Nordic & culture #skinorthbc itinerary
Strap on your skis or snowshoes and glide through thousands of years of history!
Along the way, connect to Indigenous culture, the gold rush, and a northern heritage filled with adventurous exploits and tall tales.
Highlights along this tour include:
Hallis Lake Nordic Centre
Barkerville Historic Site
Azouzetta Lake
Fort St. James National Historic Site
Bulkley Valley Nordic Centre
Here’s your day-by-day itinerary.
Day 1: snowshoe & ski in Quesnel
Two different First Nations call this region home. In Quesnel area, the Lhtako-Dene, and in Wells, Xat’sūll First Nations.
Morning: snowshoeing
For time immemorial, the Lhtako-Dene and Xat’sūll First Nations traveled this winter landscape on snowshoe. Read about that history here, to get primed.
Then, pop in to friendly local Rocky Peak Outfitters in Quesnel, where you'll find snowshoe rentals, gear and good trail advice (up to date with the current conditions).
Afternoon: cross-country skiing
Just 20 minutes from town you'll find Hallis Lake Nordic Centre, a massive 80-km nordic network with groomed cross-country ski trails and lit tracks for night skiing. This was one of the sites for the Lhtako-Dene BC 2024 Winter Games.
Gear rentals, waxing and warm ups: you can rent nordic gear on site. When the shop is open, they also offer ski waxing, and a nice cozy lodge for warming up after, with a big fireplace.
Apres: pop in to Barkerville Brewing Co. to fill up on tasty nosh and craft beer.
DRIVE 79km to Wells
OVERNIGHT in Wells
Day 2: explore Wells' nordic trails
Wells nestles in the Cariboo Mountain range, rich in both trails and tales. Follow the gold rush trail 15 minutes more from Wells and you arrive at the historic, abandoned gold rush town of Barkerville. Think "moiling for gold" a la Robert W. Service and you'll have the right idea.
Morning: snowshoe or cross-country skiing
The best way to explore this big backcountry playground is with a guided tour with White Gold Adventures. These local guides will welcome you on snowshoes or skis to show off the region's natural winter beauty.
Afternoon: explore Barkerville historic site
Drive 15 minutes from Wells to Barkerville, where you can walk the snowy streets of Barkerville, past the historic frontier buildings that were basecamp to gold miners in the 1800s.
APRES at the Wells Hotel or Jack's
OVERNIGHT in historic Wells
Optional detour
Make a two-day stop here to ski the overnight loop to Martins Pass Hut, where you can stay in a log cabin for a true back country experience. Ski in halfway, overnight at Martins Pass Hut, then return the next day for a total of 12 kilometres round-trip.
Read more about the Martins Pass trip, and the growing nordic scene in this #skinorthbc hub, in this SnowSeekers feature story.
Between Quesnel and Wells, you could easily spend months exploring the trails. But other destinations await.
Day 3: Wells to Powder King
Before you depart Wells, make a stop at Frog on the Bog for a quick bite and a browse of its unique gift shop. Owner Cheryl Jorgenson is the other half of the guiding duo behind WhiteGold Adventures, so nordic is her niche.
You may also want to stock up on a few brews at Barkerville Brewing before heading to your next northern stay, at a beautiful secluded A-frame chalet on Azouzetta Lake Lodge.
DRIVE 315km to Powder King
OVERNIGHT at Azouzetta Lake Lodge
On your drive, watch for wildlife—it's common to spot moose along the Hart Highway, BC-97.
Day 4: snowshoe Azouzetta Lake
Pack up the car before getting on snowshoes and heading out on Azouzetta Lake, a wide, white expanse perfect for playing in the snow. Spend the morning here, before getting on the road to Fort St. James and a big historic marker on your tour.
TIP: before departing Azouzetta Lake, pop in to Cafe 97 (at the entrance to Azouzetta Lake Lodge) for some of the best doughnuts ever.
DRIVE 211km to Fort St. James
OVERNIGHT in Fort St. James
Day 5: tour history, ski at Fort St. James
Though the region has been home to the Dakelh First Nations for time immemorial, many will be familiar with European explorer Simon Fraser, who established the fort in 1803. Rebuilt in 1890, it now serves as a national historic site.
Morning: tour the national historic site
Afternoon (or evening!): cross-country ski at Murray Ridge
While in Fort St. James, make a visit to Murray Ridge. The local ski resort has 15 kilometres of track-set trails for cross-country skiing, through one of the world's largest boreal forests, and has lit tracks for night skiing too. Read more about winter adventures in Fort St. James in this SnowSeekers feature story.
DRIVE 318km to Smithers
OVERNIGHT via Ski & Stay Smithers
Day 6: immerse in Smithers' winter wonders
Winter recreation within Witsuwit'en First Nation homelands connects you to natural beauty in all kinds of ways.
Morning: cross-country skiing at Bulkley Valley Nordic Centre
Get out for a spin on more than 50 kilometres of skate and classic tracks. Check in with the ski club for tips on where to find epic views of the Bulkley Valley along your ski outing.
Afternoon: scenic sleigh ride in the Bulkley Valley
Seven days of skiing, time to rest the legs—and a sleigh ride is the perfect answer! Get out with B&T Adventures for a wonderful winter experience to cap your trip.
Timing and travel tips
You'll want minimum a week to take it all in. Perhaps you could do it in less if you really push, but northern BC is a place to relax, follow the flow and enjoy the laidback vibes of #skinorthbc. Free yourself from hectic schedules and deadlines.
Plan your #skinorthbc epic
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