This alpine town in BC has a scenic route with panoramic views of mountains & a valley

Surrounded by gorgeous mountain vistas, lakes of all sizes, rushing rivers, and breathtaking fall colours, it’s no wonder why the small town of Smithers, British Columbia is a popular road trip destination this time of year.

Situated on the traditional territory of the Witsuwit’en Nation, the scenic Bulkley Valley was once a massive fur trading destination, attracting fur trappers from Europe throughout the mid-19th century.

Today, the area around Smithers consists of abandoned mine shafts, ghost town sites, and hiking trails that were once mining roads, according to Tourism Smithers.

Remnants of the town’s railway past include the 1918 train station and the 1925 Central Park Building.

Hiking opportunities

A mountain town through and through, Smithers is known for its access to a wide variety of nature trails. This includes the ones at Tyhee Lake and Babine Mountains Parks, as well as a myriad of hiking trails less than 20 minutes from downtown.

For one, there’s an extensive 45-kilometre trail network through a spruce and pine forest to wander through. Or if you’re looking for more adventurous options – there are picturesque trails to the peak of Hudson Bay Mountain and the glacier-fed Twin Falls.

Scenic driving routes

Rather explore the area by car? One of the must-visit routes in the Valley is the Telkwa High Road Circle Tour. Here, visitors can take in panoramic mountain and valley views.

Among stops like Driftwood Canyon Provincial Park and Twin Falls are the oldest Witsuwit’en settlement in the Valley (Witset), and the historic Village of Telkwa.

Situated 15 kilometres west of Smithers, the ancient village is nestled between mountains, lakes, and streams, at the confluence of two world-class salmon-bearing rivers.

With practically boundless outdoor adventures to offer, the village comes with a wealth of walking opportunities through the original townsite of Aldermere. It’s here that visitors can get a closer look at many of Telkwa’s historical buildings, such as the library, Pioneer Museum, and restored 1910 St. Stephen’s Anglican Church.

Winter sports

Gearing up for the start of ski/snowboard season? The slopes of Hudson Bay Mountain offer some of the best winter adventuring in northern BC, with over 50 kilometres of cross-country ski trails to explore in the Bulkley Valley. So stay tuned for more on that to come!

In the meantime, break out your warm layers and toques, Vancouver, and consider adding Smithers to your fall itinerary!

Happy exploring.

Smithers

How to get there: Drive 12 hours from Vancouver via Cariboo Highway/BC-97 N and Yellowhead Highway W/BC-16 W.

Recent Posts:
There’s a lakeside town in BC known for its stunning waterfall with autumn colours
Some of the world’s largest spruce trees are in BC at this wilderness park