Northern British Columbia is a wild expanse of backcountry roads, smooth highways, valleys, lakes, rivers, mountains and a lot of a whole lot of wilderness. A variety of communities offer many different experiences. Off-roading routes around the northern part of the province have such a wide variety of difficulty ratings that anyone can enjoy themselves in the natural beauty that is British Columbia.
Redfern-Keily Provincial Park
Redfern-Keily Provincial Park is an excellent place for anyone who wants to appreciate the stunningly scenic landscapes of the north. The park, 250 kilometres north of Fort St. John, consists of alpine tundra in high elevations and plenty of places to explore forested valleys, snow-capped mountain peaks, waterfalls and much more.
Redfern Lake Trail is the only one of the three trails running through the park that permits motor vehicles. The trail follows along Nevis Creek and the Besa River to Redfern Lake.
Prince George to Whitehorse
This two-lane asphalt trail will take you on a whirlwind adventure through the snowy peaks of B.C. mountains, where you’ll see everything from hot springs to roadside glaciers.
This journey is certainly not for the faint of heart, as it spans a whopping 1619 kilometres, beginning on the Yellowhead Highway at Prince George and concluding on the Alaska Highway heading into Whitehorse. However, with the smooth roads and bright sun of a Canadian summer, the trip is safe for any kind of bike from a little Enduro to a full-dress Harley.
This trip allows the rider to see the truly spectacular expanse of British Columbia. Watch for wildlife including moose, deer, elk and even free-roaming horses. There are stretches that move along sparkling rivers and through a variety of small towns, all on an almost traffic-free stretch of road.
Salmon Glacier: Stewart, B.C.
The Salmon Glacier is the fifth largest glacier in North America and is certainly one of the most breathtaking sights that any off-roader could hope for. It’s the kind of place where artists go to feel inspired, the kind of place that allows one to reconnect with the world and understand just how big it really is. Be sure to bring your passport, though, as half of this journey goes through the town of Hyder, Alaska.
The road begins in Hyder at sea level and follows along the Salmon River to its place of origin: the Salmon Glacier. Riders will travel along a gravel road that goes past numerous old gold mines, including the renowned Premier Gold Mine. Upon reaching the peak of the journey, riders will find themselves 4,300 feet up in the alpine of British Columbia, breathing in the fresh, crisp mountain air. The path continues down into the Canadian town of Stewart, B.C., where, after a long and action-packed day, riders can grab a hot drink and a bite to eat at any of several locally-owned coffeehouses or bakeries.
Comments