Hiking

Happy hiking, from east to west

Northern British Columbia is covered with some of the world’s most scenic hiking and backpacking trails. There are trails suitable for beginners and day-trippers, as well journeys that take the traveler deep into reaches rarely explored.

Tweedsmuir Park is one of the province of British Columbia’s largest, with more than 900,000 hectares of spectacular scenery and dozens of accessible trails for hiking. Ootsa-Whitesails Lake reservoir and the Coast Mountains provide incredible vistas. Experienced backpackers may choose to continue into the wild backcountry, with its alpine meadows and craggy mountain peaks.

Red Fern-Keily Provincial Park is located in the Muskwa-Kechika Management Area, 80 kilometres west of the Alaska Highway and approximately 250 kilometres northwest of Fort St. John. Here in the furthest reaches of the great Northern Rocky Mountains, serious trail lovers go to Redfern-Kelly Park. There are several treks to choose from. One trail follows Nevis Creek and the Besa River to Redfern Lake, and a second trail follows the Sikanni Chief River to Trimble Lake. Another trail links Trimble Lake to the Besa River, completing a loop.

The terrain provides constant breathtaking views for hikers to enjoy, and there is also plenty of wildlife to capture attention. The park is home to several endangered, threatened or vulnerable species. Important moose and caribou habitat is located within the park. Elk, deer, grizzly and black bear, wolves and lynx are also seen in this part of Northern B.C. 

Both trails are open to snowmobiles, horses, hikers, mountain bikes, and dog sleds; however, motorized ATV vehicles can only access the park via the Redfern Lake trail. Motorized access along the Sikanni River trail does not extend into the park. Primitive campsites are found along both trails. There are approximately 26 sites along the Redfern Lake trail, of which seven are located within the park.

Northern British Columbia is literally dotted with lakes and lined with streams and rivers, making every corner of the region an ecotourism possibility.

About halfway between Prince Rupert and Prince George, visitors can experience new landscapes, beginning with the peaceful Bulkley Valley, leading right into the Lakes District on the Yellowhead Highway. Francois Lake, Burns Lake and Fraser Lake all feature accommodations, as well as numerous hiking trails. The Red Rock and Table Mountain trails will lead hikers into an area known for its unique landscape. Located on the northeast end of Fraser Lake is an extinct volcano, with lava frozen in motion. Another trail nearby leads hikers past ancient petroglyphs, drawings made by First Nations people hundreds of years ago on the sides of rocks and cliffs.

Mount Pope, located just outside the historic community of Fort St. James, features a rugged, challenging climb, with about a four-hour hike to the top. It’s the highest point in this area and from this vantage point; visitors can enjoy great views of Takla Lake, the Nation Lakes and Babine Lake.

The Raven Lake-Grizzly Den Recreation Area, 90 kilometres east of Prince George, is another northern hiking destinations, with around 15 kilometres of trails and two public cabins. Access is from the Hungary Creek Forest Road.