In summer, Houston's hundreds of lakes are alive with activity such as swimming and fishing. Check out Irrigation Lake for a picnic or drive farther into the wild and find a spot to camp for a few days. Fishing is immensely popular in Houston, which is known as the Steelhead Capital. Anglers flock here to fish in the Morice and Bulkley Rivers for not only steelhead, but also spring and coho salmon, rainbow trout, char, and many other fish.
Glide along the water in a canoe or kayak. A popular circuit in the area is the Nanika-Kidprice Route. The trip passes through four lakes and features a waterfall. Paddlers can choose from a variety of camping spots at night and spend the day cruising across the water looking for wildlife such as moose, deer and eagles on the shore.
Summer Activities
Local hiking trails range from casual lakeside strolls to steep mountain hikes that offer great views of nearby mountain ranges and wildlife such as wild goats. Visitors who want to see as much of the area as possible can get a good feel of the local vibe by embarking on one or all of Houston's three featured circle routes, all of which take less than a day.
Various summer sports are popular draws to this area. Golf at one of the town's two 9-hole golf courses, rip around backwoods trails on an ATV, or venture out on a guided outfitting trip. The various guides that operate in the area, some with lodges, need to be reserved at least a year ahead of time as they are booked up early every year until mid-fall.
Other summer activities include skateboarding and BMXing in Jamie Baxter Park, near downtown, or attending music shows at the same location. The town also has open outdoor tennis courts and a fabulous pool at its new leisure facility.
Winter Activities
Houston has vast and varied snowmobiling terrain easily accessible from town. The sledding areas are well-maintained by the local snowmobile club making them easy to navigate and enjoy for sledders of all skill levels. Choose from mellow alpine areas, fields of fresh powder, and steep slopes and jumps. Take a trip to one of the day-use cabins in the backcountry and have a picnic.
Cross-country skiers also have a network of trails to enjoy, just a few minutes drive from town. The Morice Mountain Cross-Country Ski Trails feature two lodges, a waxing hut, and washrooms. The trails loop around two lakes and wetlands within an old pine forest. Snowshoers can take advantage of these trails too.
Where to Begin?
Stop by the Houston Visitor Centre on Hwy 16 for more information about things to do, accommodations, and dining options in the area.
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