Welcome to Northern BC
Northern British Columbia is where you'll truly feel that you've crossed that ethereal border into some place different. Nowhere else are the rich cultures of Canada's Aboriginal people so keenly felt, from the Haida on Haida Gwaii to the Tsimshian on the mainland. Nowhere else does land so exude mystery, whether it's the storm-shrouded coast and islands or the silent majesty of glaciers carving passages through entire mountain ranges. And nowhere else is so alive with fabled fauna, from orcas to moose to grizzlies.
Top experiences in Northern BC
Northern BC activities
Bulkley Valley Horseback Ride
This 1-hour trail ride outside of Smithers starts with a visit to a local ranch to meet the horses and your local guide. Although you will only be on the trail for an hour, it takes nearly that long to prepare the horses, providing you ample opportunity to learn more about this family farm and ranch and how they operate. Along with working stables, the ranch holds a petting zoo, making it a perfect option for families with small children.Once ready, you will climb up on your horse and begin your ride. Depending on your comfort and skill level, you can choose to tackle more challenging hills and creek beds or take it easy and wander through the flatter terrain of the valley floor. The time of year offers different landscapes - the winter chill is often accompanied by white snow and quiet landscapes and summer offers longer days with gentle grass swaying in the breeze. Your guide will work with you to determine an appropriate route for you and your group - simply let him or her know what type of ride you are looking for, and they will show you the way. After the hour is up, make your way back to the ranch to dismount your ride and say goodbye to your new equine friend. Depending on the time of year, there are opportunities to spend more time at the ranch and learn more about the animals who live there and the people who take care of them.
6-Day Babine River of Grizzlies Expedition
Visit one of the few remaining pristine and untouched areas of the world. Over 6 days you will experience the thrill of class IV white-water rafting, encounter wildlife in the most natural setting, and rejuvenate yourself in a sacred headwaters river integral to the area’s native heritage. Under the friendly and experienced care of your guides, you will be surrounded by the abundant wildlife drawn to the area by the salmon and steelhead trout that have established the river as their spawning grounds. Grizzly bears, black bears, bald and golden eagles, and a variety of wildlife are sure to make an appearance throughout the trip. Everyday, relish in sumptuous multi-course gourmet meals and luxury camping in some of the most spectacular locations in the world. And along the way, discover the historic Gitxsan village of Hazelton with its remarkable totem poles and stunning views of the Babine Mountain Range. On DAY ONE, meet with your group and crew and begin your journey to the river. After a riverside lunch, you will raft to your first camp where you’ll enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as camp is set, followed by the first of a series of sumptuous dinners. On DAYS TWO, THREE, FOUR & FIVE, wake to the sound of the river, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and a delicious breakfast. After breaking camp, get back aboard the rafts to continue your trip downstream through deep canyons and exciting rapids, and take in the backdrop of thick forest, mountains and glaciers of the Sicintine Range. As the river’s pace picks up, raft through a sustained stretch of class 3 rapids highlighted by the “Pinball Alley” section before setting camp deep in the Babine Canyon adjacent to a waterfall. Visit the famous class 4 “Grizzly Drop” rapids section to catch a glimpse of fishing grizzly bears, and continue on to hike to the abandoned Native village of Kisgegas, now overgrown with wildflowers. As the river valley opens, admire the vistas of Mount Thomlinson and the show put on by the narrow Babine River pouring into the wide Skeena River. Journey through large splashy rapids of sinuous waters surrounded by rock-lined canyons and coastal cedars before making camp one final time. On DAY SIX, notice signs of civilization along the shores as you pass the native village of Kispiox, where giant totem poles pay silent tributes to generations past. Return to shore in Hazelton, BC before returning to Smithers to gather together for a final diner with friends, old and new.
Vancouver & Alaska by Ferry & Rail
What’s better than seeing the coastal areas of Canada and Alaska? Seeing it by train and ferry to give you the full land-and-sea experience of this amazing region. This 15-day trip takes advantage of both local trains and small ferries to create an authentic – not to mention memorable – journey up the coast and around Alaska. You’ll check out the highlights of Seward, Anchorage, and Denali while on the Alaskan Railroad, with plenty of chances to stretch your legs to explore the terrain firsthand. Rail, boat, mountains, cities – who says you can’t have it all?
Vancouver Island & Northern Rockies
Discover the many landscapes, animals, and ways of life in the Canadian Rockies through an engaging 11-day tour. Venture to Vancouver Island and embark on the Inside Passage ferry, which takes you through glacial fjords to spot orcas and porpoises. Visit a collection of totem poles and immerse yourself in First Nation cultures. After all of these incredible encounters, you'll soon agree that the west coast is the best coast.
Canadian Rockies Encompassed
The Indigenous history, beautiful natural landscapes, and lively cowboy culture of western Canada come together on this 19-day tour through British Columbia and Alberta. Spot wildlife on a ferry ride through glacial fjords and immerse yourself in First Nations culture on a day tour of Smithers. Experience the cowboy roots of Calgary and admire the emerald blue hue of Lake Louise. There are stunning vistas and photos ops along the way, as well as opportunities to bond with like-minded travelmates.