Good Sam RV Travel Guide & Campground Directory

One Tank Trip for North British Columbia Camping

Map of British Columbia NorthFor outdoor enthusiasts, it's almost impossible to pick a location that offers more heart-pounding, endless recreation and serene beauty than Northern British Columbia. The wilderness alone covers more than half of the province, it is larger than the state of California, and is filled with raging rivers, pristine lakes, and jagged mountain peaks. If ever there was a heaven for the outdoorsman, this region is definitely it.

Let's start our one tank trip in Prince Rupert, a small marine city with a lot to offer those in need of some one-on-one time with Mother Nature. Well known as a popular stop on various cruises, Prince Rupert is one of the few places where you will see tame deer roaming the streets, and wild grizzly bears seen safely via boats. Surrounded by lush, old-growth rainforest, there are little treasures to be found throughout the town, from petroglyphs to beautiful architecture. For the angler, Prince Rupert is a paradise of saltwater fishing opportunities and enough Halibut, Chinook and Coho to keep you busy for hours. Many anglers opt for charters that will take them out on a fishing experience they won't soon forget. For the culture seeker, you won't want to miss the Museum of Northern British Columbia, which will take you on an incredible journey of exploration through the Northwest Coast dating back to the last ice age. The museum is packed with archaeological discoveries, works of art, and unique artifacts that will keep you spellbound. The Northern Pacific Cannery is a historic site, which protects the oldest surviving salmon cannery village along the coast. If you've ever wondered what it must have been like to spend long summer seasons working in a cannery, now is your chance! The plant closed in the 1960s, but you can still take a self-guided tour through the 30 buildings still standing, which include primitive living quarters, bunkhouses, and the main cannery building.

For our next Northern British Columbia RV camping stop, we're heading down HWY-16 E through some spectacular mountain ranges to Terrace. Depending on the weather, and the number of stops you take for photos, this trip will take you about 2 hours. No matter what time of year you visit Terrace, it has something incredible to offer. From its location along the Skeena River, anglers won't be able to resist casting a line for salmon. The summer months also bring hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and canoeing. Winter has deep powder downhill skiing in store for you, as well as cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. And if you're lucky, you'll catch a glimpse of the Kermode bear, a rare black bear born with a pure white coat. This rare beauty is also known as the Spirit Bear and holds a special place in the hearts of the locals.

Our next stop takes us to Kitimat. Take HWY-37 out of Terrace, and turn right at Haisla Blvd, then take the first left to stay on Haisla Blvd. This leg of our trip is about 2 hours, weather permitting. What Kitimat lacks in population, it makes up for in some of the most scenic and peaceful views found anywhere on earth. The nearby Kitimat River and ocean channels are perfect for a variety of water sports, including fresh and saltwater fishing, kayaking, canoeing, boating, and even a visit to the hot springs. The surrounding area is beautifully untouched, and hikers and rock climbers will find themselves drawn to the many trails and climbing opportunities. And it's on one of these hikes that you just might run into the jewel of the Kitimat Valley, a Giant Sitka Spruce, which is over 500 years old. Now, that's worth an hours hike, isn't it?

Our last Northern British Columbia RV camping destination has us backtracking on HWY-37, and returning to HWY-16 where you need to take a right. After several miles, turn left at Churchill and continue onto HWY 62/New Hazelton Hi-Level Rd. This is the longest leg of our one tank trip and should take you in excess of 3 hours. Hazelton is one of a group of towns that comprise an area known simply as The Hazeltons, and is a true hidden gem just waiting to be discovered by those curious enough to venture off of HWY-16. It's here that travelers will discover the beauty of the First Nations culture surrounded by serene natural beauty. There is a wealth of activities available to the outdoorsman including boating, hiking, and fishing for both steelhead and salmon. For those looking to dive head first into local aboriginal culture, pay a visit to 'Ksan Historical Village and Museum where you will discover a replicated village, totem poles, and beautiful history to be rediscovered. As far as adventures go, this is one that you won't want to end.

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