The diverse geography of northern BC is as breathtaking as it is vast. From mist-shrouded coastal areas, towering mountains, sweeping glaciers, rivers, lakes, hot springs, and valleys to the rolling prairies and rich agricultural lands of the Peace Country — this region is made for epic road trips.
Begin your journey on the rugged west coast in Prince Rupert, then head inland to sunny Terrace – but not before making the detour to experience Kitimat on the Douglas Channel. Continue east through Smithers, then on to Prince George, the largest city in northern BC. Complete your trip in the Peace Country communities of Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, where you can taste the local terroir before calling it a journey well travelled.
And nestled throughout this wild landscape are vibrant communities with popular local breweries — the perfect reward after a long day of driving. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a wide range of activities along the way, including skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and fishing, all followed by a delicious, well-made craft beer.
Wheelhouse Brewing Company in Prince Rupert, BC (photo: Shayd Johnson)
Smithers Brewing Company in Smithers, BC
Sherwood Mountain Brewhouse in Terrace, BC (photo: Tyler Macsemniuk)
Mile Zero of the Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek, BC
Two Peaks Brewing in Kitimat, BC (photo provided)
Smithers, BC
CrossRoads Tap and Kitchen in Prince George, BC
Post & Row Brewing Co. in Dawson Creek, BC
Terrace, BC (photo: Ben Haggar Photography)
Witset Canyon near Smithers, BC
Mighty Peace Brewing in Fort St. John, BC
Peace River near Fort St. John, BC
Bulkley Valley Brewery in Smithers, BC
Sherwood Mountain Brewhouse in Terrace, BC
Skeena Valley Golf & Country Club in Terrace, BC
Beard’s Brewing in Fort St. John, BC
Smithers Brewing Company in Smithers, BC
Highway 16 between Terrace and Prince Rupert, BC
CrossRoads Tap and Kitchen in Prince George, BC
Trench Brewing & Distilling in Prince George, BC
Beard’s Brewing in Fort St. John, BC
Deadfall Brewing in Prince George, BC
Kitimat, BC (photo: Dave Heath)
Bulkley Valley Brewery in Smithers, BC (photo: Tyler Macsemniuk)
Smithers, BC (photo: Ben Haggar Photography)
Wesach Waterfall near Terrace, BC (photo: Tyler Macsemniuk)
Cottonwood Park in Prince George, BC (photo: Wildly Ruby)
Crater Lake near Smither, BC (photo: Teddy Cosco, @castandiron)
Wheelhouse Brewing Company in Prince Rupert, BC (photo: Shayd Johnson)
Prince Rupert, BC (photo: Shayd Johnson)
Deadfall Brewing in Prince George, BC (photo provided)
Post & Row Brewing Co. in Dawson Creek, BC (photo provided)
Tall Trees Trail in Prince Rupert, BC (photo: Shayd Johnson/Tourism Prince Rupert)
Prince George, BC (photo: Tyler Macsemniuk)
Trench Brewing & Distilling in Prince George, BC
Kitimat, BC (photo: Dave Heath)
Mighty Peace Brewing in Fort St. John, BC
Two Peaks Brewing in Kitimat, BC (photo provided)
Start your Northwest BC adventure in Prince Rupert. There are a few ways to get there:
Home of the ‘Yawn Begone’! A unique coffee shop in the heart of Prince Rupert with great coffee, world famous muffins and delicious lunch.
Whale watching trips and grizzly bear viewing June-October in the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary, the largest grizzly sanctuary in North America.
The first 100% ‘Ocean Wise’ sushi restaurant in BC, offering all local seafood, and featuring locally made furniture, locally brewed craft beer, wine and sake.
For a leisurely stroll, McClymont Trail is a favourite. The newly developed Rushbrook Trail is easily accessible from Cow Bay. For a more rugged hike, try Tall Trees Trail, approximately 4.5 km one way.
Wheelhouse Brewing opened its doors on the night before Christmas Eve 2013. The original location was a former construction shop playfully known as “the bunker” due to its lack of windows. This small brewery became a big hit with locals who embraced its rustic and cosy charm, and fell in…
Wheelhouse Brewing in Prince Rupert, BC (photo: Shayd Johnson)
Breakers Pub has been a landmark on Prince Rupert’s waterfront for more than 35 years. Situated over the water between the Prince Rupert Yacht Club and Atlin Terminal in Cow Bay, Breakers offers a magnificent view of Prince Rupert’s waterfront, up-close and personal. Watch the wildlife and fish play as you enjoy a mouth-watering meal or thirst-quenching beverage.
Experience the premier Prince Rupert hotel with stunning views, award-winning cuisine, and top-notch service.
Be sure to stop in at the Prince Rupert Visitor Centre for a full list of activities and attractions to explore.
If you fancy getting some footwork in, Butze Rapids Park and Trail is a popular spot accessed by a 5-kilometre, easy-going trail that leads to a viewing platform overlooking the rapids.
Explore historic boardwalks, industrial buildings, residences and wilderness surroundings at the North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site. Join a tour or explore on your own—experience 125 years of history. Open May to September.
For more hotel inspiration, visit Tourism Prince Rupert.
Looking to extend your Northern BC adventure? Plan a trip to Haida Gwaii to visit one of Canada’s smallest breweries, Tlell River Brewing, and experience the history, culture, and natural wonder of the archipelago.
Drive to Kitimat – approximately 2.5 hours
Providing visitor services and information to locals as well as visitors to our area. May – October we offer kayak, paddle board, and mountain bike rentals. While you’re there, visit the Coastline Collective Gift Shop, featuring products from local vendors.
The Chalet Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers casual and fine dining.
Choose from one of the many sport-fishing or eco tour options and explore Douglas Channel from the water. From May to October, there are great salmon fishing opportunities as well as cod, crab, halibut and snapper. And keep an eye out for wildlife! Orcas and humpback whales are common sights, along with sea lions, and you might even spot an elusive Kermode bear.
Timmy’s deli offers a diverse menu featuring a tantalizing selection of soups, sandwiches, salads, cheeses, cold cuts and more. Take a leap into the world of daring flavours, unexpected combinations, and sandwich wizardry.
The Kitimat Museum & Archives has been the place for community and natural history, and an exhibition centre for visual arts for the past 50 years. The Museum has human history artifacts and archival collections and natural history specimens unique to the Kitimat Valley and surrounding area, including the Douglas…
Founded by two friends with a shared love for craft beer, Two Peaks Brewing is a custom-built facility located in the heart of downtown Kitimat. The bright warehouse-style taproom offers an airy industrial vibe, and the patio is the largest in downtown Kitimat. The brewery supplements the beer experience with…
Two Peaks Brewing in Kitimat, BC (photo provided)
Kitimat’s premiere cocktail bar and casual fine dining. Delicious appetizers and meals made from scratch using premium ingredients.
No matter what time of year you visit, there are a multitude of adventures waiting in Kitimat. Winter offers a wide variety of trails to explore by ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile. During the summer months, you can explore Douglas Channel from the water, hike one of the many scenic trails, or get off-road on your mountain bike or vehicle of choice.
Drive to Terrace – approximately 45 minutes
Explore the natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure opportunities in Terrace, BC.
A fantastic little cafe just south of the city centre with a sunny patio to enjoy. Coffee, tea and a variety of baked goods for morning fare—and tasty bistro style offerings for lunch.
Book at tee time to play at the foot of the majestic Thornhill Mountain just outside of Terrace.
A cozy neighbourhood pub with friendly service, great food, and of course, local pints on tap.
When the good people of Terrace are done enjoying their town’s world-class skiing, kayaking and fishing, they can usually be found partaking in a refreshing and well-earned lager at Sherwood Mountain Brewhouse. The brewery has gained a loyal following here since it opened in 2014 with its focus on German-style…
A classic lodge only 6 km from the airport. Enjoy the views from floor-to-ceiling windows, while staying cozy all year round fireplaces, stone walls.
Terrace is home to a vibrant art and music community. Regular exhibitions by talented local artists can be viewed and purchased at the Terrace Art Gallery, the Red Raven Art Gallery, and local coffee shops and bistros.
Take a tour of the stunning salmon murals that grace the building walls in downtown Terrace, and check out the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art at Coast Mountain College and be inspired by the next generation of indigenous artists. Find out more at visitterrace.com.
Drive to Smithers – approximately 2.5 hours
When you pull into Smithers head to Two Sisters to fuel up for a big day of big experiences. It’s a sustainability-minded cafe that supports local farmers, growers, artisan bakers and more with it’s diverse and fresh daily menu.
Home to spring salmon, coho, sockeye, pink salmon, and steelhead, the Bulkley River offers great fishing. Stop by a tackle shop or grab a guide from Frontier Farwest Lodge and cast away an afternoon.
As you drive down the main drag of Smithers, you will quickly understand why it was voted the People’s Choice award for the best Main Street in Canada, with a thriving core of independent small businesses and Hudson Bay Mountain forming a stunning backdrop. This northern community is a great…
Internationally inspired comfort food, local craft beers and more—the Roadhouse is for relaxing, socializing, and celebrating.
One of just a handful of purpose-built craft breweries in B.C., Smithers Brewing has quickly made an impact on the northern beer scene. Built with exposed local timber and offering views of nearby Hudson Bay Mountain, the tasting room is a gorgeous place to spend an afternoon sipping on progressive…
Smithers Brewing in Smithers, BC
Just above the Alpenhorn Bistro, this hotel has reignited the iconic landmark property back to its original historic roots.
Be sure to stop in at the Smithers Visitor Centre for a full list of activities and attractions to explore.
As you travel from Terrace through Hazelton, drive across the Hagwilget Canyon Bridge—and if you’re not scared of heights, pull over safely and take in the astonishing view. When you’re on route to Smithers, be sure to stop and take in the energy of the Bulkley River being squeezed through the Witset (formerly Moricetown) Canyon.
Smither’s Hudson Bay Mountain offers four trails for different activity levels and destinations. Wildflowers, waterfalls, or a glacier view—take your pick! Check the Tourism Smithers website for trail maps and wildlife preparedness.
Oscars Fly & Tackle is your one-fishing basecamp when you get to Smithers. And if you’re looking for a local rental shop in Smithers with expertise in biking, hunting and more, McBike and Sport will make sure you’re set up for success.
For more Smithers hotel inspiration, visit Tourism Smithers.
Drive to Prince George – approximately 4.5 hours
Or, relax on the train with VIA Rail.
Uncover the beauty of Prince George with endless activities and cultural experiences. Book your stay now!
Grab a coffee & house-made baked good at Cait’s Sweet Bites & Beanery while you stroll through the aisles of books, gifts, and more at Books & Co.
A fairly extensive trail network, Pidherny offers a range of trail options. Many of these mountain biking trails have structures and jumps to try out.
Originally founded by a group of friends who brewed beer at home, Trench Brewing has established itself as a community gathering place. With its location in the gritty, industrial east end of downtown, Trench’s tasting room — featuring big communal tables, lots of local timber and stylish antler-based décor —…
Trench Brewing & Distilling in Prince George, BC
This Prince George brewery is an intimate and inclusive craft brewery focused on sustainably producing hand-crafted beer in small batches with an emphasis on quality over quantity.
Basal Brown Ale from Deadfall Brewing — winner of the 2023 Canada Beer Cup (photo: provided)
Explore the winding trails along the Nechako River—keep your eyes peeled for the unique carved faces in the Cottonwood trees.
Two Rivers Gallery brings in strong exhibitions featuring art by contemporary artists from across the country. Enjoy the exhibit, gift shop and overall beautiful space, located in the core of downtown Prince George, and steps away from the Visitor Information Centre.
CrossRoads Tap & Kitchen officially opened in November of 2022 and is offering “all the same CrossRoads beers you know and love, but with an entirely new (and insanely delicious!) food menu.”
CrossRoads Tap and Kitchen, Prince George, BC
Browse Prince George’s event calendar when you’re in town for live music, markets, walking tours, group hikes and more!
Prince George is a winter wonderland! Check out: Caledonia Nordic Ski Centre, Powder King Resort, Hart Ski Hill, and more.
Drive to Dawson Creek, approximately 4 hours 45 minutes.
Stop in for breakfast at this cozy hidden gem serving up specialty coffee, homemade baked goods, and more.
Located in the Northern Alberta Railway Park, the Dawson Creek Art Gallery is as unique as they come! Year round exhibitions feature both local artists, traveling collections from major provincial and national galleries and an impressive photo exhibit of the building of the Alaska Highway.
Le’s Family Restaurant is a Dawson Creek favourite, serving up hearty, feel-good meals and welcoming generations of locals through its doors. From classic all-day breakfasts to comforting family dishes, Le’s is the kind of place where everyone feels at home. They’re proud to be a local staple that’s been bringing the community together for decades.
Take a break from your journey, stretch your legs for an hour and experience Dawson Creek’s Pioneer and World War II history. Grab a copy of the Historical Walking Tour Brochure from the Dawson Creek Visitor Centre, or join anytime online via the OnThisSpot app. Stroll around the city’s downtown core…
Adventure up to Bear Mountain Wind Park in South Dawson to take in the 34 towering windmills and great hiking trails. Along the way, embrace the stunning views, incredible Rim Rocks and beauty of Northern BC.
Post & Row Brewing Co. celebrates the rich history of BC’s Peace region — its name is a reference to two iconic landmarks of the area: the Mile Zero Post of the Alaska Highway and “Elevator Row,” a row of grain elevators that once stood along the railroad in Dawson Creek.
Opened originally as a taphouse and eatery that brought in craft beer from elsewhere in BC, the Post & Row added its own in-house brewery in the fall of 2023, becoming Dawson Creek’s first microbrewery.
Enjoy a wide range of delicious beer styles along with food from the restaurant’s excellent kitchen.
Post & Row Eatery & Brewing Co in Dawson Creek, BC
Hotels, motels and more.
Experience birding in McQueen Slough, a bird lover’s paradise located in B.C.’s best waterfowl breeding habitat, just east of Dawson Creek. Learn more about all the birding opportunities in Dawson Creek.
For outdoor enthusiasts, spend a day on the snowy slopes at Bear Mountain Ski Hill, just southwest of the town centre.
Seek out more ways to experience Dawson Creek, from golfing to snowmobiling, to indoor fun at the aquatic centre or climbing wall, there’s lots to experience!
Drive to Fort St. John, approximately 1 hour
Explore Fort St. John’s outdoor activities, cultural events, and state-of-the-art facilities.
The 2026 Canadian Choice Award-winning Cafe, right in the heart of downtown Fort St. John! Stop by for warm conversations, a freshly baked treat and drink of your choice.
Get local artisan gifts and home decor as you grab a coffee and treat at the Farm House on Main located in the downtown core of Fort St. John. Check out their social media for special event nights for the community!
Tse’k’wa, meaning “Rock House” in the Dane-zaa (Beaver) language, has served as a gathering place for the Dane-zaa people for more than 12,000 years – a place to meet, share knowledge, rest, and celebrate.
In recognition of its profound cultural and archaeological significance, a unique partnership was formed in 2012 among three Dane-ẕaa Nations: Doig River First Nation, Prophet River First Nation, and West Moberly First Nations.
The site is open for self-guided tours, Monday through Sunday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Learn more by visiting their website.
Big on Flavour. Big on Local. Beard’s Brewing Co. was built upon an idea of working with local producers in order to source the many ingredients needed to produce the unique flavours of the brews. Founded by a full-time firefighter and his wife, Beard’s Brewing Co. is located right on the historic Alaska Highway.
Beard’s Brewing Co. in Fort St. John, BC
Mighty Peace Brewing was founded by four local friends who were inspired by the array of craft breweries opening across British Columbia and wanted to share their love of beer with the local community. Stop by for a brew, get a bite to eat and enjoy the live music nights!
Mighty Peace Brewing in Fort St. John, BC
Savour an exceptional dining experience at North Bar & Grill. The menu features a vibrant blend of global flavours and thoughtfully sourced ingredients, skillfully prepared by a talented culinary team. From perfectly prepared steaks to flavorful seafood, each dish is crafted to delight the senses. Complement your meal with a curated beverage selection and enjoy a memorable dining experience in the heart of Fort St. John.
Sweater up and settle in, life hits different up here! You get winter that actually feels like winter. Summer nights stay bright way past bedtime. Roads that don’t steal hours of your life. Northern lights drifting across the horizon — subtle, soft, and the highlight of your week. Fort St. John is where balance becomes a feeling, not a buzzword.
Visiting Fort St. John in the summer?
Walk around Fort St. John to see local art installations throughout the downtown core and recreation campus. Stop by Music in the Park and enjoy local musicians on the Centennial Park Stage. Pop into the North Peace Cultural Centre to see the North Peace Art Gallery showcasing local and community artists. Want to play with the kids or bring out your inner child – visit the pavilion at Kin Park to try out the playgrounds and pump track, or picnic under the lights.
Visiting Fort St. John in the winter?
Discover Fort St. John’s winter activities and festivals. Head outside the city and look to the skies during clear winter nights for a chance to see the bright dancing lights of the Northern Lights. Check out some of the best snow in Canada at one of the many ski resorts in the area. Visit in February to attend Fort St. John Winter Fest, a month-long festival that features a variety of winter-themed events, including professional ice carving and ice slides in Centennial Park.
No matter the season, Fort St. John has an abundance of nature and outdoor recreational opportunities. From birding to golfing to exploring the local area through finding hidden geocaches, there’s plenty to do right in our backyard.
