British Columbia/Yukon Route
select a community to start planning your trip
Smithers, British Columbia
Continuing up Highway 16, you will pass through the town of Smithers. Nestled at the foot of Hudson Bay Mountain there are plentiful accommodations, shopping, vehicle service outlets and a myriad of outdoor activities. Smithers was originally developed as a divisional point on the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway but has grown over the last hundred years into a vibrant and economically diverse community. Stroll down the red brick sidewalks of Main Street and visit the Bulkley Valley Museum or take an outing to the ‘Prairie’ on Hudson Bay Mountain where you can enjoy the spectacle of alpine flowers. You can drive right to tree line making this one of the easiest alpine hikes you will find.
Dease Lake, British Columbia
You will now find yourself on the Stewart-Cassiar Highway. This is an incredibly beautiful drive, mostly paved but with a few patches of gravel. There are a few communities along the way, so Dease Lake is a good place to stop in for gas, food, RV parking and lodging.
Watson Lake, Yukon
Back on the Cassiar, you will traverse the dazzling scenery and natural wonders to the Alaska Highway junction. Here you can turn east for 13 miles (21 km) to the town of Watson Lake. This is the first community you will encounter as you step into the Yukon Territory, and it is a popular place to stop in for rest or a meal. Be sure to check out the Sign Post Forest, and post a sign for your own hometown if you desire!
SIDE TRIPS
Taking the time to explore a few spots that are off the beaten path helps make a vacation unforgettable. We’ve highlighted a few side trips that you might enjoy investigating:
Prince George to Dawson Creek
When in the city of Prince George, take the Alaska Highway over to Dawson Creek. This is known as “Mile Zero” and is where the highway actually begins. The construction of the highway in 1942 caused this small town’s population to skyrocket from 600 to 10,000. It is now a tourism and transportation center, with great museums, sightseeing and all the modern amenities.
