 Heli-hiking near Terrace,
JF Bergeron photo
Babine Mountains Provincial Park is known for its glacier-fed lakes and sub-alpine meadows. Monkman Provincial Park is home to spectacular Kinuseo Falls. Migrating seals and whales are within view from the coast of Graham Island in the Queen Charlottes. Stone Mountain and Northern Rocky Mountains Provincial Parks offer breathtaking vistas and wildlife sightings galore. The fish are jumping in many of the lakes throughout the region - pack a fishing rod! A word or two on your excursion: - Please leave the area you visit undisturbed and be sure to carry out your garbage
- If travelling with pets, be aware that restrictions may apply
- Obey posted signs and keep to designated trails
- Snow may fall in the region's alpine country almost any time of the year
A word or two on safety: - Cougars, bears and other wildlife inhabit the region
Babine Mountains Provincial Park Hikers of all levels will appreciate the many diverse and always scenic trails in this provincial park. Located within the Skeena Mountain Range, Babine Mountains is a land of craggy peaks, glacier-fed lakes and sub-alpine meadows - offering some of the finest hiking opportunities in the region. Many kinds of wildlife such as mountain goats and moose call this 32,400-ha (80,062-ac) park home. One of the better-known routes in Babine Mountains is the Silver King Basin Trail. A moderate grade through trees gives way to fragrant sub-alpine meadows on this 18-km (11-mi) roundtrip journey. The meadows are a medley of colour and in peak bloom about mid-July. Overnighters might want to get to the Joe L'Orsa Cabin sooner than later - it's on a first-come, first-served basis for a nominal fee. Babine Mountains is a 30-minute drive from Smithers. A word or two on your excursion: - Rated: moderate to difficult
- Approximate time required: six hours
- Best time: July - August
> Babine Mountains Park website
Monkman Provincial Park Nestled in the Hart Ranges of the Central Rocky Mountains and Foothills, Monkman offers a diverse, inspiring landscape of jagged mountain peaks, old-growth-forested valleys, unique geological formations and crystalline alpine lakes. A highlight of the park is Kinuseo Falls - a short hike leads visitors to a spectacular view of where the Murray River plunges 60 m (200 ft) over a geological fault to the river bed below. Speleologists are in for a treat on the 4-km (2.5-mi) Stone Corral Trail. This three-hour, roundtrip route leads hikers to amazing cave formations and vertical limestone cliffs. Bring a flashlight to explore the caves. More waterfalls await you along the Monkman Lake Trail south of Kinuseo Falls. Experienced hikers should plan on 2-3 days to complete the 48-km (30-mi) roundtrip excursion into the park's backcountry, which ends at Monkman Lake - the largest body of water in the park. You can count on scenic views of some of the waterfalls along Monkman Creek. Monkman is a one-hour drive south from Tumbler Ridge. A word or two on your excursion: - Rated: moderate to difficult
- Approximate time required: varies by route
- Best time: June - September
> Monkman Park website
Naikoon Provincial Park The primary attraction of Naikoon is its broad, sandy beaches. They stretch for approximately 100 km (60 mi) to form the eastern and northern boundaries of this unique and intriguing park located on Graham Island, the largest of the Queen Charlotte Islands. Trailheads can be accessed from the small community of Tlell in the south and Tow Hill in the north. Routes are of varying lengths and ability, and hikers must take safety precautions regarding tides and winds. Hikers should approach the Pesuta Shipwreck Trail on a low or receding tide to avoid getting stranded. Named for the log barge "Pesuta" - beached in December 1928 - the 10-km (6-mi) roundtrip route winds through a spruce forest before following the Tlell River to the river mouth and East Beach. Here you can view all that remains of the Pesuta. Trekkers can continue from the shipwreck to the base of Rose Spit along the East Beach Route. There's no loop on this 89-km (55-mi) trek, so arrange a ride between the start and end points before starting out. There are three shelters and a number of wilderness camps on the 5-7-day journey. Sections of this route can only be traversed at low tide. Hike south to north to avoid prevailing winds and self-register with the Masset or Queen Charlotte City RCMP before departing. Tow Hill Trail offers a pleasant 2-km (1.2 mile) roundtrip scramble. Halfway along the route you can take a side trip to the rocky outcrop known as Blow Hole. At the summit, you'll enjoy exquisite vistas of the surrounding area, including South Beach, Yakan Point and the interior bogs. The Queen Charlotte Islands are accessed via an eight-hour ferry ride from Prince Rupert. Air service is also available from Vancouver and Prince Rupert. A word or two on your excursion: - Rated: easy to difficult
- Approximate time required: varies by route
- Best time: May - October
> Naikoon Park website
Stone Mountain Provincial Park If its wildlife viewing you're after, head to Stone Mountain and Northern Rocky Mountains Provincial Parks. As one of the last tracts of true wilderness located south of the 60th parallel, these adjoining parks are home to a multitude of bird and mammal species. Flowers Springs Lake Trail is a 10.2-km (6-mi) roundtrip trek through the flower-strewn valleys of the northern Rocky Mountains. Your journey takes you to a stunning blue lake and waterfall at the base of Mount St. George. There's a good chance you'll sight roaming caribou in the area. Plan 4-5 hours for the return trip. If you plan to remain in the area for more than a day, backcountry camping is permitted. Your compass skills will be put to the test on the Wokkpash Trail, a 71-km (44-mi) trek that should take 5-7 days. The trail is almost a complete loop with start and end points along the Alaska Highway. If you brought your fishing rod, try catching trout in Wokkpash Lake or the many pools along the Wokkpash Creek.
A word or two on your excursion: - Rated: moderate to difficult
- Approximate time required: varies by route
- Best time: July - August
> Stone Mountain Park website
> Northern Rocky Mountains Park website
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