Northern British Columbia Transportation & Maps

Highway 16 near Smithers

Getting There

There are many ways to get to Northern BC, and it's worth the effort: this is a land of jagged mountain peaks, roaring rivers, serene lakes, green valleys, rugged coastlines and ancient island archipelagos, much of it protected through an impressive system of national and provincial parks. Eight regional airports, six airlines, three ferry systems, a passenger train, bus lines and well-maintained highways ensure easy access to all the activities that Northern BC has to offer, which include top-notch freshwater and saltwater fishing, canoeing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, wildlife viewing, hiking, camping and in the winter, powder skiing.

Getting Around

It's easy to get around Northern BC by scheduled and chartered planes, as well as by train, ferry, bus and car. VIA Rail even allows Skeena passengers to disembark at any point along the route as long as they request a "special stop" in advance, which is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore the Northern BC wilderness.

The region has one major north-south roadway, Highway 97, and one major east-west roadway, Highway 16. The majority of Northern BC's population centres are situated along these arteries. Both highways are well maintained and are paved for their entire length. Renting a car is simple; you can do it at any airport and in many of the larger population centres in the region.

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