British Columbia's Great Northern Driving Tour
Explore the North’s Unpopulated Wilderness During this Two-week Tour
Sep 11, 2009
Only moments after Prince George, BC’s northern capital, slips into the rearview mirror along highway 97, travelers will enter into untamed wilderness that will highlight the next 14 days. Untouched landscapes and unlimited wildlife match the area’s historical significance to give visitors an unmatched view into life in BC’s North throughout HelloBC's Great Northern Circle Tour.
The Great Northern Driving Route
After departing Prince George, visitors follow Highway 97 northeast for 405 km towards Dawson Creek. After passing Bijoux Falls and reaching the summit of the Northern Rockies’ Pine Pass, the highway descends towards the industrial town of Chetwyn before continuing to Dawson Creek.
The historic town of Dawson Creek marks the official beginning of the Alaska Highway. Completed in 1943, the Alaska Highway was originally built to link the northern airfields during the Japanese occupation of the Aleutian Islands during World War 2. The route follows highway 97 northwest for 980 km through Fort St John and Fort Nelson to Watson Lake, Yukon.
From Watson Lake, Yukon, the route turns south onto the Stewart-Cassiar Highway. Following highway 37, travelers will pass through untamed wilderness on the way past Dease Lake, Bell 2 and Meziadin Junction before arriving in Terrace, some 840 km south.
After joining Highway 16 between Terrace and Hazelton, road weary travelers head eastwards for 570 km through Smithers and Vanderhoof, the geographical centre point of BC, before completing the circle tour in Prince George.
The Highlights of Visiting the North
Northbound travelers will soon find themselves amidst nearly untouched wilderness that continues for much of this driving tour. Hotel accommodation is both limited and basic, but BC Provincial Parks line the entire route offering excellent camping opportunities for either tents or RVs.
The most spectacular parks include Carp Lake, Stone Mountain, Muncho Lake and Boya Lake. Camping services are basic, including only fresh drinking water and pit toilets, but the scenery and roughing-it mentality are both part of this northern experience.
Just north of Muncho Lake Provincial Park, drivers will cross the Liard River before entering the Liard River Hot Springs Park. A stop is mandatory, as a hot bath in these natural thermal pools will relax the weariest traveler.
Watson Lake, Yukon, marks the northern most point of the drive and offers a surprising quantity of fun in a town of only 1000 people. Known for its Signpost Forest, travelers are invited to post their own road sign – handmade or stolen – amid the 65 000 signs already nailed up. The Northern Lights Center offers a presentation about the Aurora Borealis, while the tourist information office offers an 18-minute presentation about the Alaska Highway.
The Wildlife in Northern British Columbia
Wildlife abounds along the entire route, featuring both black and grizzly bears, moose, elk, caribou, deer, big horn sheep and wood bison. The best viewing times are always at dusk and dawn; however, sightings are common at nearly any hour.
Travelers are warned that single car accidents involving wildlife are common. Warning signs are posted along the route and should be respected. Drive at reduced speeds and enjoy the rare opportunity to witness these animals in their natural habitat. Wildlife, especially bears, should also never be fed or approached.
At Meziadin Junction, a 75 km side trip will take visitors to Stewart, BC, and Hyder, Alaska. Aside from giving tourists the opportunities for a quick stop in the USA’s 49th state, Hyder is home to some of the safest and best grizzly bear viewing in the world at Fish Creek.
What Makes the Great Northern Circle Tour Unique
- North America’s largest intact wilderness areas south of the 60th Parallel.
- The world’s largest predator-prey wildlife system outside of Africa
- Exploring the Alaska Highway, the largest cooperative construction project between the USA and Canada
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