Visiting Northern British Columbia & Yukon

Spring and summer in Northern British Columbia brings seemingly endless adventures as trails and highways clear. Vast outdoor wilderness beckons travelers north to Hudson’s Hope, Dawson Creek and Terrace. Further north in Yukon province Whitehorse, the Wilderness City, becomes summer’s land of the midnight sun. Rugged and beautiful, the north lands of British Columbia offer the riches of Peace River Country outdoors, including Williston Lake the largest reservoir in the province. Celebrate the heritage and culture of BC at events like Dawson Creek’s Exhibition & Stampede – it is the Greatest Show in the Peace, or enjoy your favourite outdoor activity, just pick a destination and go for it.

Spring and summer visitors to northern BC, don’t miss a visit to WAC Bennett Dam and Visitor Centre. Located 20 km west of Hudson's Hope. The dam creates Williston Lake, the largest reservoir in British Columbia. Visitors are treated to the sight of one of the world’s largest earthfill structures harnessing the waters of the Peace River. The WAC Bennett Dan Visitor Centre opens May 19th for the 2012 season – admission is 2-for-1 on opening day.

Butler Ridge Provincial Park, located on the north side of Williston Lake, offers exceptional terrain for outdoor enthusiasts. The park provides access to Williston Lake for water recreation and fishing. The 15km Butler Ridge extends the length of the park offering spectacular hiking and wildlife viewing – don’t be surprised to see moose, elk or bear along the way.

Dawson Creek, east of Hudson’s Hope 160km, is mile ‘0’ of the Alaska Highway. A commercial and cultural hub for British Columbia’s Peace Region, Dawson Creek sits at the crossroads of Highway 97, Highway 49 and Highway 2. The city’s EnCana Events Centre offers residents year-round entertainment. Home of the Dawson Creek Rage, the EnCana Centre also hosts top-names in entertainment and concerts.

Called “The Greatest Show in the Peace”, the popular Dawson Creek Exhibition and Stampede marks its 90th anniversary in 2012. Celebrate the rich history and heritage of Peace River Country August 7th through the 12th. A Country Music concert in the Grandstands of the Exhibition Fair Grounds kicks off festivities, with the agricultural fair, exhibitions and rodeo, filling out the week.

Terrace in west central BC, is located along the Trans Canada Highway, nestled in a bend of the Skeena River. Another mecca for active outdoorsmen, the long days and green of summer offer a bounty of outdoor recreation for all ages and skill levels. Hike or mountain bike trails near Terrace, or for a challenge check out Thornhill Mountain outside of town offering downhill single-track trails with jumps and terrain for the experts in the crowd.

The Skeena River, in Terrace, offers river fishing for anglers. Steelhead season runs through May and picks up again in August, but in between, the sockeye and pinks are biting. Trout fans will have to head to nearby lakes for their prize. Check with the locals in Terrace for those special secret fishing holes – everyone has one.

Northern British Columbia & Yukon Hotel Map