Motorcycle Touring BC's Route 16 (Yellowhead Highway)

The wild forest, mountain, and coastal landscape of The Great Wilderness in Northern BC make it an ideal destination for a motorcycle road trip. Follow Highway 16 (the Yellowhead Highway) for a motorcycle adventure that stretches from Mount Robson Provincial Park in the Rocky Mountains to the rugged Pacific coastline of Prince Rupert.

Motorcycling Highway 16 in Northern BC

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Motorcyclists riding at Mt. Robson on Route 16 | Jongsun Park

Mt. Robson Provincial Park to Prince George

Start your trip in the heart of the Rockies at Mount Robson Provincial Park, part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. Catch a glimpse of rare wildlife, admire cascading waterfalls, and explore limestone caves. Tete Jaune Lodge, near the junction of Highway 16 and Highway 5, is a great place to stop for the night. It’s named after a Métis fur trader from the 1800s, Pierre Bostonais, who was nicknamed Tête Jaune (meaning Yellow Head) because of his blonde hair.

Allow plenty of time to stop along the way and enjoy the view | Jong Sun Park

Prince George to Smithers

Prince George is the largest hub you’ll find on Route 16—stock up on supplies and treat yourself to a meal out. Try Betulla Burning for wood-fired pizza or the Twisted Cork for tapas and comfort food. Prince George is located where the Fraser and Nechako rivers meet, and where Highway 97 intersects.

Lakes District, known for its ample fishing options, is two hours west of Prince George. Stop for gas and snacks at Decker Lake Trading Post, and allow extra time to get lost browsing their unique collection of antiques. Trade wheels for wings and explore from the sky with Lakes District Air. You can take a flight tour for the day or fly to a private lake and stay the night in a cozy cabin. Continue to Smithers and stop for a little hike, paddle, golf, or fishing adventure.

A Motorcycle Road Trip Along Route 16: Mount Robson to Prince Rupert

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Highway 16 between Terrace and Prince Rupert

Riders enjoy a side trip to the Nass Valley in Nisga'a Lands | Jong Sun Park

Smithers to Terrace

A hidden gem off Route 16 is the trip to Anhluut’ukwsim Lax̱mihl Angwinga’asanskwhl Nisg̱a’a Park (Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park). Follow Highway 113 (Nisga’a Highway) as it winds around Lava Lake and reveals stunning views of the mountains. Watch for bears, which are common here in the summer—you may even see the rare white Kermode bear. Explore the lava beds and visit one of the Nisga’a First Nations villages. Continue through the Nass Valley to Laxgalts’ap to visit Hli Goothl Wilp-Adokshl Nisga’a (Nisga’a Museum).

Driving from Terrace to Prince Rupert on Highway 16, along the Skeena River | Andrew Strain

Terrace to Prince Rupert

Arguably the most scenic part of the trip, this final stretch of Route 16 winds through to Prince Rupert with the ocean on one side, forests on the other, and mountains towering above. Prince Rupert is a hub for outdoor activity, so you’ll want to plan some extra time to experience as much as you can. Hop on a fishing boat for the day, take a tour to the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary, go for a hike to Butze Rapids, or take a short drive to the historic North Pacific Cannery. Top this ultimate BC road trip off with a few extra days exploring the islands of Haida Gwaii.

This story was originally written in 2017.

This story was originally published in 2017.