Scenic Drives
This 3-6 day trip takes visitors along the popular and historic Alaska Highway through the untamed wilderness of BC’s north, complete with hot springs, spectacular wildlife viewing, and mountainous scenery. Start in Dawson Creek, BC and end at Watson Lake, Yukon. About 985km/612mi.
1. Before setting out on the journey, have a photo taken at the Mile ‘0’ post in Dawson Creek, then explore the Alaska Highway House for an introduction to the highway’s fascinating history. Tour the Northern Alberta Railway Station Museum and the local art gallery (housed in a renovated grain elevator annex), or drive any of the day trips listed below.
- Day trip: View the impressive collection of more than 50 chainsaw carvings in Chetwynd; in Hudson’s Hope, take a guided tour of the W.A.C. Bennett Dam which produces about 25% of BC’s power and is one of the largest earth-filled structures in the world; and visit the Dinosaur Discovery Gallery in Tumbler Ridge to view authentic dinosaur footprints preserved in rock.
2. North of
Dawson Creek at Mile 20 is the Kiskatinaw Bridge, one of the last remnants of original construction of the Alaska Highway. This timber bridge is the longest wood curved bridge in North America. Further north in Taylor cross the Peace River. Visit during August and enter to compete in the Gold Panning Championships to try a hand at panning for gold!
3. Just past
Fort St. John are Charlie Lake and Pink Mountain. Fish for Walleye and Northern Pike in Charlie Lake, then admire the rich pink hues of fireweed blossoms on Pink Mountain at sunrise. Continuing north pass the Sikanni Chief Falls, located in an ecological reserve. View the 30m/98ft falls from a scenic vantage point or take a hike through the park. Overnight in
Fort Nelson.
4. Learn about Fort Nelson’s pioneering history at the
Fort Nelson Heritage Museum. The nearby Muskwa-Kechika Management Area is known as the “Serengeti of the North” and is one of the last tracts of true wilderness located south of the 60th parallel. Take a guided horseback trip into the area to soak in the larger than life landscape.
5. En route to Muncho Lake, stop by
Stone Mountain Provincial Park. The park offers breathtaking views and remarkable wildlife viewing opportunities, as well as a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking and biking trails suitable for all levels. Hike Summit Ridge, a moderate 4.5 km/2.8mi trail, to see a full panoramic view of the Northern Rockies.
6. Next on the journey is
Muncho Lake Provincial Park, which offers great fishing, boating and walking trails. The real star of this park is the lake itself: its deep, cold and tinted jade-green by copper oxides leeching out of the lake bedrock. Guided boat tours are available. When leaving the park, view the impressive geological formations of Folded Mountain and look for wildlife such as Stone’s sheep, moose, caribou, and mountain goats. Overnight at Muncho Lake.
7. Prepare for a blissful day ahead. A “must-see” is the
Liard River Hot Springs, located 30 minutes north of Muncho Lake, which is Canada’s second largest, natural hot springs system. Follow the boardwalk to the hot springs and along the way watch for moose or eagles. Choose from one of the park's two outdoor hot springs pools, with year-round temperatures ranging from 42°C/107°F to 52°C/125°F. Feeling adventurous? Go during winter – relax in the warm waters while the snow-covered forest surrounds you.
8. Situated at Historical Mile 627 is the official BC-Yukon border which marks entrance to the Yukon. In Watson Lake, don’t miss the Sign Post Forest: a collection of over 60,000 mileage posts indicating the direction and distance to previous visitors’ hometowns. Overnight in Watson Lake.
- Optional: Historical Mile 649 is the junction to the Stewart-Cassiar Highway (Highway 37). From here, travel south to the Hazeltons in Northern BC. Notable stops include: Boya Lake Provincial Park, where the warm waters are perfect for swimming; Stewart, home to North America’s fifth largest glacier; and Hyder, Alaska where adventurous visitors can become “Hyderized” by taking part in the town’s world-famous tradition. Learn more about the Stewart-Cassiar Highway driving route.
- Optional: Follow the Alaska Highway (Highway 1) north through the Yukon and Alaska to its official end at Delta Junction. Along the way, see icefield ranges, glacial lakes, and some of Canada’s highest mountains. Highlights include: Whitehorse, the thriving capital of the Yukon with artifacts from the town’s Klondike days and life-size exhibits of the animals of the last ice age; and the hiking trails in the Kluane National Park and Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Please note: This route itinerary is only a suggestion. The journey can begin from several points along the route.