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points-of-interest , route-16
Know Before You Go
Posted on June 30, 2020
Motorcyclists who wish to travel within BC this summer are advised to plan ahead and be respectful while visiting communities along Route 16.
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points-of-interest
5 Northern BC Lakes Along Route 16 Perfect for Paddling
Posted on July 31, 2020
"What better way to sample outdoor adventure across Northern BC than to enjoy some lake life on a road trip along Highway 16? Whether you’re looking for an easy access launch with overnight camping or a place to dip into en route, this list is great for anyone touring east to west from Smithers to Prince Rupert."
Click here to read more: https://www.hellobc.com/stories/5-northern-bc-lakes-for-paddling/
Article By Brian Peech. Taken from HelloBC – Hello BC Website
In
side-routes
The Women In The Wind- Prince George to Barkerville
Posted on July 30, 2020
Our ride begins in Prince George on a reasonably warm but overcast day. Our group of 7 riders cruise south on Highway 97 headed for Barkerville. A few minutes outside of Prince George, farmlands dot the landscape amongst patches of thick forest. After approximately half an hour on the road, our eyes are greeted with feats of engineering and nature combined. The road begins to ride the shoulder of the mighty Fraser River on our right, to our left a massive cement wall, artistically etched to resemble mountains, has been constructed to retain the forces of Mother nature from reclaiming the southbound lanes of Highway 97. The Fraser River makes a sweeping turn left to right. The span from edge to edge of the river is about the width of 15 two-lane roads. The sheer size of the scene puts our engineering feats and ourselves into perspective.
PC: Bill Campbell
A little further down the road we arrive at the community of Hixon and decide to take a leg stretch. A small walk-up/take out diner offers great food and some of the best milkshakes around. The Hixon Burger bar is a favourite destination for many riders looking for a quick and fun ride from Prince George.
We ease back onto Hwy 97 eager to follow the Barkerville Highway into the historic gold rush town. The Barkerville Highway is a beautiful stretch of road that winds its way up into the hills along the original path of the wagon road of the gold rush days. Approximately half an hour from Quesnel/Highway 97 we reach the Cottonwood Historic Site. One of the last remaining roadhouses in BC. There is plenty to explore here including a general store, restored wagons, barns, and interpretive trails to take you back to 1864.
PC: Bill Campbell
The next community along the way is Wells, BC. Another townsite that developed out of the search for gold but continues to be home to approximately 150-300 residents today. There is much that can be explored in Wells but our goal for the day is Barkerville.
PC: Bill Campbell
As we roll up to Barkerville the shops lining the old dirt path of the townsite are visible. An authentic old-fashioned candy store, a general store, the Anglican Church, a bakery and even a saloon. We can't help but feel like we have been transported back to the 1800s. As riders of the gold rush trail, hitching our horses to the fence, we climb off our bikes and prepare to delve into historic Barkerville.
PC: Bill Campbell
We grab a snack and a drink before we meet up to enjoy an old-fashioned tour around the town on the horse-drawn stagecoach. As we view our surroundings, it becomes obvious one day won't be enough to fully enjoy all Barkerville has to offer. We begin to plan our next trip back to Barkerville before we even start the ride home.
Article and photographs contributed by Bill Campbell
Explore Barkerville Historic Town for yourself! https://www.barkerville.ca/
In
points-of-interest , route-16
BC Parks along Route 16
Posted on July 23, 2020
Fully completed in 1984, Highway 16 stretches across central B.C., totaling 1,072 kilometres. Starting at the B.C. – Alberta Border in Mount Robson Provincial Park, Highway 16 meanders to the coastal port of Prince Rupert and finally to Masset on the north end of Haida Gwaii. Offering stunning views and exciting adventures in some of B.C.’s most beautiful parks, touring Highway 16 should be on your bucket list!
Having moved to Northern B.C. two years ago, I was excited to explore the diverse landscapes the region has to offer. Since settling into Prince George, I have driven Highway 16 many times and have discovered several amazing places to connect with nature. Below I highlight must-see stops along this incredible section of the highway, heading east to west.
Mount Robson Provincial Park
Whether you stop for a quick stretch or for multiple days, Mount Robson Provincial Park has something for all interests and abilities. There are several hiking trails, ranging from short and easy excursions to multi-day backpacking adventures along the Berg Lake Trail and Mount Fitzwilliam. With over 200 campsites (22 are electrified!), Robson offers a wonderful place to spend the night, while taking in the surrounding scenery. If only a quick stop can be had, be sure to enjoy the visitor centre and the exquisite view of Mount Robson from the back deck.
PC: Natasha Ewing - BC Parks
Ancient Forest / Chun T’oh Whudujut Provincial Park
Enjoy a walk among giants in one of BC Parks’ newest and most unique parks. The Ancient Forest / Chun T’oh Whudujut offers a 450 metre accessible boardwalk and an additional 2.3 km trail throughout this incredible ecosystem – an Inland rainforest. Situated in the interior wetbelt of BC (stretching from the Robson Valley to Revelstoke), the park protects a portion of the only inland temperate rainforest in the world and over 400 plant species, including the endangered Joe-Pye Weed.
PC: Tourism Prince George
Sugarbowl-Grizzly Den Provincial Park
For individuals seeking a hearty backcountry experience, a stop at Sugarbowl-Grizzly Den Park will satisfy any outdoor enthusiast. Enjoy a day hike up to one of the many ridges to admire the stunning views or spend the night on a tent pad or in one of three cabins – 8 Mile / Grizzly Den (first come, first serve), or Raven Lake (reservation required).
Purden Lake Provincial Park
If you are looking for a family-friendly campground east of Prince George, Purden Lake is the place. With a beautiful lake to swim, boat and fish, a lakeshore trail to wander, and a playground with universally-accessible features, Purden Lake is the perfect spot to stay for a few days.
PC: JS Park
Beaumont Provincial Park
Just 134 km west of Prince George on Highway 16, through gently rolling terrain forested with willow, poplar, birch, spruce and occasional stands of aspen lies Beaumont Provincial Park. Within the Nechako Plateau bordered by the communities of Vanderhoof, Fraser Lake and Fort Fraser and to the west and north by the Hazelton, Skeena and Omineca mountains.
The park offers a beautiful, sandy beach for swimming and sunbathing and a variety of facilities for water-oriented activities to enhance visitor enjoyment. Walk in sites with beach access, fire rings and picnic tables make this park the perfect overnight stop.
Short detour – Highway 27 to Fort St. James
Just past Vanderhoof consider heading north on Highway 27 to explore the parks around Fort St. James. Situated on the southwest shore of beautiful Stuart Lake, Paarens Beach and Sowchea Bay are delightful, small provincial parks. With uncrowded campgrounds, large beaches and boat launches, they are an ideal base from which to explore the rich history and enjoy the multitude of recreational opportunities around Stuart Lake and the nearby community of Fort St. James. If you are itching for some exercise after a day at the beach, head up to Mount Pope for some fabulous rock climbing, or a 6.5 km hike (one way) to the peak for rewarding panoramic views.
Tyhee Lake Provincial Park
Situated between Telkwa and Smithers, Tyhee Lake is a community hub! Offering numerous campsites, a beautiful swimming area, and a kid’s pump track, Tyhee Lake is another family-friendly destination. There is also a new concession kiosk to purchase some treats and rent various watercrafts like stand up paddleboards.
PC: Natasha Ewing - BC Parks
Babine Mountains Provincial Park
Babine Mountains Provincial Park is like a choose your own adventure storybook. With over 31,000 hectares to explore, would you prefer to see glacier-fed lakes, rugged peaks, or extensive sub-alpine meadows? For those wanting the creature comforts of a cabin, Joe L’Orsa Cabin is located in the Silver King Basin and is available to the public year-round on a first come, first serve basis. On route to the Babine Mountain trailhead, be sure to swing by Driftwood Canyon to see some of B.C.’s most remarkable fossils.
Short detour - Highway 37 to Kitimat
Setting up basecamp at Lakelse Lake provides the perfect place for day-trip adventures. Approximately 20 km south of Terrace and 40 km north of Kitimat on Highway #37. With 156 sites, there is something for everyone, including group campsites and electrified sites. Lakelse Lake offers a playground, wonderful beachfront, walking trails and a boat launch for a fun-filled day near the water. Visitors can also enjoy the new visitor centre, amphitheater and purchase snacks and locally made art.
Kleanza Creek Provincial Park
Kleanza Creek Provincial Park is located amongst the forests and rock canyons in the Coast Mountains in the town of Terrace, BC. Occupying frontage on the Skeena River and on both sides of Kleanza Creek, the park is of historical significance.
A 1 km easy trail leads to a 24 metre deep box canyon on Kleanza Creek where you can view wildlife and stunning views.
Kleanza means gold in the Gitxsan language and it was this metal that influenced the early history of the park site. Placer mining for gold was first carried out in the creek in the late 1890s.
Prudhomme Lake Provincial Park
Travelling between Terrace and Prince Rupert is said to be one of the most beautiful roads in all of B.C. – with snow-capped mountains and the mighty Skeena River following the highway, each turn offers another lovely view. Just before entering the city of Prince Rupert, Prudhomme Lake is the last BC Park on the mainland (along the highway). Enjoy the lake at this quiet park or set up camp and explore all Prince Rupert has to offer via day trips.
I hope you enjoy your Highway 16 tour as much as I do. Best wishes on your journey – Bon Voyage!
Contributed by Natasha Ewing - BC Parks Northern Region Community Liaison Officer
For more BC Parks http://bcparks.ca/explore/
In
points-of-interest , route-16
Outdoor Adventures Along Route 16 – HelloBC
Posted on July 10, 2020
Northern BC is one massive playground for outdoor enthusiasts—and you don’t have to venture far from the beaten path to find remote wilderness adventures.
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points-of-interest , route-16
Terrace to Prince Rupert
Posted on October 7, 2019
Hear from Northern BC motorcyclists about their day trip from Terrace to Prince Rupert along Route 16.
In
points-of-interest , route-16 , side-routes
Prince George to Cheslatta Falls
Posted on September 10, 2019
Hear from some Prince George motorcyclists about their trip to Cheslatta Falls and the beauty they experienced on Route 16 in Northern BC.
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points-of-interest , route-16
New Hazelton & Area – HelloBC
Posted on August 29, 2019
Great resource from Destination BC detailing the incredible section of Route 16 around New Hazelton.
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points-of-interest , route-16 , side-routes , tips-tricks
Nass Valley and Lava Beds – HelloBC
Posted on August 27, 2019
Destination BC put together this great resource detailing the trip from Terrace to Gingolx, an incredible side route off of Route 16.
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points-of-interest , route-16 , tips-tricks
Finding Nature in Northern BC – HelloBC
Posted on August 27, 2019
