as the mosquitos also love the lake!
4. Rafting on the Skeena River
Book a guided still-water rafting trip down the Skeena River with the Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition (SWCW). The Skeena River sustains a huge variety of wildlife and habitats (we saw black bears, countless bald eagles and salmon without even leaving the boat!) and SWCW works to keep this watershed undeveloped and protected. Our local guide Colin of the Gitxsan Nation was incredibly informative about the regions ancestral lands dating back thousands of years and the wildlife that calls the watershed home today.
Our rafting tour included climbing hidden waterfalls and cliff jumping just to get the adrenaline pumping!
5. Horseback Riding in the Bulkley Valley
Go on a trail ride through the beautiful Bulkley Valley with Mountain View Adventures. They offer horseback riding through mountain meadows set against a backdrop of glacial capped mountains. They can take riders of all levels and offer rides ranging from one hour to a full day. If you are lucky, you just might even see a bear out on the trail! We did! What an adventure!
6. Whale Watching
The coastal mountains of Northern BC dip into inlets full of marine wildlife including humpback whales and resident orca pods, dolphins, sea lions, salmon, bald eagles and countless other marine birds. Whale watching tours can be arranged out of both Prince Rupert and Kitimat, BC. We went out with North Pacific Transport and Eco. based in Kitimat for a full day excursion. We were not disappointed and saw three different humpback whales as well a sea lions galore! The tour also included hot spring tours (see below).
7. Soak in a Hot spring
Due to the volcanic mountains of the region, there are ample hot springs to soak tired muscles and warm up in the cooler months of the year. Most of these hot springs are remote and have a rustic charm all their own. We visited both Weewanie hot springs and Bishop Bay hot springs during our whale watching excursion with North Pacific Transport and Eco. They were the perfect place to warm up after being out on the water!
8. Hike to Twin Falls
Twin Falls on Hudson Bay Mountain is a highlight of any trip to the Smithers region of Northern BC. It is easily accessible, has ample parking and is a great place for an easy and short hike up to an absolutely incredible pair of waterfalls! The two waterfalls cascade 550 feet down a rock cliff face. One waterfall is full and powerful while the other is reduced to a small trickle as Lake Kathlyn Glacier 5,000 feet above has receded.
There are picnic tables set up along Glacier Gulch Creek passing through the site and there is a viewing platform to view the falls from a distance. However, the brave of heart can climb directly to the base of the waterfall to get a taste of the waterfalls incredible power! Be prepared to get absolutely soaked as you approach the falls. The mist and spray are intense!!
9. Visit K’San Historical Village
K’San Historical Village in Hazelton, BC stands near the ancient village of Gitanmaax, at the confluence of the Bulkley and Skeena Rivers. The K’San Historical Village and Museum is a replicated ancient Gitxsan village that illustrates a single line of large decorated houses with Totem poles facing the river. The long houses can be toured with a guide from the museum and showcase traditional art, clothing and artifacts. It is the desire of K’San to preserve and truthfully portray the lifestyle of the people who have always lived here.
10. Visit a Local Farm
Bulkley Valley Honey offers tours of their bee farm where they will show you the ins and outs of beekeeping. They provide full bee suits so that adults and kids can get right up to the hives to see the bees in action. They also offer wagon rides through the Bulkley Valley complete with a bonfire and wienie roast at a secluded wooden cabin in the woods.
Want more info on exploring Canada? Check out some of our other guides below.
- The Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet, BC: Hike the wild and rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, BC
- Cape Spear Trail, Newfoundland: Hike the easternmost point of North America
- Lion’s Head Provincial Park Trail: Hike the Niagara Escarpment in Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula over aquamarine waters that make you feel like you found the tropics!
- Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park: Camp in the heart of Canada’s fur trading past in the Mattawa River Region of Ontario
Thinking of visiting Northern BC? Why not Pin it for later!
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