Not every winter adventure has to begin at the top of a mountain. Across Northwest BC, you’ll find countless ways to enjoy the season at a slower pace, from skating on frozen lakes and ice fishing to soaking in natural hot springs, discovering frozen waterfalls, and ending the day with a locally brewed pint or hearty meal.
Whether you’re travelling with family or simply looking to unwind, these experiences offer a different way to embrace winter.
RODS, SKATES AND WHEELS: WINTER AT GROUND LEVEL
You don’t need to seek vertical to enjoy winter. In the Northwest, there are plenty of activities to keep families and all ages entertained, from ice-fishing to skating to fat biking. Smithers is home to a number of lakes that freeze over in winter, including Seymour Lake, Tyee Lake, and Lake Kathlyn, cleared regularly by locals for skating and games of pond hockey. You’ll also find an outdoor ice rink maintained in town and nearby in Telkwa.
The Prince George Outdoor Ice Oval is a 4oo-metre long track speed skating facility, while in Prince Rupert, locals lace up skates at Oliver Lake or Moresby Pond. Ice-fishing is a great way to while away a chilly afternoon. Pack a rod, an auger, plenty of snacks and warm drinks, and head to frozen lakes around Burns Lake and Prince George. Like anglers, mountain bikers don’t need to endure a dormant season when winter hits. With fat biking, you can keep the wheels turning. Head to Burns Lake for some serious pedal-powered fun in the snow where you can ride easy three-kilometre loops on Kager Lake, Magee, and the Rod Reid Trail. Rent bikes and nab local intel on additional riding spots from Burnt Bikes in town.
FROZEN WATER FALLS AND WINTER HOT SPRINGS
Frozen falls and warm springs — winter in Northwest BC has something for everyone. The river canyons and gorges that surround Houston are dotted with dozens of waterfalls, and when the temperature drops they transform into stunning icy sculptures. Snowshoe, cross-country ski, or even tour to these frozen monuments. Dungate Falls, Buck Falls, and Findlay Falls are good places to start and all accessed by short, easy treks. There’s nothing quite like slipping into the steaming waters of a natural hot spring surrounded by the quiet of snow-draped trees. The ones tucked into the forests of the Nisga’a Territory are especially reverent — their slight sulphuric scent is said to be the spirit of Sbi Naxnok, a supernatural being in Nisga’a oral tradition. Naturally spring-fed, the water is piped into a series of round wooden tubs accessed by a short boardwalk.
APRES, ALL DAY IN NORTHWEST BC
What’s winter without après? The Northwest invites revelry of all kinds, and in the winter, that can take shape as tasty pints poured in craft breweries and tap houses, high-energy live music and events, warming cups of coffee from cafes and on-mountain lodges, and hearty food from local restaurants and eateries. Swap tales of the day’s adventures over ales (and more) at Wheelhouse Brewing in Prince Rupert, Sherwood Mountain Brewing in Terrace, Two Peaks Brewing in Kitimat, and at Smithers Brewing and Bulkley Valley Brewing in Smithers. En route to a heli-skiing in the Hazeltons? Swing by Mercedes Beans for a taste of locally roasted coffee and bring some to your heli lodge to keep you fuelled for the week. You’ll find on-mountain pubs and drinking holes at regional ski hills, but they’re not the only places that serve up après with a view — try the Northern Lights Winery in Prince George, or the Waterfront Restaurant at the Crest Hotel in Prince Rupert.
Festivals and events are another great way to après. Take in touring musicians or live performances at community theatres including the Lester Centre for the Arts in Prince Rupert and the Prince George Playhouse. There’s even entire festivals dedicated to winter here. Coldsnap is a nine-night celebration of live music, art, and instructional workshops that take place in venues across Prince George. There’s a Prince Rupert Winterfest with a crab trap tree. At the latter, catch the Caledonia Classic sled dog race or dress in your best retro ski suit for a themed throwback at Murray Ridge Ski Area. Prince Rupert’s mild, coastal weather highlights a different type of winter in the form of a ‘sail pass,’ where boats cruise past the harbour decked out in their best lights. There’s other dazzling light displays to check out in town and opportunities for kids to meet Santa. Sleigh rides are a quintessential hallmark of winter. Bundle up and journey through a serene landscape with Crazy M Ranch in Prince George or B&T Adventures in Telkwa. So if you’re looking for an outdoor adventure off the beaten path, celebrate winter in Northwest BC this season.
