British Columbia - North

British Columbia can be considered one of the ultimate travel destinations, as it offers tourists a full spectrum of activities. British Columbia has some of the most unbelievably beautiful scenery, as well as possessing some of the cleanest, most metropolitan cities in the world. The Gulf Islands have been ranked North America’s top islands to visit, and the vast wilderness offers a wide variety of terrain just waiting to be explored.
The city of Dawson Creek is the starting point of the Alaska Highway, as well as being our point of origin for this journey through northern British Columbia. It’s a quaint town, proud of its roots. One of the central fixtures in Dawson Creek is the Walter Wright Pioneer Village, which pays tribute to the workers who began construction of the grand Alaska Highway back in the 1940s. The city is also a destination point for those of us who enjoy getting in touch with nature and outdoor adventure, as it provides visitors with the opportunity to enjoy camping, hiking, and fishing in the nearby woodlands. The lakes that encompass the city are excellent places to spend the summers swimming or just floating along the surface on an inner tube. In winter, there’s ample opportunity to go skiing (downhill or cross-country) or snowmobiling.
Heading northwest on Highway 97, follow the road along 45 miles of breathtakingly beautiful countryside until you come to the city of Fort St. John, which is the oldest non-Native settlement on the mainland of BC. The town’s museum features exhibits on area’s history, dating back to well before the founding of the city itself, to the days of the Natives, the explorers, and fur traders. Fort St. John is also extremely friendly to the outdoorsperson, as it’s surrounded by a vast forest that’s filled with many options. Hiking, camping, skiing, and many other outdoor activities can be had, such as bird watching and observing small animals in their natural habitat. Fort St. John is an idyllic place to set up camp for a few days and let the joy of nature fill the soul.
Proceeding northwest from Fort St. John, take the westbound Highway 29 for 46 miles which leads into Hudson’s Hope, first settled in 1805. As such, it’s the third oldest community in the entire province. Visitors can learn more about the area by visiting the Hudson Hope Museum, which features exhibits of dinosaur fossils and bones along with Native artifacts and items from the frontier days. Hudson’s Hope is a short drive from the Bennett and Peace Canyon Dams, each of which offers tours of their impressive facilities. The town maintains a public skating rink and outdoor heated pool, and with three lakes and the Peace River, there’s no shortage of places to get out on the water and enjoy the day in a kayak, canoe, or sailboat.
A forty-mile drive southwest on Highway 29 brings you to the final destination of Chetwynd. Nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains and surrounded by the Little Prairie Valley, Chetwynd is a charming community that will captivate your heart. The people are friendly and there’s plenty to keep a visitor occupied no matter when you plan your visit. Wide lakes and majestic, snowcapped mountain peaks give a chance for some truly awesome photo opportunities, but there’s far more to do around here than just snap pictures. The Chetwynd Community Forest is chock full of various types of hiking trails, running the gamut from moderate to challenging. The snow sports enthusiast can don a pair of skis or hop on a snowboard and take a run down Powder King Mountain; in the spring and summer, there are a number of nearby lakes where you can set up camp and take advantage of some truly fantastic fishing. The town itself offers an abundance of activities, including an aquatic center and several sports fields.
No matter whether you seek quiet calm or adrenaline-charged excitement, British Columbia has something to fit your travel agenda. It’s a great place to come to enjoy a rugged getaway and make some fantastic memories that’ll last a lifetime.