B.C.’s beloved mountain town of Smithers is renowned for its world-class skiing opportunities, but it’s also situated in an area with a fascinating history.
The traditional territory of the Witsuwit’en Nation, the Bulkley Valley was once a major fur-trading destination, attracting fur trappers from Europe throughout the mid-19th century.
Today, the area around Smithers consists of abandoned mine shafts, ghost town sites, and hiking trails that were once mining roads, according to Tourism Smithers. Remnants of the town’s railway past include the 1918 train station and the 1925 Central Park Building.
Visitors and residents have access to a wide variety of breathtaking nature trails year-round, though the winter months are a great time to visit if you’re looking to glide across them. This includes the trails at Tyhee Lake and Babine Mountains Parks, as well as a series of walking trails less than 20 minutes from downtown Smithers.
An alpine-themed town
In the 1970s, Smithers officially adopted an “alpine theme,” lining its six-block Main Street with alpine-style rooflines, red brick sidewalks, and a wood sculpture called Alpine Al, who plays the alphorn. All of these additions complement Smithers’ mountain scenery, making your next visit all the more magical.
Now considered the town mascot and guardian, the most current statue of Alpine Al was erected in 2016, carved from 1,000-year-old red cedar.
World-class ski trails
Those who want to hit the slopes can check out over 300 acres of skiable terrain at the Hudson Bay Mountain Resort, situated just 20 minutes away from downtown Smithers.
Or, they can grab their gear and head to the Bulkley Valley Nordic Centre, which has 52 km of groomed trails, according to the centre’s website. This includes five lit kilometres for night skiing and 11 km of dog-friendly trails.
Another great option (especially for families) is Canyon Creek, which has 22 km of cross-country ski trails available for all ability levels. According to its website, snowshoers can explore the designated Snowshoe Lane.
Prefer to hit the ice? Residents of Smithers often clear skating paths when the conditions are right at Seymour Lake, Lake Kathlyn, and Tyhee Lake.
It’s not a short drive from Vancouver by any means, but it’s well worth the trip any season.
How to get there: Drive 13 hours from Vancouver via the Cariboo Highway/BC-97 N and Yellowhead Highway W/BC-16 W.
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