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RV driving from Terrace to Prince Rupert on Highway 16, along the Skeena River.
(Photo: Northern BC Tourism/Andrew Strain)

The Most Epic Road Trip in North America

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RV driving from Terrace to Prince Rupert on Highway 16, along the Skeena River.
RV driving from Terrace to Prince Rupert on Highway 16, along the Skeena River. (Photo: Northern BC Tourism/Andrew Strain)
Sponsor Content: Destination British Columbia

Immerse yourself in awe-inspiring landscapes, geological wonders, and cultural experiences closely tied to the land in The Great Wilderness of northern British Columbia

Massive in scale and steeped in Indigenous cultures that go back millennia, the far north of British Columbia is unlike anywhere you’ve ever experienced. These vast otherworldly landscapes call to those who seek a deeper connection to nature. From geothermal hot springs and ancient lava beds to one of the largest glaciers in Canada, you could spend a lifetime adventuring in this remote region, known as , and there will always be more to see and learn.

Photographed while approaching Mt. Robson on Highway 16 in the summer.
Road tripping on Highway 16 in the summertime. (Photo: Destination BC/Stephen Shelesky)

Whether you have a few days or a couple weeks to explore, the is a great place to start. This 1,981-mile loop connects the Stewart-Cassiar (Hwy. 37), Yellowhead (Hwy. 16), and Alaska (Hwy. 97) highways on a journey packed with natural wonders and community immersion. Connect with the histories and living cultures of more than 50 distinct First Nations who have been caretakers of these spectacular landscapes from the start. Traverse rolling prairies, hike through boreal forests, and witness incredible biodiversity. Starting from Prince George—where easily connect travelers to all the grandeur The Great Wilderness has in store—here are just some of the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that await you in the far north of British Columbia.

Spot Awe-Inspiring Wildlife

In an area as vast as The Great Wilderness, wildlife encounters could happen in many places, but a few spots stand out for animal activity. Enormous even by The Great Wilderness standards, the 25,000-square-mile is a haven for subarctic species, including moose, elk, plains bison, grizzly bears, Stone’s sheep, and northern mountain caribou. This uniquely managed area, in the traditional territories of the Kaska Dena, Treaty 8, and Carrier-Sekani, aims to based on centuries of Indigenous wisdom and teachings. Because the area has limited road access from the Alaska Highway, wildlife lovers will get the most out of a visit to Muskwa-Kechika’s ancient mountain ranges, alpine meadows, and river valleys with a multiday backcountry experience. Access Muskwa-Kechika by floatplane, then travel by foot, horseback, or canoe to explore routes that crisscross this remote wilderness. If it’s your first time in the backcountry of northern British Columbia, book a guided trip. can help you safely and respectfully spot a range of wildlife in the area.

Waterfall in Stone Mountain Provincial Park.
A beautiful waterfall in Stone Mountain Provincial Park. (Photo: Northern BC Tourism/Chris Gale)
A tent under the Northern Lights on Summit Peak Trail
The Northern Lights dancing over the Summit Peak Trail. (Photo: Destination BC/Andrew Strain)
Stone's sheep along the Alaska Highway.
Bighorn sheep graze along the Alaska Highway in Stone Mountain Provincial Park. (Photo: Northern BC Tourism/Ryan Dickie)
A couple enjoys a bonfire at Summit Lake campground as the moon rises over the Northern Rockies.
A couple enjoys the warmth of a campfire at Summit Lake Campground. (Photo: Northern BC Tourism/Andrew Strain)

Soak in a Natural Hot Spring

Those with ancestral roots in the Liard River area—people speaking the Athapaskan and Kaska languages, with original groups including the Beaver, Sikanni, Nahanni, and Dog Rib—have understood the therapeutic benefits of geothermal energy for thousands of years. Experience the calming effects of soaking in naturally heated mineral-infused water yourself at , the second-largest hot springs in Canada. Tucked into a spruce-filled boreal wetland, the hot springs complex consists of eight natural springs, including a rustic pool built for soaking in 108-degree water.

After your soak, wander along the boardwalks to explore this unique ecosystem. The area’s geothermal activity attracts more than just human visitors. Keep an eye out for unique flora and fauna, including massive moose, which frequent the area year-round to graze on aquatic vegetation, tiny chub that thrive in warm water, and 14 varieties of orchids.

Soak in naturally heated, mineral-infused water at Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park.
Soak in naturally heated, mineral-infused water at Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park. (Photo: Destination BC/Andrew Strain)

Learn from the Gitxsan People

The Great Wilderness offers many opportunities to connect with communities who have stewarded this land for thousands of years. Foster your understanding and appreciation of the enduring legacy of the Gitxsan people at the . Located at the confluence of the Skeena and Bulkley rivers, the replica village gives visitors a chance to see Gitxsan traditions firsthand. Listen as practiced storytellers share oral histories of the Gitxsan culture, spiritual beliefs, artistry, and social structures. Take a peek inside traditional Gitxsan and Wet’suwet’en longhouses. Then see intricate totem poles up close and watch traditional totem carvers at work.

Totem poles and longhouses in Ksan.
Totem poles and longhouses in Ksan. (Photo: Northern BC Tourism/Shayd Johnson)
'Ksan Historical Village
Wandering 'Ksan Historical Village. (Photo: Destination BC/@calsnape)

See How Glaciers Shaped the Landscape

The topography of The Great Wilderness is deeply connected to glacier activity over thousands of years. Get an up-close look at the massive scale of glacial ice at the , located 25 miles northwest of Stewart, British Columbia. As the fifth-largest glacier in Canada and the largest vehicle-accessible glacier in the world, the Salmon Glacier offers a chance to fully appreciate the grandeur of these ancient ice giants. Stop at the Stewart Visitor Center for details on road conditions before heading out on a 23-mile drive along the unpaved Granduc Road (Salmon Glacier Road), passing dense forests and historic mining camps along the route. Near mile 17, stop at the glacier’s toe, where you can hop out for a closer look and a photo. Then continue on to the upper viewpoint at about 4,000 feet.

Note: The road to access the Salmon Glacier from Stewart crosses into Alaska before returning to the high point of the glacier in British Columbia. You can find .

Salmon Glacier (Northern BC Tourism/Munro Thompson)

Ready to trade your day-to-day for a journey into these extraordinary landscapes? On the Great Northern Circle route, you can feel the heartbeat of The Great Wilderness and learn from those who have shaped this diverse and magnetic area. Get more details on the adventures above and countless other ways to experience the captivating The Great Wilderness of northern British Columbia at .

Journey into The Great Wilderness, the northernmost area of British Columbia, Canada, where adventures await curious wanderers. Immerse yourself in a place where Indigenous culture is deeply rooted in the vast lands, an extraordinary landscape of jagged mountains, glittering glaciers, booming waterways, and diverse wildlife. Learn more at .

Continue Exploring British Columbia

Journey into The Great Wilderness

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Lead Photo: Northern BC Tourism/Andrew Strain