3 Mini Road Trips in the Northwest of British Columbia

Road trips are essential to any summer: sunglasses on, windows down, music blaring loud enough for other cars to hear. With long trips between cities and some of the most preserved nature, the north of British Columbia is perfect for road trips. Terrace, BC, Canada, is a relatively small dot on the map with just over 10,000 residents and a lengthy distance from the nearest big city hub. Regardless, it’s garnering attention for recent oil pipeline developments and for its outstanding fishing. Whether it be for the salmon or because of the oil sands, you should try out these mini road trips to surrounding regions if you find yourself in Terrace sometime soon.

Terrace-Prince Rupert
This Highway 16 drive follows the Skeena River as it winds its way from the Pacific Ocean to the interior, following the paths of swimming salmon and the endless rows of coastal mountains. At all times there is a turquoise river on one side and a mountain face with falling waterfalls or cemented glaciers on the other side. Views are not the only thing this drive has to offer, as there are many stops along the way that will appeal to adventurers, nature lovers, and photographers. 36 kilometres out of Terrace (and down a rugged logging road) Exstew Falls shoot out of the mountain top and 20 kilometres further down Highway 16 is Exchamsiks River Provincial Park. Its combination of cliffs that are thousands of metres high, an aquamarine river, and some of the oldest and largest Sitka spruce in the province make it a fantastic stop.

Once in Prince Rupert, there are plenty of things to do, granted you catch the city on a sunny day. As it is the rainiest city in Canada you should always pack rainboots and an umbrella; however, try to plan your day-trip with sunshine in the forecast so you can enjoy the oceanside restaurants and views of the harbour. Founded by Charles Hays (who later died on the Titanic), this small coastal city is filled with quaint sites: stop by Cow Bay for some ice cream, shop at Homework for hilarious and bizarre trinkets, and of course do a whale watching tour if you have the time. Here are a number of other things to do in Rupert:

Terrace-New Aiyansh
97 kilometres north of Terrace sits the capital of the Nisga’a Nation, Gitlaxt’aamiks or New Aiyansh. The highway that takes you there (Highway 113) is a windy, serpentine stretch of cement that is best avoided by those who are easily motion sick. Despite the twists and turns you will be rewarded for your trip, as there is often (if not always) wildlife of some sort to be seen—bears, deer, or moose grazing on the side of the road. (In fact, this highway is one of two places I have ever seen a Kermode bear in my life!) Before you hit the road and the gas pedal, make sure you do two important things: ensure your tank and your tummy are full. Bring along snacks as there are very limited food options in New Aiyansh, and fill up in Terrace and again in New Aiyansh as there are no gas stations or cell phone service between cities. Along the way, take photos at the pristine Lava Lake, go for a quick stroll at the moon-like Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park, and dip your toes in the freezing Vetter Falls. Add a few of these other things to your “to-do” list for your trip:

Terrace-Kitimat
This petite roadtrip will be the shortest one, just a mere 62 kilometres to an inlet of the Pacific Ocean. Kitimat is a city of a few thousand and has a more industrial feel than other northern cities—something one can only expect with a city started by Alcan (the Aluminum Company of Canada.) Regardless, there is still much nature to be enjoyed and admired, and the drive to Kitimat is perfect for a hot summer’s day. Leave in the morning and along the way stop at Lakelse Lake, either at Gruchy’s Beach, the Picnic Site, or the Campground. It is a swimmable lake (not too cold) and is surrounded by a ring of mountains. On the opposite side from the Lakelse Lake Campground is a hiking trail that leads up Gunsite Mountain and passes by a small swimming hole and waterfall called Granite Creek. After your day of swimming and hiking, and once you finally make it to Kitimat, make sure you stop by Constant Cravings Café for incredible baked goods and sandwiches.