Snowshoeing is a popular winter sport in Northern British Columbia. Up here in the north, where the snow falls fast and furious, snowshoeing gives you a chance to explore nature in all her glorious winter solitude. Shoers will find trails in the vicinity of Prince George, in Eskers Provincial Park and near Smithers. Don't forget to look for animal tracks.
Highlights:
Eskers Provincial Park: A day-use park with gently rolling terrain and lakes.
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Smithers: Choose from over 30 km (18.4 mi) of trails in this town's vicinity.
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Eskers Provincial Park
Eskers Provincial Park is a day-use park of gently rolling terrain and many small lakes. During the winter, summer hiking trails are turned into a network of routes for snowshoeing enthusiasts. A 3-km (1.9-mi) beginner's loop is located just off the Pine Marsh parking area. You can also take the 2.5-km (1.6-mi) trail on Surface Road to Camp Lake. For additional challenge and exercise, skiers can try the challenging 6-km (3.7-mile) trail to Kathie Lake. Snowshoe rentals are available. Please note that all trails are ungroomed, and are shared with cross-country skiers.
Eskers Provincial Park is a 40-km (24.8-mi) drive northwest from Prince George.
Attributes:
- Trails: 15 km (9.3 mi) of trails
- Average annual snowfall: varies
- Operating season: mid December to late March
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Smithers: Hudson Bay Mountain
Set in the Bulkley Valley against the backdrop of Hudson Bay Mountain to the west and the Babine Mountains to the east, Smithers is situated close by superb snowshoeing areas. In Babine Mountains Provincial Park, rolling alpine plateaus, rugged mountains and lots of snow provide plenty of shoeing opportunities; try Lyon Creek Trail, which leaves Driftwood Road about 2 km (1.2 mi) beyond the winter parking lot. Bulkely Valley Nordic Cross Country Centre maintains 35 km (21.7 mi) of machine-groomed trails. Or head to Howson Hut, actually the site of two well-equipped log cabins and a sauna overlooking Mclean Lake. Guide services are available to explore the 330 km of groomed trails here.
Babine Mountains Provincial Park is a 3-km (1.8-mi) to 6-km (3.7-mi) drive from downtown Smithers, depending on the access entrance. Bulkley Valley Nordic Cross Country Centre is situated on Hudson Bay Mountain, a 9-km (5.6-mi) drive from the town. Howson Hut, on the shores of McDowell Lake, is a 16-km (10-mi) drive from Smithers.
Attributes: