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ADV Trips around PG – Route 16

Byrouteadmin

Located at the cross section of Highway 97 (North/South) and Highway 16 (East/West). Prince George, BC is northern British Columbia’s capital and Basecamp to the North.

For decades, Forestry has played a major role in Prince George’s economy and has shaped the landscape in all directions. Along with its proximity to the major highways, Prince George also sits in a rich and diverse geographic region with a blend of prairies, rolling hills, mountains, and over 1600 rivers, lakes and streams within 100km of the city centre. Understandably, this makes for incredible adventure riding all around the city.

Here are 5 adventure rides and other attractions along this stretch of Route 16, all starting from Prince George.

1 – Herrick Falls and Kittil Falls(Beginner / Intermediate) (184km from Prince George one way)

Direct Driving Instructions Here

Overview: Mountain views, lakes and waterfalls.

Located east of Prince George, this trip offers riders a blend of off-highway paved roads and large to mid-sized Forest Service Road (FSR) riding. Riders will experience mountain views, lake shores and waterfalls.

Travelling east on Highway 16 from Prince George, you’ll turn left and make your way along Upper Fraser Road and will pass by the small communities of Willow River, Giscome and Upper Fraser. A couple of kilometres past Upper Fraser, stay left across the rail tracks. Crossing the Hansard Bridge across the mighty Fraser, go right on the Longworth Rd. Here you transition from asphalt to gravel, after about 1km, turn left and begin your journey up the Pass Lake FSR. This road will take you past Evanoff Provincial Park, across the blue waters of the McGregor River and into the Evanoff Mountain Range. The trailhead is approximately 54km from the McGregor Bridge and offers great views of the falls with a short hike. Hiking down to the falls is an option, but would be classified as moderate to advanced.

2 – Blackwater Road to Bobtail (Beginner / Intermediate) (251km round trip)

Direct Driving Instructions Here

Overview: Rivers, & Historic Sites

Located south west of Prince George, this trip offers riders a blend of Highway, off-highway paved roads and mid to small Forest Service Road (FSR) riding. Riders will experience Rivers, rolling grasslands and historic sites.

Travelling west along Highway 16, from Prince George, turn left onto the Blackwater Rd and follow this road for ~42km before arriving at the Blackwater River Crossing. There is a BC Rec site at the crossing, and opportunities to explore the Blackwater Canyon and Alexander Mackenzie Heritage Trail, also known as the Nuxalk-Carrier Grease trail. Backtracking north east up the Blackwater Rd, turn left onto Punchaw road and begin your journey north west along the Punchaw FSR, Telegraph Trail. This route offers rolling hills and farmland, as well as numerous lakes, most notably Bobtail Lake. Continue onto the Bobtail Forest Service Road which brings you back to Highway 16 between Cluculz Lake and Bednesti. Consider making the trip to The Cabin Restaurant and General Store at Cluculz Lake before continuing West to Vanderhoof or back east towards Prince George.

3 – Upper Fraser loop & Bowron FSR (185km round trip)

Direct Driving Instructions Here

Located south west of Prince George, this trip offers riders a blend of Highway, off-highway paved roads and mid to small Forest Service Road (FSR) riding. Riders will experience curvy roads, rivers and distant mountains.

Travelling east on Highway 16 from Prince George, turn left to make your way along Upper Fraser Road, passing by the small communities of Willow River, Giscome and Upper Fraser. A couple of kilometres past Upper Fraser, stay right and turn onto the Bowron FSR. Be sure to enjoy the impressive view of Box Canyon when crossing the Bowron River. Follow the Bowron FSR for roughly 32km before arriving back to Highway 16. Continue east towards McBride and Valemount or return to Prince George via Highway 16 West.

4 – Upper Fraser to North Fraser Loop (224km round trip)

Direct Driving Instructions Here

Located north east of Prince George, this trip offers riders a blend of off-highway paved roads and large to mid-sized Forest Service Road (FSR) riding. Riders will experience mountain views, lake shores and waterfalls.

Travelling east on Highway 16 from Prince George, turn left and make your way along Upper Fraser Road, passing by the small communities of Willow River, Giscome and Upper Fraser. A couple of kilometres past Upper Fraser, stay left across the rail tracks and cross the Hansard Bridge across the Fraser River. After crossing the Hansard Bridge ease left onto the Church FSR. Follow the Church until crossing the McGregor River. At this junction you can stay left on the North Fraser FSR for a more direct route to Highway 97, OR stay right on the Seebach for a smaller road with less traffic up to the North Olson and eventually Highway 97N.

5 – PG to Quesnel via Blackwater Rd. (154km Prince George to Quesnel)

Direct Driving Instructions Here

Located south west of Prince George, this trip offers riders a blend of Highway, off-highway paved roads and mid to small Forest Service Road (FSR) riding. Riders will experience Rivers, rolling grasslands and historic sites.

Travelling west along Highway 16, from Prince George, turn left onto the Blackwater Rd and follow this road for ~42km before arriving at the Blackwater River Crossing. After exploring the Blackwater Canyon and Alexander Mackenzie River trails, also known as the Nuxalk-Carrier Grease trail, you will have two options. First, you can continue along the Blackwater Rd all the way to Quesnel. Alternatively, 5km south from the Blackwater River Crossing, take a right on Batununi Rd for ~30km before turning left on Nazko FSR. Follow Nazko for ~120km to Quesnel. Stop in Quesnel for lunch at one of the many local eateries before returning to Prince George via Highway 97S.

Important Reminders:

  1. You’re in bear country. Prince George and the surrounding area are home to black bears and grizzly bears, Be bear aware at all times when in the backcountry. Bear spray and bear bangers are highly recommended.
  2. You may encounter wildlife on paved or gravel roads, sometimes hiding in ditches or brush beside the road. Stay vigilant and follow the speed limit to avoid collisions.
  3. Water levels vary at different times of year. Some creeks that are flowing in the spring will have dried up by the summer, and some roads may have flood conditions at certain times of the year. Never ride beyond your skill or comfort level, and always pack drinking water.
  4. Even in the backcountry there are other vehicles that may pose a collision hazard. There are also many roads with blind corners and poor visibility. Ride with caution.
  5. Weather conditions can change quickly throughout the region, and some mountain ranges create their own weather systems. Packing extra clothing and waterproof gear is strongly recommended.
  6. Cell service outside the vicinity of Prince George is spotty at best. Do not rely on your cell phone for emergency communication.
  7. Always check your fuel and make a note of nearby gas stations before you depart on your route.

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