Visiting Northern British Columbia & Yukon

From Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon, through northern British Columbia, fall descends quickly bringing the snows, cold and fun of winter. Located on the banks of the Yukon River, Whitehorse is an hour and a half from the British Columbia province line and the Stikine Region of BC. Adventures dot the Whitehorse winter calendar including the start of the Yukon Quest on February 2nd, 2013. See the excitement as the sled dog teams launch into an epic 1,000-mile adventure through northwestern North America. For the extreme athlete, Whitehorse hosts the 2013 Yukon Arctic Ultra on February 13th. Winter means adventure in the Yukon and northern British Columbia.

Home of the Kermode bear, Terrace in northwest British Columbia draws visitors for a sighting of the rare pure white bear. During fall and early winter, the bears are active as they forage for winter food. Terrace is a hub of commerce for northwest BC communities, as well as outfitters catering to visitors and outdoor enthusiasts. Bulk shopping stores are located on the south side of Terrace and boutiques and clothing shops are located along Lakelse Avenue, the main street of Terrace.

The town of Dawson Creek anchors northeast BC. Famous as Mile Post 0 of the Alaska Highway, Dawson Creek is located along highway 97, 412 kms north of Prince George. Discover the history of the Alaska Highway at Dawson Creek’s Alaska Highway House. For a look into the history and heritage of the northwest BC region, visit Dawson Creek's Walter Wright Pioneer Village.

Located at the confluence of the Fraser River and Quesnel River, the town of Quesnel is a hub of exceptional outdoor adventure. Unfortunately, Quesnel’s January Bold Rush Trail Sled Dog Mail Run, has been cancelled for 2013. Look for local events in your area to enjoy winter fun. As winter comes to the heart of North Cariboo, Quesnel offers visitors plenty of winter activities. Take advantage of the well-developed Riverfront Trail system offering scenic views along the Fraser and Quesnel Rivers, or snowshoe, cross country ski or snowmobile into the surrounding wilderness.

Valemount, to the west of Jasper National Park, offers seemingly endless outdoor adventure. Once the snow flies, winter sports take over. Among the fun, locals and visitors enjoy dog sledding, snowmobiling, skiing and skating. Valemount celebrates winter at the Valemount Winter Festival 2013 in February. Popular events include Snowmobile Drag Races on Saturday, February 9th and the Snowmobile Poker Run on Sunday, the 10th. For the Drag Races, join the event at Canoe River Campground. Classes for the races include stock, pro and amateur – a race for all levels of experience. Valemount’s Snowmobile Poker Run begins at the Westridge parking, before heading out on a 30 km loop ending back at Westridge.

Northern British Columbia & Yukon Hotel Map