Great Bear Rainforest - Holidays to Northern British Columbia

Paw Print - Holidays to Northern British Columbia

Nuxalk Nation - Holidays to Northern British Columbia

Northern BC

Welcome to Northern British Columbia. This vast wilderness region of British Columbia comprises of three geographical regions, the North West, the North East, and Haida Gwaii, formerly called the Queen Charlotte Islands

Larger than California, Northern British Columbia extends up to the Yukon/Alaska border, showcasing dramatic glaciated valleys, volcanic rock formations, mountain ranges, and mist-shrouded rainforest, anchored by the other outdoor community such as Smithers and the port city of Prince Rupert.

Outdoor adventure activities include hiking, horseback riding, offroad 4×4 tours, river boating and jet boating, whitewater rafting and kayaking, canoeing and mountain biking, and the wide-open spaces of Northern British Columbia allow for excellent snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in the winter season.

Great Bear Rainforest

On the mainland coast of British Columbia, the Great Bear Rainforest stretches over 250 miles and is a land of mist-shrouded valleys and glacier-cut fjords, some of the oldest trees in the world, sheltering coves and coastline, rich salmon streams and bears!

Spot the Kermode, grizzly bears, black bears, cougars, wolves, foxes and many more fascinating animals on nature tours and hikes, and the cool waters provide some of the finest sport fishing opportunities in Canada. Throughout the summer sailboats silently skirt the waves, and kayakers slip along the rarely-explored coastline.

Take a bear viewing tour from a boat and see the bears in spring as they are feeding on the sedges and other plants of the estuarine grasslands. This is also mating season. In summer you may have to go a little further afield to see them munching on berries and lookout for the curious seal pups. You can also spot the grey and humpback whales from the shoreline in summer. In the early autumn wolves become more vocal and the salmon arrive in significant numbers. This is the time to see the largest number of bears and cubs, but by the end of October they are moving towards hibernation.

Bella Coola is also a gateway to the Great Bear Rainforest. One of the most pristine wilderness environments on earth, this vast tract of rainforest extends some 400 kilometres (250 miles) along BC’s central and north coast. Home to the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest, it is also the world’s only habitat of the Kermode, or Spirit, bear, a white-furred sub-species of black bear, as well as a wealth of other wildlife both on land and in the sea.

Whether you choose to explore one, two, or all three of this region’s unique landscapes, the adventure will be unforgettable.

Hazelton

The tall mountains, lush and large forests, and four fishing rivers within the Hazeltons area offer a limitless number of activities for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

Culture seekers and historians are also attracted to the area for its unique Aboriginal and cultural sites, accessible pioneer past, and authentic festivals and events. The world-renowned Ksan Historical Village and Museum, an impressive replica of a former Gitxsan village from the 1800s, is located here.

Prince Rupert

Prince Rupert is a coastal port city—nestled into a mountain, surrounded by the Great Bear Rainforest, and just a boat ride away from where you can spot grizzly bears, wolves, orcas, and humpbacks. The nearby Skeena River and surrounding area is famous for fishing, kayaking, hiking and general adventuring. A stepping-off point for the islands of Haida Gwaii and the lava beds of the Nass Valley, Prince Rupert was once the point of trade and convergence for several area First Nations, who have over 10,000 plus years of history and culture here.

Prince Rupert has plentiful opportunities for recreation and activity on land and water. Within the City, you will find numerous parks for resting, strolling, biking or walking. Overlooking the city is the Roosevelt Park built to commemorate World War II, while Totem Park contains cultural legacies of the First Nations people.

Smithers

Mountains, rivers, forests, lakes, wild spaces to roam, and a vibrant and playful community, spending just a little bit of time in Smithers and you may find yourself engaging with a local—a Smithereen.

One of the most popular activities in Smithers is hiking and biking adventures, due to the downtown area’s close proximity to so many trails. Many hikes & trails start only a 15-minute drive away. In addition, hikers & bikers will feel as if they have the mountains to themselves, even during peak season in late summer, because of the massive scope of pristine nature in the area and the small population.

Be sure to rejuvenate yourself at a sidewalk cafe with a cappuccino and a handmade pastry. If you need a treat, look for homemade fudge or pick up some “made in Smithers” smoked sausage, pepperoni, or jerky for a picnic. If you are in Smithers on Saturday between May and October, don’t miss the Farmers’ Market.

Prince George

Prince George is the “Northern Capital” of British Columbia. It’s the largest city in the northern area of the province. Situated at the confluence of the Fraser and Nechako Rivers, Prince George has an important role in British Columbia’s economy.

Home to hundreds of local retail stores, downtown Prince George offers a diverse range of merchants from fashion boutiques, hobby shops and everything in between. Whether you’re on the hunt for a popular name brand or local treasure, Prince George’s wide range of shops promises you’ll find something you can cherish forever. There are plenty of food and drink options too, with over 11 breweries to visit and a multitude of restaurant options, you will never go thirsty or hungry in Prince George

For those wanting to get out and explore this stunning town, why not learn about the traditions and history of the local Lheidli T’eeneh people, homesteaders, gold miners, and railroaders of yesteryear?

Haida Gwaii

The stunning islands of Haida Gwaii lay 70 miles west of the British Columbia Coast and form a dagger-shaped archipelago of some 450 islands. With deep moss-covered rainforest and ancestral village sites, Haida Gwaii can feel ethereal.

The islands are home to dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and some of the world’s richest heritage, home to more than 500 archeological sites. Haida Gwaii’s climate produces lush vegetation and abundant wildlife. Groups of Sitka deer feed on the grassy clearings along Highway, and eagles often in large convocations, can be seen flying overhead in spring and summer. Island waters teem with sea life. The islands are a seasonal home for grey whales, humpback whales and orcas, along with seals, sea lions, porpoises, and marine birds.

Before arriving on the islands, visitors are strongly encouraged to take the Haida Gwaii Pledge and learn how to travel to Haida Gwaii respectfully.

Northern BC

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Northern BC

Great Bear Rainforest

Hazelton

Prince Rupert

Smithers

Prince George

Haida Gwaii

Northern BC

Suggested Itineraries

British Columbia Destinations

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