CIRCLE TOUR ROUTES Great Northern Circle Tour Fish to Your “Hart’s Content Tour Dinosaurs & Dams Tour All the Way to Atlin Glacier Highway Tour Deh Cho Connection Circle Tour Totem Circle Tour Lake District Circle Tours Hands of History Circle Tour Babine Lake Circle Tour Aboriginal Circle Tour

1-800-663-8843 NorthernBCTourism.com Museum of Northern BC Bear Glacier Monkman Falls Queen Charlotte Islands Kermode Bear Tuchodi Valley Great Northern Circle Tour The Deh Cho The Totem Circle Tour Distance 2592 km/1608 miles. Recommend 10-12 days. Yellowhead to Prince George 724 km/450 miles to McBride 926 km/575 miles. Combine the lure of the Hart Highway and the legendary through north eastern BC. Add the spectacular wilderness drive on the Connection Recommend 5-7 days. Stewart-Cassiar. Top it with the character communities and an abundance of activities along the Yellowhead. What have you got? An out of this Distance 1800 km/1125 miles. Tour highlights include , discovering the Inside Passage and driving the surprising Hwy #16 (a.k.a. the Yellowhead) from Prince world touring vacation! It’s all in Northern . Plan your visit to include amazing landscapes, historic towns and fabled attractions. Recommend 7-10 days. Rupert to Prince George. There are friendly communities, great attractions and incredible scenery. Break the journey, plan days for some circle Leaving Prince George, the “Hart” leads north into the mountains through the Pine Pass and arrives in Chetwynd. You’ve reached “ This amazing route circles through remote and rugged northern parts of tours along Highway #16. It is easy to spend an extra day in many places. Country”. It’s a picturesque drive to Dawson Creek. The engineering marvel the Alaska Highway begins here at Mile “0” in the centre of town. two provinces and one territory. It’s a trip made in heaven, for those From Vancouver Island depart Port Hardy. Set sail with BC Ferries along the majestic “Inside Passage” a sixteen hour daylight cruise. The Dawson Creek serves as a hub, overnight here. Consider side trips to Tumbler Ridge or Hudson’s Hope. looking to get off the beaten path. For camping, fishing, hiking or a coastline reveals dramatic water falls, wildlife and remote villages. Arrive in Prince Rupert late in the evening. This vibrant city has much to offer; Next is the town of Taylor and the “Energetic City” of Fort St. John, stop and explore there’s plenty to enjoy. The drive north to Fort Nelson cultural experience it’s a true escape. Connect to the Deh Cho at cultural, historical and outdoor activities. It is easy to spend a few days here; go flight-seeing, to museums and try fishing or whale watching to has fabulous mountain vistas and beautiful river valleys. Enjoy an evening here. Get use to the “late night” summer sun. Ascend to Steamboat Dawson Creek. The “Connection” shares the Alaska Highway, from get out on the water. A must see is the North Pacific Cannery in sunny Port Edward. Depart on Hwy #16 which winds east along the , where the road has sharp corners, dramatic scenery and abundant wildlife. The route hugs the shore along Muncho Lake the “jewel of the north”. Dawson Creek to just beyond Fort Nelson. This historic community marvel at the beauty of the river. Arrive in friendly Terrace, where local history and First Nations culture are presented in area attractions. Spend The Hot Springs are just a bit further north. Combine a day at these two incredible settings. Stop to camp overnight. Set out in the has re-located five times since it was established in 1805. Turn at the the day in and around Terrace. Take a side-trip to remarkable Kitimat. morning for Watson Lake, Yukon. Check out the Northern Lights Centre and leave your “mark” at the Signpost Forest. Overnight here or start Liard Hwy #77, and go north to Fort Liard in the Northwest Territories At the Hazeltons, find yourself immersed in aboriginal culture. A must see is ‘Ksan Historical Village. Stop at Moricetown to watch the your drive on the Stewart-Cassiar. (NWT). The highway is newly hard-surfaced to the NWT border. Aboriginal Fishermen. Smithers is set against Hudson Bay Mountain. Numerous outdoor activities beckon visitors year-round to this picturesque The Stewart-Cassiar Highway is an acclaimed 721 km wilderness road. It winds through rugged scenery and remote settings. Fascinating Boya From there, be prepared for gravel conditions. At Fort Liard, NWT alpine setting. You can raft, hike, bike, fish and more. Visit historic Telkwa the one time regional centre. Houston is steelhead country the 53m Lake Provincial Park is a great place to break or camp overnight. Pass tiny communities along the way to Dease Lake, a full service community. the highway follows the Liard River, and connects to the Mackenzie “world’s largest fly-fishing rod” at the VIC is proof! Burns Lake is the northern gateway to Tweedsmuir Provincial Park. Enjoy the towns of Fraser [A side-trip to Telegraph Creek is a spectacular route vehicles only no trailers. Highlights are Mount Edziza and the Lower Grand Canyon of the Hwy NWT #1. A side trip Fort Simpson (with a flight seeing trip over Lake and Fort Fraser on the way to charming Vanderhoof. A side-trip to historic Fort St. James is a must do, take Highway #27 to the “Fort”, Stikine. Plan an overnight in Telegraph Creek]. From Dease Lake the road has a series of switchbacks up to Iskut and Tatogga Lake. (The three Nahanni National Park) is highly recommended. The NWT portion of established as a fur trading post back in 1806. Return to Hwy #16. Drive through the rolling hills and forests arriving in BC’s northern capital area parks, Mount Edziza, and Spatsizi have no road access). Kinaskan Lake Provincial Park has camping and boat access. The the Mackenzie Hwy is dubbed the Waterfalls Route. Both Sambaa Deh Prince George. Spend a few days enjoying this city’s character and culture. breathtaking scenery continues heading into Bell II. Overnight here or at Stewart. Turn at Meziadin Junction for a trip to Stewart on the Glacier and Kakisa Territorial Parks have camping, fishing, trails and water- From Prince George, choose to head North, East or South … Highway. falls. Reconnect to pavement at the junction of Hwys #1 and #3 and Go north and link up to other circle tours described on this map. To the east, enjoy the view of river valleys and forests through a sparsely The Stewart-Cassiar adventure reaches the final stage at Meziadin Junction. It follows the Nass River to the Cranberry Junction. Soon you will consider a trip north to historic Yellowknife (allow a few days). Return populated section of Northern BC. Near McBride, the region’s service centre, the scenery flattens out into a fertile valley. The Rockies are to the reach the aboriginal communities of Gitanyow and Gitwangak. At the end of the Stewart Cassiar, rejoin Highway 16. Follow the Totem Circle to Hwy #1 other NWT side trips include Hay River, on Great Slave north and the Cariboo Mountains are to the south. The eastern border community of Tete Jaune Cache leads into the Rockies at Mount Robson. Tour for adventures on the Yellowhead Highway. Head west for Terrace and Prince Rupert. Head east to Prince George or even to Mount Robson Lake, Fort Smith and Wood Buffalo National Park. Near Enterprise, Go south to complete the Totem Circle Tour on Hwy #97 on the Goldrush Trail enjoy the history, culture and communities, it follows the Fraser to drive the entire Yellowhead Highway in BC. view the falls at Twin Falls Gorge Park. Head south to High Level on River to Vancouver. the Alberta portion of the Mackenzie Hwy #35. See the Mackenzie Crossroads Museum in Manning. Northern agricultural landscapes and communities mark the remainder of the Deh Cho Trail through the Fish to Your “Hart’s” The Dinosaurs & Dams Tour Alberta Peace River Country and back to Grande Prairie Alberta’s Lake District Circle Tours Babine Lake Circle Tour Content Tour Distance (Returning to Dawson Creek) bustling northern hub. From there it is an easy drive back to friendly Distances (from Burns Lake). Distance 128 km/ 80 miles. 440 km/ 275 miles. Recommend 3-5 days. Dawson Creek BC. Recommend 1-2 days. Recommend 1-3 days. Distance 600 km/375 miles. Depart Dawson Creek for a scenic drive to Tumbler Ridge on Hwy Burns Lake and Houston are the gateways to the Lakes District. Ask At Topley take the Granisle Hwy, a picturesque drive. Watch for Recommend 3-5 days. #97 and #52. The road winds over hills and through river valleys. See at the VIC for route maps. Near Burns Lake walk the Shelford Opal wildlife. Stop at Topley Landing, see the restored Our Lady of Fatima Depart Prince George on the “Hart Highway” Fishing opportunities the Murray Canyon Overlook - 30km before town. There’s a 3km trail Haida Gwaii/Queen Bed Trail, rockhounds will love it! Go south on Hwy #35 pass beau- Church. Stop at the Fulton River Spawning Channel where the salmon tiful Tchesinkut Lake, a deep, clear lake, great for fishing. At return each fall. At Red Bluff Provincial Park, see “iron stained cliffs”, include Crooked River, Summit, Bear or McLeod Lakes. For great through pine forest to a spellbinding view of the Murray River Valley. Charlotte Islands Explorer Francois Lake choose between the North Shore or Southside routes. there are trails and a boat launch. Arrive at Granisle on Babine Lake angling opportunities off the main highway try Carp Lake Provincial Tumbler Ridge is a gateway to adventure in the Rocky Mountain 220 km/135 miles. Recommend 3-5 days. The North Shore Route (145km/ 90 miles) Follow along the shore a popular vacation spot, new lodges and B&B’s have opened in Park or Mackenzie. Popular Mackenzie spots include Morfee Lake foothills. Kinuseo Falls, a 60m waterfall is a must see attraction. Haida Gwaii or the Queen Charlotte Islands are an inspiring destina- of Francois Lake, for a pleasant drive to the small communities of recent years. Beyond Granisle, a cut-off road links to the Babine Lake Drive 60km south to Monkman Provincial Park, there is a short hike tion. Queen Charlotte City is the island’s colourful service centre. and huge . The Hart leads through the beautiful Colleymount and Noralee. Many ranches are along the road. Great Road and to Hwy #16 near Smithers. Enjoy the scenic drive with to the viewing platform. The discovery of dinosaur tracks sparked North of Skidegate see Balance Rock a precariously positioned glacial Pine Pass, stop at Bijoux Falls, Azouetta Lake or the Pine River. views to the west are Poplar and Nadina Mountain. Later pass Owen great views of the Babine Mountains. At Driftwood Canyon huge tourism interest in Tumbler Ridge. Ask about “Dino” tours at boulder. Tlell is a great stop there are many artisans here and some Relax in the mountain sunshine. Stop for lunch in Chetwynd view the Lake and Morice Mountain. The drive back follows the Morice River, Provincial Park view fossils millions of year old. Head to Smithers for the VIC. funky accommodation. Masset is the north end island hub. Old Masset world renowned for steelhead fishing. Arrive at Hwy #16 just west of an overnight stop. renowned chainsaw carvings. Around Chetwynd and Tumbler Ridge Drive north from Tumbler Ridge on Hwy #29 to Chetwynd and on is the Seat of the Council of the Haida Nation. You must hike at Houston. Head into Houston. fishing hot spots include Moberly Lake, the Sukunka and Murray to historic Hudson’s Hope. The community’s roots date to 1805, one Naikoon Provincial Park. It is raw and majestic during storms and The Southside Route (191km/ 120miles) Cross to Southbank on Rivers. At Dawson Creek link up to other circle tours and of BC’s oldest. Two dams are nearby the older Peace Canyon Dam otherworldly when graced by the sun or moon. Return from Masset, Aboriginal Circle Tour the ferry. Stop in quaint Grassy Plains. At Takysie Lake there are adventures. Continue north and search out other fishing holes. (5km) and the larger W.A.C. Bennett Dam (21km). At the Bennett head west at Port Clements where gravel roads lead to further Distance 580 km/360 miles. resorts and great fishing. Drive the Eakin Settlement Road to Ootsa Or return south back down the Hart. Try again at some now familiar Dam learn about its construction and operations. At Peace Canyon adventures. Access to Rennell Sound on the rugged west coast requires Recommend 2-3 days. Lake (take a diversion to the Spillway). Wisteria learn about the dinosaur discoveries unearthed during construction. extreme caution, for vehicles (no trailers). A car ferry service links the West of Terrace drive the Nisga’a Highway, a 160km paved road that fishing spots! Road follows the lakeshore and through ranch lands. At the west-end Replica fossils are on display. The dams created Williston Lake BC’s two islands. To the south on Moresby Island is Sandspit, there is great passes Rossvale, Lava Lake and the Nisga’a Memorial Lava Beds. of Francois Lake link to the North Shore route. largest reservoir with over 1200km of shoreline. From Hudson’s bird-watching and a golf course. There are no roads into Gwaii Hanas Arrive at Gitlakdamix (New Aiyansh) the Nisga’a Territorial Capital. Glacier Highway Tour Hope Hwy# 29 is a spectacular drive along the Peace River, to National Park Reserve. Whatever you seek from your trip to Haida Explore the communities of Gitlakdamix, Gitwinksihlkw (Canyon Distance 130 km/82 miles. Charlie Lake 14km north of Fort St. John. Arrive in the city, explore Gwaii make the most of it, get out to hike, kayak and camp. Always Hands of History Circle Tour City), Laxqalt’sap (Greenville) and Gingolx (Kincolith). The people Recommend 2-3 days. here and plan your next day of travel. Go north to Fort Nelson or respect the Haida culture and tradition. Distance 113 km/70 miles. are friendly and open to sharing their culture. Look for carvers and south to Dawson Creek. artisans. The new Nass Highway reaches the communities. It features At Meziadin Junction take “The Glacier Highway”. Enjoy great Recommend 1-2 days. Visit these communities as side trips from Hwy #16 or create a Circle spectacular gradients and views of the Khutzeymateen Inlet. views of the Bear Glacier on the way to Stewart, BC and Hyder, Other travel options in All the Way to Atlin Tour on the back road from Hazelton to Gitwangak. At New Hazelton At Gitlakdamix take the 62km “Cranberry Connector” through to Alaska. In Stewart visit the Historical Museum, or take a walk to Distance from Watson Lake to Atlin Northern BC include view “Rocher Deboule”. In Hazelton visit the ‘Ksan Historical Cranberry Junction. At Hwy #37, consider driving the Stewart-Cassiar discover the unique shops and lifestyle. Drive the Granduc Road to 490 km/306 miles. Recommend 2-4 days. Rail Travel- VIA Rail offers year round regularly scheduled train Village. Aboriginal culture thrives at ‘Ksan where artisans carve Hwy or return to Hwy #16. Respect the Aboriginal culture and the Salmon Glacier (on the Hyder, Alaska side of the border). In service between Prince Rupert and Jasper with an overnight stop in tradition. This incredible route has limited overnight accommodation. You must explore Atlin! Turn at Jakes Corner, follow Hwy #7 to this totem poles and paint images passed down over generations. At the Prince George, BC. Rocky Mountaineer will provide seasonal service There are B&Bs, otherwise, out of respect for the local people, ask August visit the Fish Creek Viewing Platform, watch as the grizzly idyllic community. Enjoy views of Atlin Mountain the highest peak Kispiox Valley, 15 extraordinary totems are on display. At Gitanyow from May to October. permission to camp or boondock on Aboriginal Land. Tour highlights bears gorge themselves on spawning salmon. (Bring the zoom lense to rise out of a fresh-water lake in the world. This once bustling visitors are welcome to view 18 totem poles. Gitwangak is a great Ferry Service- BC Ferries- Prince Rupert is the northern terminus are the Nisga’a Memorial Lava Beds or the guided walk to the for great close-up photos of the bears) Overnight in Stewart. Klondike era town had mining roots; it now finds gold in eco-tourism setting, with views of the Seven Sisters Mountains. The Battle Hill for the Inside Passage Route from Vancouver Island. BC Ferries also sail Cinder cone. and artistic retreats. View the MV Tarahne, the Pioneer Cemetery or National Historic Site (north of Gitwangak) reveals great stories of between Prince Rupert and Skidegate on Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte the Museum. Consider an adventure on or visit the the Gitxsan people. At Gitsegukla there are more fascinating totem Photo Credits- Islands. The Alaska Marine Highway System operates between Museum of Northern BC- J.F. Bergeron, Enviro Foto / Bear Glacier- J.F. Bergeron, Enviro Foto / Provincial Park. poles and carvings. Monkman Falls- Tourism BC / Langara Island,Queen Charlotte Islands- Tourism BC / Bellingham,Washington and Prince Rupert continuing on to Alaska. Kermode Bear- Tom Ryan,Tourism BC / Tuchodi Valley- Tourism BC