Yellowhead Highway (Hwy 16)

What should you know before visiting Yellowhead Highway (Hwy 16)?

• Prince George to Prince Rupert is about 720 km (450 mi). Winter tire and chain signs apply from October 1 to April 30 where posted, the province says.
• In Mount Robson Provincial Park, the Robson Meadows, Robson River and Lucerne campgrounds sit along the highway. Reservations go through the BC Parks reservation service only.
• In the Mount Robson corridor, cell service is available only at the Welcome Centre. The nearest hospitals are in McBride and Jasper.

The drive

From east to west: Yellowhead Pass on the Continental Divide, then through Mount Robson Provincial Park (a corridor of about 39 mi, 63 km) and on to Tête Jaune Cache, where Highway 5 branches south. Next come McBride and Prince George, then Vanderhoof, Burns Lake, Houston, Smithers and the Hazeltons into the Skeena valley. At Kitwanga the Stewart–Cassiar Highway leaves north; Terrace leads on to Prince Rupert. BC Ferries sails from there across Hecate Strait to Haida Gwaii.

Planning

Prince George suits a supply stop. In winter, temperatures in this region can stay below minus 30 C for weeks, and insects are heavy in the early evening in summer. For winter tires and chains, obey the signs; the province says they apply from October 1 to April 30, or March 31 on some sections. Check DriveBC for current conditions.

Camping

Mount Robson Provincial Park has three frontcountry campgrounds right on Highway 16: Robson Meadows, Robson River and Lucerne. Reservations go through the BC Parks reservation service, not the park operator. Check each campground's season beforehand. No verified information was found on wild camping along Highway 16 or on vehicle length limits.

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