Sightseeing tours in Northern BC cover a lot of ground - this vast region is the largest in British Columbia.
Traverse remarkable landscapes with VIA Rail's Skeena train, a two-day rail journey from Prince Rupert to Jasper, Alberta, or see the coast on BC Ferries' Inside Passage route, a full-day cruise through granite-walled fjords between Prince Rupert and Port Hardy (on Vancouver Island).
Guided sightseeing tours offer a comprehensive experience; arrange a floatplane trip and fly over remote villages or discover Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Island's beauty and culture with a land-based sightseeing tour. Self-guided tours allow for leisurely exploration; follow driving routes or wander back in time on community heritage walking tours. Sightseeing tours are available in Prince Rupert, Prince George, Smithers, Dawson Creek and more.
VIA Rail Skeena Train
On the VIA Rail Skeena train, take in 1,160km/725mi of memorable views. Relax in "Touring Class" for 360-degree panoramas from the dome car. Watch for wildlife – bears, moose, elk and deer can be spotted near the tracks – or disembark at points en route to discover small communities and waterfalls.
BC Ferries Inside Passage Route
Sail BC Ferries' Inside Passage route to glimpse one of Northern BC's most remote and dramatic areas. Watch the scenery pass by, dine with panoramic views, or listen for the crew to call out wildlife sightings. Pick up a brochure onboard that highlights points of interest. Reservations recommended.
Flightseeing Tours
Bring a camera to capture distinct mountain and ocean landscapes on a flightseeing tour. From Prince Rupert, choose a 15-minute loop to a historic salmon cannery or dock at remote logging camps and fly-in lodges. In Haida Gwaii, aerial views are complemented with stops at natural hot pools and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Take off on a flightseeing tour from Terrace or Kitimat and climb over the glaciers of the Coast Mountains, or fly in a "bush pilot" plane and learn about forestry in Smithers and Prince George. Flightseeing tours near Dawson Creek, Muncho Lake and Fort St. John head over some of the most remote tracts of wilderness north of the 60th parallel.
Boat Tours
Guided boat tours take advantage of Northern BC's otherwise inaccessible coastline and scenery. glimpse abandoned canneries along the Inside Passage with a charter cruise company, or gain insight into coastal life on a narrated harbour cruise from Prince Rupert. On a bear watching tour to the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary, spot grizzly bears in their remote natural habitat. A whale watching tour is another way of exploring the coastal scenery.
Haida Gwaii Tours
It's possible to drive Haida Gwaii from end to end in a single day, but allow extra time to discover museums, heritage centres and wildlife.
Join a custom, land-based guided sightseeing trip and head off the beaten path to unearth natural sights, meet local artists and learn about Haida culture. Hop in a floatplane from Queen Charlotte City and see the nearly 150 islands that make up this stunning archipelago. Or set off without a guide and leisurely explore; follow the Art Route to take in sights and culture, or find maps and routes at a Visitor Centre.
Bus Tours
Let a guided bus tour or car tour do all the work. Be shuttled to Stewart, a turn-of-the-century mining town, or to a restored trading post at Fort St. James National Historic Site. Some sightseeing companies combine land tours with activities such as hiking or paddling; hop in an ocean-going Aboriginal canoe from Kitimat and paddle the traditional waters of the Haisla First Nations people.
Self-Guided Walking Tours
Self-guided walking tours are available in most communities. In Prince Rupert, stroll to a carving shed with Aboriginal artisans at work; learn about nature and ecology from interpretive signage along riverside trails in Prince George; or look for colourful murals depicting Dawson Creek's past. Self-guided maps can be picked up at most Visitor Centres. Some local museums and libraries offer guided walking tours.
Driving Routes
Northern BC driving routes stretch hundreds of kilometres into wilderness and encompass remote towns, natural hot springs and historic attractions. Drive the Alaska Highway (travel in fall for a chance of seeing the Northern Lights), or sail the coast on the BC Ferries Route. Shorter loops and routes are also available.
Practical Points
- The peak season for sightseeing is from April to September although some tours and most self-guided trips can be done year-round.
- Most guided sightseeing tours require reservations, but some can be booked on the spot.
- Sightseeing tours may require a minimum number of people. Check with the operator to ensure tours are running.
- Visit local Visitor Centres for information on tour operators, and help with trip planning and transportation.
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