Smithers, British Columbia

Smithers

The Smithers Visitor Centre, at the corner of Main Street and Highway 16, is a great source of information for things to do in town. The centre has comprehensive guides and brochures on specific activities such as hiking, biking, fishing and more.

Driving and Walking Tours

An easy way to see Smithers' beautiful surroundings is on a day-long driving tour. Drive along Highway 16 to check out the quaint nearby village of Telkwa or go west to see Moricetown Canyon, a historic meeting place for the Wet'suwet'en, the local First Nations band.

In Telkwa, take a historical walking tour of local buildings or visit the interpretive centre to learn more about the contemporary and traditional lives of the First Nations people who have lived in the area for thousands of years. Watch local fishers, standing on the Moricetown canyon rocks above the rushing Bulkley River, waiting for their catch with long spears and nets.

Mountain bike, canoe or kayak, horseback ride, or white-water raft through beautiful, pristine wilderness. Mountain bikes are available to rent in town, as are canoes and kayaks, though there are fewer of these available. Horseback riding and river rafting tours are also on offer via local businesses.

Other interesting day trips in the area include visiting the Toboggan Creek Fish Hatchery or the Wildlife Museum, which is in the shape of an igloo and covered in antlers. Both are a few minutes' drive west of town.

Hiking

Another way to enjoy the Bulkley Valley is on one or more the many hiking or walking trails around town. Venture into Babine Mountains Provincial Park for the day, overnight in one of the park's cabins or drive to the top of Hudson Bay Mountain to climb to Glacier Lake. Hiking around Smithers guarantees breathtaking views of clean lakes, rushing rivers, rolling farmland and mountains in every direction. A glimpse of wildlife, even bears, is also likely.

Visitors looking for more of a stroll can tour the perimeter trails that circle past Tyhee Lake Provincial Park, a family beach and swimming area, as well as the municipal campground.

Golf and Fishing

A day, or a few days, at one or both of the town's golf courses is another relaxing way to spend time in Smithers. The par-three course can be a good warm-up before conquering the longer and more challenging golf and country club course on the other side of town.

Fishing for steelhead or salmon could also be a focus of your trip to Smithers. The vast selection of rivers and lakes makes the area a worldwide destination for anglers. The type, size and easy access to fish is enticing. Steelhead season, in early fall, is Smithers' busiest time for visitors.