Communities of Northwest BC & Yellowhead Hwy #16 Select a link from below Burns Lake | Fort St. James | Fraser Lake | Granisle Hazelton | Highway37: Iskut, Telegraph Creek, Dease Lake Houston | Kitimat | McBride | Oona River | Prince George Prince Rupert | Queen Charlotte Islands | Smithers Stewart | Telkwa | Terrace | Vanderhoof BURNS LAKE At the centre of an area known as the Lakes District, the community of Burns Lake serves as the launch point for wilderness adventures of all kinds. Some of the best fishing in BC can be found in the area's many lakes. To the south, Tweedsmuir Park beckons hikers and campers. But, there's more to see and do: nature trails, a golf course, curling, skating rink, tennis courts, mountain biking, horseback riding, swimming, water sports, hunting, and boating. Burns Lake is located 230 km (142 mi) west of Prince George on Hwy 16. FORT ST. JAMES Just 60 km (37 mi.) north of Vanderhoof is Fort St. James. First established as a fur trading post in 1806, it is now a centre for the forest industry. The re-created Hudson's Bay trading post at the National Historic Site has reenactments of fur trading life that is surely the highlight of a visit to Fort St. James. The area also contains one of the oldest churches in British Columbia. Ft. St. James offers a golf course, hiking trails, ski hill, public beaches, fishing and hunting lodges, houseboats, hiking, biking, and camping. FRASER LAKE Set along the shores of Fraser Lake and a fly rod's cast from hundreds of other lakes, is the village of Fraser Lake. There are lakes in every direction which have lodges and resorts popular, not only for fishing, but for family vacations. Canoeists enjoy the many rivers while hikers, sightseers and mountain bikers can enjoy the many backwoods trails. There's a golf course too, so bring along your clubs. There are a number of private and provincial campsites in the area with many lodges and resorts on the surrounding lakes. Fraser Lake is located on Hwy 16, 160 km (99 mi) west of Prince George GRANISLE The village of Granisle is built upon the shores of Babine Lake; the longest natural lake in British Columbia. First built to support the copper mines in the 1960's, it now depends on its location and recreational appeal to attract residents and visitors. Babine Lake offers prime fishing and boating. The surrounding forested The village of Granisle is built upon the shores of Babine Lake; the longest natural lake in British area provides plenty of opportunity for hiking, hunting, camping and any number of outdoor adventures. Just west of Burns Lake, you turn north off Highway 16 (Yellowhead) at Topley. Granisle is 50 km (31 mi) from Topley. HAZELTON Located close to the junction of the Bulkley and Skeena Rivers, the original Hazelton settlement, built on the flats where the hazel nut bushes grew thickly, began as a riverboat stop. South Hazelton or "South Town" and New Hazelton or "New Town", sprang up with the building of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway in the early 1900's. The communities are all either on or very close to Highway 16, 124 km (77mi) east of Terrace. Recreational activities: fishing, hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, trail rides, local arena, ball diamonds, historical, wildlife and natural history tours HIGHWAY 37: ISKUT, TELEGRAPH CREEK, DEASE LAKE Iskut, Telegraph Creek and Dease Lake are located along Highway 37, often referred to as the Stewart-Cassiar Highway. It links the Yellowhead 16 with the Alaska Highway west of Watson Lake. The 733 km (454 mi.) route is slightly shorter than the comparable route on the Alaska Highway. On this route you will see some of the most inspiring beauty and abundant wildlife on this continent. HOUSTON Halfway between Prince George and Prince Rupert, Houston is both a wilderness and an industrial hub. Forestry and mineral explorations have contributed to the area's prosperity but recreation and fishing in the area's rivers and lakes are bringing more people to Houston every year. The lakes, rivers and forest entice those interested in backpacking, camping, canoeing, photography and wildlife viewing. Visitors will also find 2 golf courses, a swimming pool, curling & skating rink, and cross country ski trails. Houston is located 80 km (50 mi) west of Burns Lake on Hwy 16. KITIMAT For those interested in nature and industry, Kitimat is an excellent choice. The community enjoys a beautiful natural setting and is also home to some of the most advanced industrial technology in North America. Kitimat offers racquet courts, a gym, soccer and baseball fields, skating rinks, aquatic centre, golf course, established hiking trails, heli-hiking tours, fishing, swimming, camping, scuba diving, water-skiing, wildlife viewing, charter fishing companies. Kitimat is 60 km (38 mi.) south of Terrace on Highway 37. MCBRIDE McBride, the first B.C. community on the Yellowhead Highway, has a history tied to railroads and forestry. The Robson Valley's exceptional scenery and recreation opportunities draw back packers, anglers and white water enthusiasts. McBride offers a golf course, recreation centre, curling/skating/roller skating rink, ski trails, hiking trails, and heli-skiing. There is camping at the nearby Konneman Regional Park, and there are motels/lodges available in and near town. The community is right on the main Highway 16 (Yellowhead). It is 220 km (136 mi.) east of Prince George and 65km (40 mi.) north of Tete Jaune Cache. OONA RIVER This small northern coastal community is on Porcher Island about 42 km (26 mi ) south of the port of Prince Rupert. PRINCE GEORGE Prince George is the largest service centre for the northern part of British Columbia; perfectly situated at the crossroads of two major highways and two railways. Once a fur trading fort, Prince George now has all the modern amenities amidst a sea of natural attractions that entice visitors from around the world. Recreation Facilities & Activities: golf courses, ice & curling rinks, tennis courts, pools, parks, ball diamonds, trails, forest tours, hiking, biking, fishing, boating, swimming, kayaking, waterskiing, camping, and hunting. Prince George is located at the crossroads of Highways 16 and 97, 786 km (487 mi) north of Vancouver, and 721 km (447 mi) east of Prince Rupert. PRINCE RUPERT Where the Yellowhead Highway 16 meets the Pacific, you'll find Prince Rupert, and en route you will drive along one of the most scenic stretches of highway in the world. Prince Rupert is home to Canada's deepest ice-free harbour and acts as a base for those wanting to take advantages of the adventures waiting just off the coast or on the mainland; whalewatching, sea kayaking or fishing, hunting, hiking and backcountry expeditions are all close at hand. It is a hub for ferry, rail and air traffic as well as being the western end of the Yellowhead Highway 16. There are regular ferry sailing from Prince Rupert to Alaska, the Queen Charlotte Islands and Vancouver Island. QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS The Queen Charlotte Islands is an archipelago of more than 150 islands. It has gained a reputation for outstanding natural beauty and a remarkable First Nations culture. This area can provide something of interest to everyone; history, archeology, fishing, boating, hiking, biking and more. The four main towns (Massett, Queen Charlotte City, Sandspit, Skidegate) and numerous communities on the island all have something unique to offer. To reach the islands, you can travel from Prince Rupert by air or ferry. The trip by air is about 45 minutes; the ferry crossing takes about six hours. Direct air service from Vancouver is also available SMITHERS Smithers is set in the Bulkley Valley, against a backdrop of towering mountains. Numerous lakes, rivers and waterfalls provide outdoor adventures. Area lodges cater to those who are keen for fishing, wildlife watching, canoeing or even photo safaris. Local golf courses, a swimming pool, curling & skating rinks, a fitness trail, picnic sites, cross country & downhill skiing, horseback riding, river rafting, snowmobiling and waterskiing are just a few of the things to keen you busy. Smithers is located on Highway 16, 370 km (229 mi) west of Prince George and 68 km (42 mi) east of the Hazeltons. STEWART Stewart sits at the head of the Portland Canal, a 90 mile long ocean fjord which forms a natural boundary between Canada and Alaska. Towering peaks, chilling glacier scenes and unparalleled bear-watching make it a must-see. The townsite is very interesting with many of the buildings dating from 1910 when 10,000 people lived there. Stewart is on Highway 37A, north off Highway 16 at Kitwanga, Greyhound Bus Lines travels the highway north and south. The 61 km (38 mile) road joining Stewart with the Cassiar Highway is one of the most spectacular in the North. TELKWA Located at the junction of the Telkwa and Bulkley Rivers, Telkwa is also known for its many possibilities for the outdoor enthusiast. Hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing and heli-skiing are just some of the activities to be experienced in the area. Telkwa lies on the major Highway 16 just 10 km (6 mi) east of Smithers. Nearby Tyhee Lake Provincial Park offers camping, picnicking and boating. TERRACE Fishing, adventures, lava beds and a chance to see the rare Kermodi bear are but a few of the enticements to visit Terrace. Anglers migrate to Terrace to challenge the legendary steelhead and spring salmon of the Skeena River. There are also a multitude of opportunities for those who enjoy swimming, boating, camping and hiking. The city of Terrace is easily accessed from all directions. Terrace is on air, rail and bus routes while being on the Yellowhead Highway 16, 140 km (87 mi) east of Prince Rupert and 581 km (361 mi) west of Prince George VANDERHOOF Located in the centre of British Columbia, Vanderhoof is a pleasant agricultural and forestry based community with nearby opportunities for outdoor adventures. You will enjoy the golf course, ski trails, riding arena, curing and skating rink, bowling alley, tennis courts, fishing, boating, canoeing, waterskiing, hunting, and camping. Vanderhoof is located on the Nechako River 100 km (62 mi) west of Prince George on Highway 16.