Circle Routes Scenic Driving Guide

GREAT NORTHERN 7 Detour an hour west at the Meziadin 4 Continue north on the Alaska Highway 1 Start your journey in the vibrant, modern (Hwy 97) to Fort St. John. Stop at picturesque Junction on Hwy 37A, to the rustic town city of Prince George. This outdoor Charlie Lake and view the monument of Stewart on the BC/Alaska border. Along playground has more than 120 parks and commemorating 12 members of the US the way, you'll pass Bear Glacier—one of plenty of indoor attractions. Discovery is Army who lost their lives building the Alaska the few roadside blue glaciers in the world. the theme at The Exploration Place Museum Highway. The lake is also known for its Cross the border into Hyder and tour the and Science Centre in Fort George Park. This fishing opportunities—trout, Arctic grayling, magnificent Salmon Glacier, one of North hands-on experience of cultural, scientific walleye and northern pike are in abundance America's largest, or climb the bear-viewing and natural history will impress kids and here. Further north, stop to photograph platform at Fish Creek to see black bears and adults alike. Admire modern, contemporary the rich hues of Pink Mountain at sunrise. grizzly bears fishing for salmon. Backtrack artwork at the Two Rivers Art Gallery or get The stretch of highway north to Fort Nelson south on Hwy 37 and drive through the hands-on with the vintage railway collections has outstanding roadside wildlife viewing. Kispiox Valley—home to more than 50 First at the Prince George Railway & Forestry Farther north is the friendly town of Fort Nations totem poles—then head east along Museum. On your way north, tour Huble Nelson, initially founded during the fur Hwy 16. In The Hazeltons, take time to tour Homestead, a fully restored early-1900s trade. Don't miss the superb Fort Nelson 'Ksan Historical Village, a recreated riverside homestead and trading post. Museum, which showcases pioneer life and village and museum. 2 Drive north on Hwy 97 to scenic Pine Pass, the construction era of the Alaska Highway 8 Near Smithers, stop alongside the highway where the breathtaking roadside Bijoux Falls and features many restored vehicles. to view the raging rapids of Moricetown will refresh you. In Chetwynd, take a walking 5 Head northwest towards Watson Lake, Canyon and perhaps see local First Nations tour through intricate chainsaw carvings, Yukon. Camp at Muncho Lake Provincial dip-netting or gaff-fishing for salmon. creations from the annual competition. Park; this beautiful jade green lake is nestled Further along the highway, take a short Head north on Hwy 29 to Hudson's Hope in a valley surrounded by folded mountains hike to the cascading Twin Falls, which are and visit the W.A.C. Bennett Dam, just and brilliant wildflowers. Further north, fed by the Hudson Bay Mountain glaciers. west of the city centre, to learn about one soak in Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Driftwood Canyon Provincial Park features of the largest earth-filled structures in the Park's natural pools— a highlight for Alaska one of the world's most significant fossil world. Back in Hudson's Hope—known as Highway travellers. Stop at the famous beds. The cobblestoned main street of the "Land of the Dinosaurs"— peruse the signpost forest in Watson Lake. More than Smithers is a delight to stroll through, exhibits of pioneer history, dinosaur fossils 75,000 licence plates, road shields and with great shops and views of Hudson and footprints at Hudson's Hope Museum, homemade signs are mounted here. Make Bay Mountain. a former HBC trading post. From Hudson's your mark, then head south on the scenic Hope, you can continue northeast on Hwy 9 Northeast of Smithers are the rugged peaks Stewart-Cassiar Hwy 37. 29 to Fort St. John. This scenic stretch of and abundant wildlife of Babine Mountains highway runs parallel to the spectacular 6 From the town of Dease Lake, adventurous Provincial Park. South on Hwy 35 is Burns Peace River for more than 70 km (43 mi). travellers can take a side trip to Telegraph Lake—gateway to the Lakes District and Creek along the edge of the great Stikine home to more than 300 wilderness fishing Alternatively, back in Chetwynd, head River. Note: This road is steep and narrow in lakes—which boasts an extensive mountain southeast to Tumbler Ridge. See real, in situ some places and not recommended for RVs. bike trail network and a free bike park. dinosaur tracks on a "Dinosaur Trackway If you are towing a trailer, arrange Return to Hwy 16 and travel east. Tour,"or visit one of the area's spectacular to leave it behind. Behold the breathtaking and easily-accessible waterfalls. Take Just before Vanderhoof, detour north "Grand Canyon of the Stikine," an 80-km Highway 52 northeast to Dawson Creek. to Fort St. James and experience the (50-mi) stretch of impassable waters 3 Welcome to Dawson Creek—Mile 0 of the fascinating history of Canada's fur trade. charging through canyons 300 m (1,000 ft) Fort St. James National Historic Site was iconic Alaska Highway! The Alaska Highway deep. In Telegraph Creek, a former access originally established by explorer Simon House is a must-see for anyone traveling point to the northern gold fields, visit an Fraser in 1806 for the North West Company. north; inside you will learn about the people original Hudson's Bay Trading Post. Today, the fort has been reconstructed to its who built the highway and can send an Back on Hwy 37, stop to fish in Iskut or state in 1896, and is the largest grouping of e-postcard to friends. Outside, have your paddle the Iskut Lake Chain—a wilderness wooden buildings representing the fur trade photo snapped at the famous Mile 0 marker. experience without amenities. Plan ahead in Canada. Fort St. James is also the gateway The local art gallery, housed in a renovated and take a fly-fishing or horseback riding to excellent fishing on numerous lakes, grain elevator, is another great stop as adventure into remote Spatsizi Plateau including Stuart Lake. well as the Walter Wright Pioneer Village. Wilderness Provincial Park. Great Northern DBC-SP-72_CircleRts_Reprint2013.indd 11 11 13-06-13 10:38 AM

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