Hi all,
We are roadtripping, Vancouver - Prince Rupert later this month and taking 4 days to drive one way. Has anyone done this road trip and have any tips or recommendations? We figure we'll get the most mileage on the 1st day and drive straight 7-9 hours and trying to figure out if we should overnight in Quesnel or Prince George.Thoughts?
We are mostly interested in taking in the beauty from PG - PR. Thinking our 2nd night will be in Smithers, and our 3rd night will be… See more

Bring lots of rain gear... we are having one of the wettest summers I have seen since I moved to the northwest.

I moved here 40 years ago and this is only the second summer I remember being this wretched.

We did that stretch on a similar time frame and similar stops. We camped just outside of Quesnel and did 2 nts there as we spent a day at barkerville. Easy to check out PG for a few hours on ur way to Smithers. You might want to do a day trip to Stewart B.C. from terrace —very worth it to see Bear Glacier and the town is very quaint too but other than that, not much to terrace. We drove straight from Smithers to PR in 4hrs. Prince Rupert is cool too but rainy this year.
So maybe Vancouver-Quesnel 2nts-Smithers-PR-Stewart/terrace

I’ll pm you Nicole. Esther’s Inn in PG is a must if you’re going with N

It's a very short trip from Smithers to Terrace. I would go Vancouver Quesnel Vanderhoof Smithers prince rupert

BC Influencer Cal Snape was just up in Northern BC and caught some gorgeous footage especially the waterfalls between Terrace and Prince Rupert. Take a look! https://www.facebook.com/callsnape
Callum Snape

Also double-check opening hours for everything in Prince Rupert. Almost everything was closed on Mondays including the best sushi!

Is there lots of sushi in PR? If so - whats the best place?

Nicole 3 different places. Unfortunately we planned to go on a Monday so I can't tell you the best but we read that the two down in Cow Bay were amazing. Fukasaku and Opa.

Smithers has two great craft breweries if that is your thing.

Terrace has a good one too!

My daughter and I just did a whole roadtrip of BC. Including taking the ferry from Rupert to Hardy. Barkerville and Bowron lakes is a beautiful spot to visit. Lots of hiking and natural beauty along the Yellowhead.

I lived in Kitimat for thirty years. I’d head for PG first night and then it’s only a six hour drive to Terrace. You could stop along the way to check out sights. Smithers is only about two hours from Terrace. Lots of beautiful areas around Terrace and Kitimat to check out. It’s only about a 35 minute drive from Terrace to Kitimat. The drive from Terrace to Prince Rupert is only about two hours and with all the rain that’s happening up that way, there might be lots of waterfalls along the way. Definitely bring good rain gear and waterproof boots for hiking. It’s been a very soggy summer up there. Just get a tourist pamphlet when you get there and you’ll find lots to do and see.

Barkerville and Wells, a small artisan village close by are well worth the drive and time.

Go to The Roadhouse in Smithers for dinner. It's amazing.
Head into old Hazelton, it's very pretty.
The drive from Terrace to Rupert is one of the prettiest stretches of highway. Enjoy!

Definitely go to Cowpuccino's in Prince Rupert, great coffe and desserts...best ever sex in a pan! If the museum is open in PR do go. I'm not sure if the North Pacific Cannery museum is open (just a bit out of PR) but it's also worth a trip.

We did this road trip 3 years ago,Did the same route as you .What a lovely drive.The crest hotel in Prince Rupert has a lovely deck over looking the ocean.Cow Bay is also great.Lots of little shops and great fish and chips there.Enjoy your trip.Also bring a cooler and pack picnic lunch so many spots to stop at and enjoy all its beauty.

Do contact the Visitor Center In Smithers. Our town is loved by travellers. If you want a nice walk here go to Riverside Park and pick up the perimeter trail. It’s not strenuous by any means but will give you some exercise along the river and in the forest. The Creamery in Telkwa (15 min east) has fantastic coffee in a unique setting. It’s also a lovely bed and breakfast. I’ve head the food truck Quick Eats has great fish and chips. If you are into a day hike here there is a popular (weather permitting) day hike up to Crater Lake which is 1000% worth it and it’s quite doable). Don’t waste your time going up to Twin Falls. On your way to Terrace there is Ksan which is a must see. There is a very beautiful little Provincial park with picnic tables just east (15 min) of Terrace called Kleanza Creek. It’s a great place to stretch your legs. Try the walking path up the hill (totally easy), there’s a great view at the top viewing area). It’s about a 10 minute stroller. Dolly’s Fish and Chips in Cow Bay in Prince Rupert is the place to eat!! Cow Bay is geared to visitors and it’s great!! The visitor’s info centre is right there!

Check Ksan's hours - they were limited when we went through but still get off the highway and drive the bridge into Old Hazelton

if you would like a good view in terrace And place to stay...look int Hidden Acres Farm and Treehouse Resort its beautiful

Allissa
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Quesnel, I highly recommend “Petty Catwater”. The owners are the absolute best! Not sure if they’re open during covid though.
http://pettycatwater.blogspot.com/p/contact-me.html?m=1
PETTYCATWATER.BLOGSPOT.COM
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did you stay here? looks lovely, just wondering how inconvenient the shower situation is?

Nicole we’ve stayed with them six times now (we stop in Quesnel on the way up and on the way back from visiting family each year) and the shower has never been an issue. It is a tad unconventional though, that bathroom is curtained off (instead of a wall) due to the one of the owner’s claustrophobia
.

Allissa aw I see. so super cute there. thanks for the tip!!

I’ve lived in PG and Quesnel. Quesnel is way nicer! Small town feel and people are friendlier.

CrossRoads Brewery & Distillery in Prince George is really good with big picnic tables on their patio.

I grew up in PR and did this trip many times! We always skipped stopping in PG and instead stayed overnight in Quesnel. There’s a lot of beautiful stops along the drive so it’s awesome you’re taking 4 days!
Terrace and Smithers are so close together I’m not sure a night each would be necessary. I’d suggest staying overnight in Smithers rather than Terrace!

I second this!

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Rick Campanella

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Burns Lake

Go north a bit from Hazelton up the Kispiox River valley road. It’s a very pretty place deep in Gitanmaax territory.
The Skeena River valley between Terrace and Pr Rupert is stunning. Try to get a good day to drive it.

Peter our family is from that valley. It feels like you’re in an ad for Beautiful British Columbia

If you are into hiking check out the “Trails to Timberline” book. It has detailed directions for the many hikes available in Prince Rupert, Kitimat, Terrace and Smithers. Also check out the visitor centre in Terrace! They are great!!!!

Check the status on the Stewart Cassiar highway, I think there was a washout on it somewhere

will do!

Nicole if you’re going to PR you‘re not taking the Stuart-Cassiar, except the tiny bit to get to Kitwanga If you want to check it out. Stuart- Cassiar goes to Dease Lake and Yukon.

We did this trip two summers ago, stayed in Quesnel at the Billy Barker which was great. Next night in Burns Lake as Vanderhoof didn’t thrill. We stayed in new Hazelton at the Robbers Roost motel, simple but clean with sweet owners and we had fun with fellow travellers. BBQs available. Nice views, beautiful area. Grab dinner early or something at lunch for later as town shuts down early. Worth a visit to Old Hazelton across the crazy ravine Hagwilget bridge to check out K’San with its beautiful campground and the old refurbished first nations buildings, plus the old part of Hazelton. There are a couple of first nations towns near Hazelton that have beautiful totems standing out in the open for anyone to view. They are different styles and very picturesque.
Kispiox is one but Kitwanga (Gitwangak) is most easily accesible for your trip, barely out of your way. If you take the turnoff for the Stuart-Cassair at the Petrocan west of Hazelton and drive across the bridge, take the first right.The poles are 1st Ave/Bridge St not far along in an open area. Then you can turn around and carry on. 30 mins max.
Our next stop was Terrace which we really liked. If you have time it’s worth a visit up to the Nisg’a memorial lava beds Prov park which is accessible up Kalum Lake Rd on the west side. I/2 day trip to an area where there was a volcanic eruption in approx 1700. Check out info online. It’s a very beautiful drive past amazing lakes. And yes the drive between Terrace and Prince Rupert is very beautiful. It’s always raining in Prince Rupert when I go
We stayed at the Crest in Prince Rupert, it was good as was the restaurant casino beside it.

def want to see the lavabeds!!

It’s a different landscape for sure You can even see it on the google satellite view which is hiwmimfounf how I found it! The lava rock is covered with pale green lichen. (BC
) There is a self drive tour that you can check out so you can see some cool stuff, and theres a very small interpretive centre at the Nisga Prov Park campground. Stop at Lava Lake picnic site to marvel at its beauty! Drowned forest same.

Definitely stay at
Crest Hotel in PR and take in the beauty of the drive between Smithers and PR! It’s spectacular!!!

It has been a few years but had a wonderful seafood dinner in the Crest dining room

Jodi pay up for a view room. No point in being in the crest and looking at the parking lot.

Exactly!!!!

Jodi my uncle was one of the original owners of the Crest. Really gave the town an up scale feeling.

Paul’s Bakery in Smithers has amazing Cinnamon Bread - grab a few loaves to freeze!

Paul's Bakery

Many years ago we visited the
Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Park or Anhluut’ukwsim Laxmihl Angwinga’asanskwhl Nisga’a in northwestern BC. The lava beds were created in about 1780, when Canada’s last active volcano, the Tseax, erupted. Our family still talks about it to this day!

Ronda truly awesome!

We did this coming from our okanagan home. We camped so not so helpful. Just wanted to say, Prince Rupert blew me away with its beauty! We happened to arrive on one of their rare sunny days. Reminded me of the beauty of Vancouver condensed into a small town setting. Even the hospital, set on a hill, had 360 degrees views of snow capped mountains and ocean! Brings back good memories...

Worth the trip up highway 113 to see the lava beds, if Nishga territory is open. Terrace has amazing local food - check out Don Diego’s and Hot House....you will not be disappointed!!

Paula , the Samosa Salad at the Hot House is my favourite!

Marion right??? So good.

There are a few awesome little towns along the route to PG as well. Historic Spences Bridge has a great little restaurant called the Packing House. If you have kids, the McAbee fossil beds are very cool (between Kamloops and Cache Creek). Ashcroft has a phenomenal bakery and Horstings in Cache Creek is worth the stop. You’ve also got the Hat Creek Ranch in this area. Finally, Clinton is a little town with so much character!

Paula thank you for these little tips!

I think taking your time getting to Prince George is preferable to bypassing so much beautiful BC and accommodation. From PG to Smithers is same-old-same-old unless you visit communities off the hwy. Be sure to stop at Info Centres for LOTS of helpful info.

Ive done it many times over the years, my daughter now lives in Smithers, check out all the towns along the way, they all have something to offer.
Many years ago I would take the drive on overnight ferry back from Rupert to Port Hardy rather then doubling back. A good trip

Hello...this is great info and suggestions...I wanted to do a road trip actually around Canada..but I guess currently some areas are out of bounds...so within BC...can some recommendations be given...I have time avail...that's not a factor...thru BC..looking forward to your suggestions.. and possibly also where I can stop fr the nights...thanks

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Consider doing a loop by taking one way via the ferry thru the Inside Passage. It’s an amazing and beautiful day long ride from/to Port Hardy to Prince Rupert.

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I remember the best part being between Vancouver and Prince George and wouldn’t recommend rushing it. We took our time with this road trip and didn’t drive much each day. I have very fond memories though I was much younger and my insight might not be as useful based on the age gap but I loved green lake and Barkerville for sure

Wow Everyone!! Thank you SOOO much for all your replies and tips. So wonderful.
Answers to a few of your replies. 1 - We have a friend in PR we will be staying with for 3 nights, so he'll be our tour guide when there. 2 - YES! We have reserved the ferry PR to Port Hardy... super stoked for this part of the adventure. 3 - We figure we'll get many more chances to explore from here to PG, but not sure when we'll get a chance to tour upper BC, hence why we are zipping quickly up to PG. 4 - We have 2 days driving down from Port Hardy to Nanaimo and also looking for any neat accomodations along that route. We know the island so all good with sight seeing.
OMG - We are getting sooo excited for this awesome adventure!!! Thanks again.

Sandman in Smithers is the best place to stay. The Crest is your only choice in Rupert- it's so nice there.

I would take the Horseshoe Bay, Whistler, Duffey Lake Road, Lillooet, route. Beautiful drive.
Not much longer and a beautiful drive.
If you are leaving from the Fraser Valley then the Coquihalla to Kamloops is a bit quicker than the Fraser Canyon.

So do you recommend that we stay 2 nights in one location for our PG- PR portion?

Nicole i personally think one night in PG is lots. We stayed in Smithers last year at the Sunshine Inn. Nice staff, clean and comfortable beds.

Charlott how many nights did I stay in smithers?

Nicole we just stayed one night. I'm originally from PR and have spent a bit of time toodling around the area. Smithers is nice and you could definitely spend a couple days there checking the area out, hiking, cute shops.

Charlott we have 2 nights between PG and PR. Trying to figure out if we should stay in 2 different locations , one night each. Or just stay 2 nights in one location. Thoughts? I appreciate your time!

Nicole if it were me, I'd spend two nights in Smithers. I actually said to my hubby last year that I wished we'd spent more time there. Definitely make a detour into Old Hazelton & K'San when you're on your way to PR. You may also be able to see the spear fishing by Moricetown depending on time of year.
We were in PR last September and were fortunate to go out on a boat to see humpbacks. Very cool!

Charlott awesome. We seriously cannot wait!!!!!

What Geg pp

Over night PG. That will be 8 to 9 hr straight drive.

I used to live in Haida Gwaii and drive Vancouver to the Prince Rupert ferry all the time. I love love smithers!!!!!! Stay in quesnel, not PG. The drive from Terrace to Prince Rupert is beautiful. Just before Prince Rupert there is this old, old, mill that is closed but you can walk around it. IT is haunted. I have stories..... Cow town un PR is funky!!!

Traci Brown perfect tips. Thank you!!

Nicole tale it all in, look up off the beaten paths and watch out for wildlife!!!!

Take it all in, lol

A stop in Old Hazelton is an interesting little historic town. Worth the 5 km drive into the site off Hwy 16

Sounds like an awesome adventure. Look forward to hearing about your travels...

thanks Tricia! We def need to catch up soon!

Stop at Alexandra Bridge park and walk down to old bridge... lovely walk.... stop at Painted Chasm ... so much history and another lovely walk about..great place for a picnic lunch. So many places to stop and see from Hope to Prince George ....and so many more on highway 16

Also...go into “downtown” Lytton...great old buildings and lots of history

Also...are you camping or hotels? If hotels the Billy Barker In Quesnel has lovely rooms... and good prices....

They are super nice and helpful in Smithers! I'd go back in a heartbeat! Gorgeous area too.

There's some beautiful old growth hikes in the Kitimat area just south of Terrace....on the ocean too.

PG to Vanderhoof is my suggestion for one of the most boring drives in BC.

I would recommend overnighting at Quesnel and Smithers. Both are quaint towns.

Barkerville is definitely worth a stop. It is a least 1 whole day there. Old gold mining town restored.