08/25/2026
Embark on an unforgettable Northern B.C. adventure by traveling west on the Yellowhead Highway, also known as Highway 16.
Start your journey on a Friday to catch both the Burns Lake Farmer’s Market and Houston’s Farmer’s Market. These delightful stops enhance your drive towards Smithers with local charm. Both Burns Lake and Houston feature brand-new, three-story playgrounds. Houston’s playground, opening this June, is a must-visit for families with young children. Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the “World's Largest Fly Rod,” a tribute to Houston's title as the "Steelhead Capital of the World." This impressive structure stands 60 feet tall and weighs 800 pounds, making it six times larger than a standard fly-fishing rod. Conveniently, the giant fly rod and the new playground are located together at Steelhead Park, Houston's main roadside attraction.
Smithers, BC, nestled in the Bulkley Valley, is a quaint alpine-themed town celebrated for its outdoor recreation, live music, and breathtaking mountain vistas. Situated at the base of Hudson Bay Mountain, it serves as a pivotal hub for Northern BC adventures.
Beyond Smithers, in Witset (historically known as Moricetown), you can witness the ancient salmon fishing practices of the Wet'suwet'en First Nation. For centuries, fishers have harvested migrating salmon from wooden platforms over the rushing waters of the Witset Canyon using large, long-handled hoops.
For a unique stay, consider Dead Wood Gone, where you can reconnect with nature in extraordinary comfort. This accommodation offers lavish amenities, from indoor bathing in a giant copper tub within a geo dome to outdoor family-sized troughs that can be used as hot tubs or cold plunges. Narnia serves as both a steam room and sauna, complete with hot rocks for the quintessential experience. The outdoor shower in Ferngully sets a romantic stage as the sun sets, providing an intimate escape once the children are tucked in. This enchanting site invites romance to flourish under the starlit sky.
As the leaves begin to change and the weather cools, hiking becomes even more enjoyable. The season to explore the North is just beginning, with vibrant foliage trailing behind and majestic mountains calling your name. Don’t delay—head to the North today.
