Northwest
BC Ale Trail
The diverse geography of Northwest BC inspires exploration and discovery. Explore the communities of Prince Rupert, Kitimat, Terrace, Smithers, Burns Lake, and Prince George.
Seek out mist-shrouded coastal areas, towering mountains, sweeping glaciers, rivers, lakes, hot springs, and valleys. And nestled in this wild landscape are vibrant communities with popular local breweries.
Begin your Northwest BC adventure in Prince Rupert on the rugged west coast, then travel inland to Terrace, a community that enjoys an abundance of sunshine. Next on this quest is Kitimat, followed by Smithers, Burns Lake, and Prince George, the largest city in northern BC.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a wide range of activities in Northwest BC, including skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and fishing — followed by a delicious, well-made craft beer.
Wheelhouse Brewing in Price Rupert, BC (photo: Shayd Johnson)
Sherwood Mountain Brewhouse in Terrace, BC
Hagwilget Peak in Hazelton along Highway 16 between Terrace and Smithers, BC
Bulkley Valley Brewery in Smithers, BC
Riding the Huckin' Eh mountain bike trail in Smithers, BC (photo: Ben Haggar)
Highway 16 between Terrace and Prince Rupert, BC
Deadfall Brewing in Prince George, BC
Connaught Hill Park in Prince George, BC
Smithers Brewing in Smithers, BC (photo: Ben Haggar)
Ursa Minor Brewing in Burns Lake, BC
Wheelhouse Brewing in Price Rupert, BC (photo: Shayd Johnson)
Deadfall Brewing in Prince George, BC
Kitimat, BC (photo: Mattias Fredriksson / Kitimat Bound)
View from Service Park in Prince Rupert, BC
CrossRoads Brewing & Distillery in Prince George, BC
Trench Brewing & Distilling in Prince George, BC
Cottonwood Park in Prince George, BC (photo: Ruby Hogg)
Sherwood Mountain Brewhouse in Terrace, BC
Trench Brewing & Distilling in Prince George, BC
Kitimat, BC (photo: Mattias Fredriksson / Kitimat Bound)
Smithers Brewing in Smithers, BC
Trench Brewing & Distilling in Prince George, BC
Bulkley Valley Brewery in Smithers, BC
Bulkley River in Smithers, BC (photo: Teddy Cosco / Cast and Iron)
Ursa Minor Brewing in Burns Lake, BC
Northern Expedition en route to Prince Rupert, BC
CrossRoads Brewing & Distillery in Prince George, BC
Crater Lake in Smithers, BC (photo: Teddy Cosco / Cast and Iron)
Smithers Brewing in Smithers, BC
Two Peaks Brewing in Kitimat, BC (photo: Two Peaks Brewing)
Smithers Brewing in Smithers, BC (photo: Ben Haggar)
A view of the Seaton Range along Highway 16 between Terrace and Smithers, BC
CrossRoads Brewing & Distillery in Prince George, BC
Kitimat, BC (photo: Mattias Fredriksson / Kitimat Bound)
Ursa Minor Brewing in Burns Lake, BC
Bulkley Valley Brewery in Smithers, BC (photo: Ben Haggar)
Frontier Farwest Lodge in Smithers, BC
Wheelhouse Brewing in Price Rupert, BC (photo: Shayd Johnson)
Cottonwood Park in Prince George, BC (photo: Ruby Hogg)
Bulkley Valley Brewery in Smithers, BC
CrossRoads Brewing & Distillery in Prince George, BC
Wheelhouse Brewing in Prince Rupert, BC
Ursa Minor Brewing in Burns Lake, BC
Sherwood Mountain Brewhouse in Terrace, BC (photo: Ben Haggar)
Deadfall Brewing in Prince George, BC (photo: Deadfall Brewing)
Mountain biking in Northern BC (photo: Ben Haggar
Trench Brewing & Distilling in Prince George, BC (photo: Ben Haggar)
Smithers Brewing in Smithers, BC (photo: Ben Haggar)
Hiking in Kitimat, BC (photo: Mattias Fredriksson / Kitimat Bound)
Wheelhouse Brewing in Price Rupert, BC (photo: Shayd Johnson)
Deadfall Brewing in Prince George, BC
Two Peaks Brewing in Kitimat, BC (photo: Two Peaks Brewing)
Day 1
Prince Rupert
Travel Info
Start your Northwest BC adventure in Prince Rupert.
There are a few ways to get there:
Ferry – from Port Hardy on Vancouver Island (full day ferry through the inside passage, departs on odd days, reservations recommended)
Train – VIA Rail offers a scenic trip from Jasper
Car – there is only one road into Prince Rupert, Hwy 16 – The Yellowhead Highway
Air – Air Canada flies from Vancouver to Prince Rupert
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.
At the edge of the world, this craft beer outpost has earned a devoted following thanks to its inventive brews, often made with local ingredients. Located in a newly renovated historic train station, right on the water, the views from the solarium and patio can't be beat.
A local family owned and operated Indo-Canadian fusion restaurant and lounge. Sit-in, take-out, or delivery!
Overlooking the town harbour and within walking distance from Rotary Waterfront Park and the Museum of Northern BC. Also an option for dinner! At the Crest Hotel, both Charley’s Lounge and the Waterfront Restaurant offer stunning waterfront views from every table.
Explore More
Be sure to stop in at the Prince Rupert Visitor Information 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.
Day 2
Terrace
Travel Info
Drive to Terrace (1.5 hours)
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.
Nestled among snow-capped peaks and raging rivers, Sherwood Mountain is bringing German-style lagers to Northern B.C.
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.
Explore More
Be sure to stop in at the Terrace Visitor Information Centre for a full list of activities and attractions to explore.
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.
Day 3
Kitimat
Travel Info
Drive to Kitimat (approximately 45 minutes)
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 artifact and archival collections and natural history specimens unique to the Kitimat Valley and surrounding area, including the Douglas Channel. The Upstairs Art Gallery features temporary exhibitions, with each show lasting several weeks.
The Kitimat Museum & Archives is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the x̄a’isla Nation.
The bright warehouse-style taproom offers an airy industrial vibe, and the patio is the largest in downtown Kitimat. Two Peaks aims to celebrate beer and keep the taps fresh with variety.
One of the best Japanese restaurants and bar in Kitimat offering ramen, sushi, and tempura. Where good food and good drinks lead to good times.
Explore More
Be sure to stop in at the Kitimat Visitor Information Centre for a full list of activities and attractions to explore.
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.
Day 4
Smithers
Travel Info
Drive to Hazelton (2.25 hours)
A boutique off-grid hop farm specializing in fresh aroma hops (and sheep and llamas). Call ahead to arrange a tour to touch, smell and taste a variety of hops while they're on the vine.
Drive to Smithers (1 hour)
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.
After a day of mountain biking, hiking, fishing or skiing in the snowy months, one of the hottest après destinations in town is Bulkley Valley Brewery with its selection of approachable West Coast-influenced craft beers.
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. The tasting room is a gorgeous place to spend an evening sipping on progressive West Coast-style craft beers.
Just above the Alpenhorn Bistro, this hotel has reignited the iconic landmark property back to its original historic roots.
Explore More
Be sure to stop in at the Smithers Visitor Information 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.
Looking for a local rental shop in Smithers with expertise in fishing, biking and more? McBike and Sport will make sure you’re set up for success.
For more Smithers hotel inspiration visit Tourism Smithers.
Day 5
Burns Lake
Travel Info
Drive to Burns Lake (1.5 hours)
Take the ferry across Francois Lake and explore the wilderness on this 97km drive, winding through small communities of the Burns Lake area. Be prepared for some dirt roads.
This farmland brewery is based on Little Bear Ranch, a 540-acre cattle farm in the Lakes District of Northern BC. Note: the brewery is closed for the Winter from November 1 until they decide to reopen. Check their social media for updates.
This lakeside resort offers full suites, lakeside cabins, full lodges, and more. Be sure to rent a canoe or motorboat and explore the lake.
Explore More
Be sure to stop in at the Burns Lake Visitor Information Centre for a full list of activities and attractions to explore.
Burns Lake offers ample opportunities for fishing, hiking, and mountain biking. Learn about the rich history of the area at the Lakes District Museum.
Discover the adventure of BC’s Lakes District and travel to Southbank, which involves a free public ferry that crosses François Lake and some dirt roads, so be sure to plan ahead.
If you prefer to stay closer to town, consider the Magee House on Boer Mountain. Located at the bottom of Boer Mountain, it is minutes from town but still offers unparalleled access to year-round outdoor recreation with the Magee Connector Trail winding through the property linking the Rod Reid Trail and the Boer Mountain Bike Park.
Day 6
Prince George
Travel Info
Drive to Prince George (2.5 hours)
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.
Founded by friends with a shared love for craft beer, Trench is a community gathering place. With a brunch menu, plus house-smoked mains and tacos, it's a great stop for lunch.
An intimate and inclusive craft brewery focused on sustainably producing hand-crafted beer in small batches with an emphasis on quality over quantity. Winners of the Canada Beer Cup in 2023 for their Basal Brown Ale.
Explore the winding trails along the Nechako River—keep your eyes peeled for the unique carved faces in the Cottonwood trees.
CrossRoads Brewing & Distillery is revitalizing Prince George’s downtown with its hip patio, wood-fired pizzas and stellar beer lineup.
Explore More
Be sure to stop in at the Prince George Visitor Information Centre for a full list of activities and attractions to explore.
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.
Looking to sip and savour more of what Prince George has to offer? Check out CrossRoads’ second location in the College Heights area: CrossRoads Tap & Kitchen
Road Trip Journals
Produced In Collaboration With
A surprisingly cosmopolitan hub on British Columbia’s wild and beautiful Northwest Coast, Prince Rupert is a vibrant port town where nature, history, and personalities are larger than life.
A vibrant and growing city, Terrace boasts year-round recreational opportunities for the whole family to enjoy. The choices are endless: world-class fishing on the Skeena River, hiking trips through the backcountry, cycling along city paths or mountain biking down steep terrain. Go golfing at the base of a majestic mountain, raft down a raging river, or ski exhilarating slopes or along peaceful Nordic trails. Enjoy the largest northern music festival in spring or 10 days of Riverboat festivities in August. Stop by Heritage Park Museum to partake in a local event or to better understand our history.
The Bulkley River borders Smithers and lends its name to the valley. Smithers is a mountain town, set against the backdrop of the Hudson Bay Mountain and with vistas of the Babine and Telkwa Mountain Ranges. Smithers offers outstanding outdoor recreational pursuits during all phases of the year. This includes fishing and hunting, downhill and cross-country skiing, golfing, snowmobiling, canoeing and kayaking and many more.
Welcome to Burns Lake and the Lakes District, Mother Nature’s adventure playground. Burns Lake is located in the heart of Northern British Columbia, approximately 220 kilometres west of Prince George, and 490 kilometres east of Prince Rupert on Highway 16. The Lakes District is home to one of the smallest and largest provincial parks in British Columbia – Deadman’s Island and Tweedsmuir. The Lakes District has over a dozen maintained trails for hiking as well as world class mountain bike trails and Olympic quality crosscountry skiing trails in the winter
Urban sophistication and spectacular wilderness live distinctively side by side in Prince George. We are the only community in northern BC that offers the amenities and benefits of a thriving city within mere minutes of beautiful, pristine forests. This land is the traditional home of the Lheidli T’enneh and Carrier Sekani First Nations people, Prince George is widely known as the capital of northern British Columbia.