In-depth guide · CampingSpirit
Around 720 kilometres from Prince George through the Nechako basin and the Bulkley Valley to the Pacific: Highway 16 crosses northern British Columbia, where beavers swim along the lakeshore in the evening and your sliding door looks out on glacier-capped mountains.
The spirit of the route
Beyond Prince George it goes quiet. Highway 16 rolls through pasture, aspen woods and lakes that steam in the morning while the coffee goes cold on the table. After Burns Lake the mountains close in, in the Bulkley Valley the peaks of Hudson Bay Mountain stand above Smithers, and at Hazelton Gitxsan territory begins, with totem poles older than the road. From Terrace the road follows the broad Skeena, the rainforest thickens, the clouds hang lower and the smell of salt announces the sea. Prince Rupert at the end is wet, grey and lively, a harbour town with fishing boats, ferries to Haida Gwaii and Alaska, and a cuisine that lives off the water. The route is long but straightforward: well-built road, fuel in every town, campgrounds at lakes. It still demands respect for moose, bears and the weather on the coast.
Stage-by-stage plan
1Stage 1: Prince George to Burns Lake (approx. 225 km)
- The drive
- From Prince George head west on Highway 16 via Vanderhoof, Fort Fraser and Fraser Lake. The road is mostly two-lane with plenty of passing lanes, speeds usually 90–100 km/h, with long straights through pasture and aspen-pine forest under a wide sky. Driving time is just under 3 hours; with stops, allow half a day to a full day. Fuel is available in Vanderhoof, Fraser Lake and Burns Lake; mobile reception is mostly available, with occasional gaps between towns. Dusk is when wildlife moves: moose and deer on the road.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Vanderhoof and the Nechako Valley: The town lies near the geographical centre of the province; the Nechako Bird Sanctuary attracts migratory birds, above all trumpeter swans in late winter and spring. An hour is enough.
- Fraser Lake: The lake is one of those with a path and a beach right beside the highway; the town suits a fuel stop and a short walk along the shore.
- Burns Lake: A lake-rich little town with boat rental and cycle paths around it; for anglers it is the starting point for several lakes in the surrounding area.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: Beaumont Provincial Park on Fraser Lake: simple walk-in sites on the beach with a fire pit and picnic table, with the boat ramp about 500 m from the campground; there is no information on hook-ups or a dump station, so check suitability for motorhomes with the park operator in advance. The park is closed in winter; check opening times and reservations at camping.bcparks.ca. In Burns Lake there are also campgrounds on Burns Lake and in the surrounding area, their status varying by season.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): In British Columbia, camping on Crown land is generally permitted without a permit for up to 14 days at the same site; excluded are private land, First Nations reserves and park or conservation areas. Along the forest roads north and south of the highway there are numerous simple spots as well as Recreation Sites (Recreation Sites and Trails BC), some free, some with a small fee. Always ask locally about the wildfire rating and fire bans.
- Insider tip for campers
- Fill up in Prince George, shop and check your gas bottle: from here supermarkets become rarer and more expensive. On forest roads, heed the signs for log trucks and always give logging trucks right of way; read the radio channel and kilometre markers there beforehand.
2Stage 2: Burns Lake to Smithers (approx. 145 km)
- The drive
- Westwards via Decker Lake, Houston and Telkwa to Smithers. The land becomes hillier, the lakes turn into rivers, and in the Bulkley Valley you reach twistier sections with more traffic from log trucks. Speeds as usual 90–100 km/h, in town 50 km/h. Driving time about 2 hours. From Houston the landscape turns mountainous; in clear weather Hudson Bay Mountain with its glacier rises above the valley.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Houston: The town is known for its oversized fishing rod; the Bulkley and Morice rivers are considered fly-fishing waters. A short break at the Visitor Centre is enough.
- Smithers: The Alpine-style main street is a good place for shopping and a garage; Hudson Bay Mountain offers hiking trails in summer, and access to the glacier (Glacier Gulch) is among the region’s well-known outings.
- Driftwood Canyon Provincial Park near Smithers: a fossil site with information boards about Eocene fossils; day visits only, collecting is not permitted.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: Tyhee Lake Provincial Park near Telkwa: lakeside campground with vehicle and walk-in sites, including some with electricity, plus a group site, a beach and a playground; sewer hook-ups are not indicated. Check vehicle size and reservation options beforehand with BC Parks (camping.bcparks.ca). In and around Smithers there are also private campgrounds and a municipal site; operators and status change, so phone before you arrive.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): On Crown land and in Recreation Sites around Smithers and in the Telkwa Valley, camping is allowed for up to 14 days as everywhere in BC, outside parks and reserves. Forest roads are often unsuitable for larger motorhomes; explore on foot first. In summer fire bans often apply (BC Wildfire Service).
- Insider tip for campers
- Smithers is the last larger town with garages and supermarkets before the coast: fill your water, empty the grey water, and buy provisions for three to four days. Many fuel stations in the Bulkley Valley close early in the evening, so top up in the late afternoon.
3Stage 3: Smithers to Terrace (approx. 215 km)
- The drive
- From Smithers via Moricetown, Hazelton and Kitwanga through the Skeena Valley to Terrace. The valley narrows, the road runs past gorges and riverbanks, with some sections of bends and climbs, speeds usually 80–100 km/h. At Kitwanga Highway 37 (Stewart–Cassiar) branches off to the north. Driving time just under 3 hours; with stops, a full day. Few places on the route have fuel stations: check Hazelton and Kitwanga, and fill up fully in Terrace.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Moricetown Canyon (Witset): The Wet’suwet’en traditionally catch salmon here in the narrow gorge; in high summer and autumn the salmon fishing can be seen. Visit respectfully and do not step into the fishing areas.
- ’Ksan Historical Village near Hazelton: the reconstructed Gitxsan village with longhouses, totem poles and a museum; check tours and opening times beforehand. Also the Hagwilget suspension bridge over the Bulkley gorge.
- Kitwanga Fort National Historic Site and the totem poles of Gitwangak: The hill once served as a fortified place of the Gitwangak; boards explain the history, and a visit takes about 30 minutes.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: Seeley Lake Provincial Park near Hazelton: a small campground on the lake under spruces, simple sites with picnic tables and pit toilets, a beach for swimming. Kleanza Creek Provincial Park east of Terrace on the creek of the same name with campsites, also simple. In Terrace the city runs Ferry Island, a campground on an island in the Skeena. Check opening and vehicle lengths beforehand.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): Along the Skeena there are Recreation Sites and Crown land spots; in Gitxsan and Nisga’a territory much of the land belongs to the First Nations and is not open to public use, so watch for signs. Overnighting at highway rest areas is officially not intended, and tolerance varies.
- Insider tip for campers
- This stretch is part of the memorial route for missing and murdered women and girls (“Highway of Tears”). Do not pick up hitchhikers and do not wait at lonely pullouts at night. If you are considering Highway 37 north at Kitwanga, plan for it separately (route rf-056).
4Stage 4: Terrace to Prince Rupert (approx. 145 km)
- The drive
- West of Terrace Highway 16 follows the Skeena, with Kitselas Canyon and long stretches along the riverbank; there are no tunnels, but rockfalls and rain are frequent. The coastal air becomes damper, the forest denser, and in autumn it can rain for days. Speeds 90–100 km/h, driving time about 2 hours. Fuel stations in Terrace and Prince Rupert, practically none in between. The entry into Prince Rupert is over the bridge to Kaien Island.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Lakelse Lake Provincial Park south of Terrace on Highway 37 South: beach, swimming spot and short forest trails; in summer warm enough for a swim.
- Kitselas Canyon: information boards on the historic trading place of the Kitselas; the river narrows there into a gorge.
- Prince Rupert: Museum of Northern British Columbia, Cow Bay on the harbour and the waterfront promenade; in summer often whales and sea otters in the bay, with tour operators offering bear viewing in the Khutzeymateen area.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: Lakelse Lake Provincial Park (Furlong Bay Campground) with sites on the beach, drinking water and toilets; the campground is one of the largest in the region and fills early in summer. Exchamsiks River Provincial Park on Highway 16 west of Terrace: a small, simple campground at the mouth of the Exchamsiks. In Prince Rupert there is Park Avenue Campground on the edge of town; check operator and opening times beforehand, and in summer it is in high demand.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): Around Prince Rupert there is almost no legal free camping: port grounds and the urban area are off limits, and overnighting in a vehicle at the harbour or beach is checked. East of Terrace, use Crown land and Recreation Sites.
- Insider tip for campers
- The BC Ferries terminal for Haida Gwaii (Skidegate) and the Alaska Marine Highway to Ketchikan are in Prince Rupert; reservations for vehicles are compulsory or strongly recommended. State vehicle height and length exactly when booking. Check timetables and prices at bcferries.com and dot.alaska.gov respectively.
5Stage 5: Prince Rupert to Port Edward and return (approx. 40 km)
- The drive
- From the town via Highway 16 and the turn-off to Port Edward (about 15 km), a short, well-paved road. The return to Prince George is about 720 km, so it is better in two stages: Terrace or Smithers for the overnight stop. Driving time for the return is around 8 to 9 hours of pure driving.
- Highlights & must-sees
- North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site in Port Edward: one of the oldest surviving salmon canneries on the west coast with a museum on the water; opening depends on the season, check the website beforehand.
- Butze Rapids and harbour view: short trails on the edge of Prince Rupert with a view of the tidal currents; heed the tide table.
- Haida Gwaii (optional): if you take the ferry, plan at least three to four additional days; Gwaii Haanas national park is accessible only with a prior reservation and an orientation programme.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: Park Avenue Campground in Prince Rupert as a base, or Lakelse Lake on the way back. In Port Edward there are further small sites; check operator and opening times. If you take the ferry early in the morning, book the night before near the harbour.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): Free camping is practically not possible; for the return, switch back to Crown land east of Terrace.
- Insider tip for campers
- In autumn rain the Skeena section stays passable and dry, but rockfall is possible; check DriveBC (drivebc.ca) before the return. Do not leave rubbish out in the open; in Prince Rupert ask about current wildlife advisories.
Camping practice & local rules
Wild camping & overnight parking
- In British Columbia, camping on Crown land is generally permitted without a permit for up to 14 days at the same site; excluded are private land, First Nations reserves, parks and marked protected areas. After that you have to move on, and in some regions different rules apply. In towns and at coastal car parks overnighting is mostly prohibited.
- Recreation Sites (Recreation Sites and Trails BC) are simple sites, some free, some charged, with fire rings and toilets, without water; access is often a gravel forest road, so check vehicle height and ground clearance. Apps: iOverlander, Campendium, The Dyrt and Park4Night.
- Wildfire season: heed fire bans and access bans from the BC Wildfire Service (category 1–3); gas stoves are mostly allowed, open fires are not. Violations cost fines and can lead to prosecution.
- Bears: Black bears and grizzlies are common in the Bulkley and Skeena valleys. Bear spray is legal in Canada and belongs within reach in the camper; keep food and rubbish in the vehicle at night, never leave them in the tent or on the table, and wash up water and dishes.
- Respect for First Nations land: many sections of the route pass through traditional territory of the Wet’suwet’en, Gitxsan, Nisga’a and Tsimshian; heed signs at reserves, do not photograph where it is prohibited, and do not touch or climb totem poles.
Waste disposal & supplies
- Dump stations: in Prince George, Smithers and Terrace there are public or private disposal facilities, often for a fee; BC park campgrounds mostly have none. Overview at sanidumps.com or the apps.
- Drinking water: tap water in the towns is drinkable, and park campgrounds have water points; heed boil water advisories. Filter river water.
- Propane: fuel stations and gas suppliers in Prince George, Smithers and Terrace; European bottles need adapters, and rental motorhomes usually have fixed US/Canadian tanks.
- Fuel: fuel stations in Vanderhoof, Fraser Lake, Burns Lake, Houston, Smithers, Hazelton, Terrace and Prince Rupert; distances between 80 and 150 km, rural opening hours shorter, do not let the tank fall below a third.
- Power and rubbish: Provincial parks rarely have hook-ups; a leisure battery is enough for most nights. Rubbish bins at campgrounds are partly bear-proof; leave no waste outside.
Vehicle size & traffic rules
- Speed limits: on Highway 16 mostly 90–100 km/h, in towns 50 km/h; from 1 October to 30 April winter tyres (tyres with the mountain-and-snowflake symbol or M+S) or snow chains are required on designated routes; the roadside signs decide.
- Vehicle dimensions in British Columbia: height up to 4.15 m, width up to 2.6 m; car parks and awnings in towns often have height limits under 2.5 m.
- Parking and fees: Provincial parks and Recreation Sites charge fees, payment often by envelope or online; BC Parks takes reservations around four months in advance at camping.bcparks.ca. Highway 16 has no toll.
- Wildlife: moose collisions are common, especially at dusk; adjust your speed, watch for road signs, and dipped headlights even in daytime are customary. In an accident involving wildlife, call 911 or the local police (RCMP).
- Traffic law: turning right on red after stopping is permitted where not prohibited; using a phone while driving is forbidden, and the alcohol limit is stricter than in many other countries. A German driving licence is enough for tourists, an international one is often recommended; child seat and seat belt rules apply in motorhomes.
- Emergency: 911; mobile coverage is patchy between towns. Consider Starlink or a satellite communicator (Garmin inReach or similar) if you drive off the highway. DriveBC (drivebc.ca) shows road closures.
CampingSpirit packing & preparation checklist
- Bear spray with a holster, and check the expiry date: black bears and grizzlies are present along the whole route; bear spray is legal in Canada but cannot be carried on a plane, so buy it locally.
- Rain jacket and rubber boots: Prince Rupert is one of the rainiest places in Canada, and in autumn expect persistent rain.
- Offline maps and a satellite communicator: reception drops out between towns, and help is far away.
- Spare wheel, jack and tyre pressure gauge for gravel access roads to Recreation Sites; check the tyres for cuts.
- Mosquito net and insect repellent: in the lake and river valleys there are many mosquitoes and blackflies from May to August.
As of 2026-09. Closures, fees and booking rules change: check official sources before you go.
