Explore Canada Series: Part 12 - Northern BC
South is Crowded. West is Cliché. It’s Time to Explore Northern BC.
Northern BC: Part 12 — August 7, 2025
Truth is, I haven’t made it up to Northern BC yet.
But after two years of living in this province, it’s climbed to the top of my must-do list.
This region just keeps pulling at me… and after a lot of thought (and some helpful local advice), I think a camper van trip is the way to go.
There’s something about this part of Canada that feels raw, real, and completely off the radar in the best way possible.
No crowds. No pressure. Just big skies, bigger landscapes, and the kind of quiet you can only get up north.
One of the first stops on my list? Prince Rupert—home of the Rupert Rain Jacket and some of the wildest coastal weather in the country.
And if the rain doesn’t let up? Even better. That’s kind of the point.
Unique Experiences
Only in Northern BC
🌲 Smithers
Alpine town with a ski-town feel. Local shops, breweries, and a backdrop of glacier-capped peaks?
Sounds like the perfect spot to stock up and chill out.
I’m eyeing the Twin Falls hike and maybe a river dip—if I’m feeling brave.
🌧️ Prince Rupert
It rains. A lot. But between the seafood, the foggy coastline, and ferry views into the Inside Passage, I’m all in.
Planning to walk the waterfront, check out Cow Bay, and maybe spot a few orcas—while wearing head-to-toe waterproofs.
🧖♂️ Liard River Hot Springs
A bit of a detour, but I’ve heard it’s worth it.
Natural hot springs tucked deep in the woods, where you can soak under the stars (or snow)? Say less.
🛶 Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit
Not a casual paddle, but if timing works, I’d love to get off the road and onto the water for a few days.
Apparently the loop is world-class—and blissfully quiet.
🏔️ A Few Off-the-Grid Gems I’m Bookmarking
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📍 Nisga’a Lava Beds – Ancient volcanic fields + waterfalls + Indigenous culture = one hell of a detour.
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📍 Tumbler Ridge Geopark – Dinosaurs, waterfalls, weird rock formations… like a fever dream in the best way.
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📍 Bear Glacier – You can literally see it from the side of the road near Stewart. Unreal.
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📍 The Skeena River – One of BC’s longest rivers, lined with wildlife, Indigenous villages, and wild salmon runs. Planning to follow it for part of the trip.
🧥 What to Pack
Not just saying this—but Northern BC feels like the reason we made the Rupert Rain Jacket.
Quick-dry. Built for layering. Packable.
Made to live in the passenger seat.
Let the weather do its worst.
Jason’s Recommendation ✨
🎒 Planning Notes
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This isn’t a trip to wing last-minute—fuel stops can be few and far between
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Map out campgrounds ahead of time, but leave room for random pull-offs and forest rec sites
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Bear spray = non-negotiable
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Download offline maps—because, you know… Northern BC
If you’ve already done this trip and have recommendations, I want to hear them.
Seriously—drop them in the comments.
And if you’re sitting there thinking “huh, maybe I need to do this too”—you probably do.
See you out there.
Northern Sun: Built for Life in Canada
