It’s impossible to see everything along Route 16 in just a few days. This nearly 720-kilometre stretch of highway, linking Prince George to Prince Rupert, cuts through a vast wilderness area studded with rolling plains, glaciated valleys, soaring snow-capped peaks, thundering waterfalls, and the wild rivers of the Bulkley and Skeena before it meets the edge of the mighty Pacific Ocean.
Whichever direction you choose to drive, and wherever you choose to make your homebase — Prince George, the Lakes District, Smithers, Prince Rupert, Terrace or The Hazeltons — this route will reward those with a sense of adventure and patience the chance to experience the Northwest’s big and bold scenery beyond the windshield.
At the crossroads of Highway 16 and Highway 97, Prince George is the largest service centre in northern BC and a natural starting point for westbound travel. Set where the Nechako and Fraser Rivers meet, the city blends urban amenities with immediate access to wilderness. Explore Cottonwood Island Nature Park, bike forested trail networks, or visit the Central BC Railway & Forestry Museum along the Nechako River. One hour east, the Ancient Forest/Chun T’oh Whudujut Provincial Park protects rare inland rainforest and 1,000-year-old western redcedars. Prince George offers a practical base before heading deeper into The Great Wilderness.
Located in the Nechako Valley, Vanderhoof is known for its agricultural roots and easy access to freshwater recreation. Finger Lake Resort offers cabins, RV sites, fishing, canoeing, and wildlife viewing in a peaceful setting. The surrounding lakes and rivers provide ample opportunity for boating and angling, while open skies and rolling farmland reflect the quieter rhythm of this stretch of Highway 16.
On the shores of Stuart Lake, Fort St. James blends history with lakeside leisure. Fort St. James National Historic Site brings the fur trade era to life with restored buildings and costumed interpreters. Stuart Lodge offers convenient access to the waterfront, where boating, paddling, and fishing are popular summer pursuits. This is a worthwhile northern detour for travellers interested in layered history and wide lake views.
Set along the shores of its namesake lake, Fraser Lake offers a quieter rhythm in the Lakes District and easy access to water and trails. Mouse Mountain rises just above the village, where hiking paths lead to viewpoints over the lake and surrounding forests, transforming into cross country ski routes when winter arrives. Nearby Francois Lake and the Stellako River draw anglers and paddlers, with the Stellako widely known for its fly fishing. With lakeside parks, forested trails, and a history tied to the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, Fraser Lake offers a relaxed stop between Vanderhoof and Burns Lake for travellers moving west along Highway 16.
Burns Lake anchors the Lakes District, where more than 300 lakes shape the landscape. Mountain bikers stop at Burnt Bikes before riding the Boer Mountain trail network. Babine Lake and the Stellako River draw anglers and paddlers, while Cheslatta Falls offers a rewarding hike with elevated views. For a more immersive stay, Pondosy Bay Wilderness Resort on the shores of Francois Lake provides cabins, lakeside camping, and direct access to calm waters framed by mountain views. Spirit Square adds a family-friendly waterfront space with beach access and rentals.
Set along the shores of Babine Lake, Granisle is a small lakeside community with strong fishing roots. Known for char and salmon, the lake attracts anglers seeking quiet waters and expansive views. A short detour from Highway 16 brings travellers to marinas, campgrounds, and panoramic viewpoints over one of BC’s largest natural lakes. It’s a peaceful pause before returning to the main highway.
Houston is surrounded by rugged terrain and well-loved local trails. Hike China Nose Mountain (often called China Knows) for sweeping views across the Bulkley Valley, or explore the quieter forested paths around Silverthorne Lake, where gentle trails loop along the shoreline. Anglers are drawn to the region’s renowned steelhead and salmon runs, reflected in the town’s iconic world’s largest fly rod. With mountain viewpoints and peaceful lakes close at hand, Houston offers active ways to stretch your legs before continuing west.
Set at the confluence of the Telkwa and Bulkley Rivers, Telkwa blends riverside heritage with easy access to water and trails. Eddy Park offers a scenic stretch along the riverbanks, while nearby Tyhee Lake is a favourite for swimming, paddling, and camping with mountain views. Established in the early 1900s as a service town along the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, Telkwa retains its small-town character while serving as a quieter base for exploring the Bulkley Valley’s lakes, forests, and fishing waters.
Framed by Hudson Bay Mountain, Smithers blends mountain culture with agricultural roots. Browse the Saturday Farmers Market, cycle to Rustica for wood-fired baking, or paddle at Kathlyn and Seymour lakes. Hiking and biking trails extend into the Babine Mountains and up Hudson Bay Mountain. Guided rafting along the Bulkley River and floatplane tours reveal the valley’s scale. Downtown restaurants, cafés, and breweries are all within walking distance.
Overlooking the Widzin Kwah (Bulkley River) Canyon, Witset is known for its traditional dip net fishing sites. From the canyon viewpoint, visitors can often see salmon harvesting in season. Guided tours at the Witset Museum provide insight into Wet’suwet’en culture and long-standing river traditions.
At the confluence of the Skeena and Bulkley Rivers, Hazelton, New Hazelton, and South Hazelton sit beneath the Roche de Boule Mountain Range. Visit ‘Ksan Historical Village to learn about Gitxsan culture through longhouses, carving demonstrations, and storytelling. Historic downtown Hazelton invites self-guided walking tours, while trails in New Hazelton lead to alpine lakes and viewpoints above Hagwilget Canyon. Provincial parks such as Seeley Lake and Ross Lake provide scenic picnic and camping options nearby.
Located north of Hazelton at the confluence of the Kispiox and Skeena Rivers, Kispiox is known for its remarkable collection of historic Gitxsan totem poles. The village is one of the most significant pole sites in the region, with several standing in their original locations near the riverbank. The surrounding Kispiox Valley offers pastoral scenery, quiet roads, and access to wilderness lodges such as Bear Claw Lodge. It’s a short but meaningful detour that deepens your understanding of the living cultures that shape this part of northern BC.
Terrace is defined by mountains, rainforest, and the Skeena River. Lakelse Lake Provincial Park and Kleanza Creek Provincial Park provide beach access and camping. Hikers explore Sleeping Beauty Mountain and Kitselas Canyon, while mountain bikers ride trail networks minutes from downtown. In winter, Shames Mountain offers community-owned skiing and access to extensive backcountry terrain.
At the head of the Douglas Channel fjord, Kitimat offers estuary tours, marine wildlife viewing, and sport fishing. Charter boats pursue coho and chinook, while kayak rentals allow quiet exploration of the fjord. Boat-access Weewanie Hot Springs provide a unique coastal soak. Trails such as Mount Elizabeth and Maggie’s Point offer sweeping views over water and forest.
Just south of Prince Rupert, Port Edward is home to the North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site, the oldest surviving cannery on the West Coast. Boardwalks and restored buildings interpret the region’s salmon fishing heritage, offering insight into the industry that helped shape the North Coast. It’s a worthwhile stop along the final stretch of Highway 16 before continuing north to Prince Rupert and the edge of the Pacific.
As highway 16 reaches the Pacific, Prince Rupert is surrounded by rainforest, islands, and open ocean. Explore colourful murals, wander through the Sunken Gardens, and visit the Museum of Northern BC to learn about thousands of years of Indigenous history on the coast. Get on the water with a guided fishing charter or kayak along the sheltered shoreline. End the day with fresh seafood and a waterfront sunset. For a broader perspective, a floatplane tour offers access to remote coastal landscapes, including the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary.
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