As the air gets brisker and everything else gets pumpkin spiced, there’s no better time to take to the road and enjoy the beauty of the incoming fall season. We’ve compiled a list of the top 5 road trips to endeavour on, before all the leaves hit the ground and we’re bundled up for winter again. All distances are calculated from right here in the Fraser Valley!
Nelson, BC
Roundtrip: roughly 1200km/3-5 days
Cozy up in this charming town nestled within the Kootenays. Take in the beauty of the expansive fall foliage of the mountainside while touring the impressive 350 heritage buildings in a stroll along Kootenay lake, or tour one of their many eateries instead if heritage buildings aren’t really your thing. The town claims to have more restaurants than all of Manhattan! For a longer road trip and hiking opportunities, be sure to visit Slocan Valley just northwest of Nelson. If you’d like to spend time indoors instead of hiking, take a free ferry ride across Kootenay Lake and drive south to Creston Valley for some fine wineries.
Valley’s Recommended Stops: Pulpit Rock, Cottonwood Community Market, Kootenay Co-Op, Oso Negro,and Kaslo River Trail
Road Trip Tip: If you decide to do the Pulpit Rock hike to take in the autumn views of the area’s golden larks, be sure to pack layers as it’s a steep one!
Smithers, BC
Roundtrip: roughly 2200km/3-7 days
While known for its fall fishing, Smithers is a picturesque favourite for many other reasons too. Located at the base of Hudson Bay Mountain, you’ll find it lined with Bavarian-style buildings filled with shops and breweries that are perfect for you to cozy up in autumn wear and stroll the streets with a hot cider. For hikers looking to take in the foliage, head to Perimeter Trail and hike along the Bulkley River, or for something a bit warmer, take in the area’s rich history and Indigenous culture at the Ksan Historical Village.
Valley’s Recommended Stops: Bulkley Valley Farmer’s Market, Gitxsan Village, Skeena & Bulkley Rivers
Road Trip Tip: When browsing around Mainstreet, ask the locals (AKA Smithereens) about their favourite hidden spots for fall gazing or dining!
Burmis, AB
Roundtrip: roughly 1940km/3-7 days
Stretching from Vancouver into Alberta, the Crowsnest Highway is a beautifully long drive that not only offers up a wide range of scenery, but an interesting look into Canada’s coal mining history as well. Enjoy the Rocky Mountains in all their colour changing glory and take in the beginnings of their snow caps with plenty of choices for hiking along the way. Visit the quaint towns of Bellevue, Hillcrest, Blairmore, and Coleman to learn more about the area’s history and finish up in Burmis for a look at the Burmis Tree, acclaimed to be the most photographed tree in all of Canada.
Valley’s Recommended Stops: Leitch Collieries Provincial Historic Site, Lundbruck Falls, Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, Burmis Tree
Road Trip Tip: Remember to research any Rocky Mountain hikes ahead of time to be prepared for their length and difficulty levels, as well as account for time.
Princeton, BC
Roundtrip: roughly 460km/1-3 days
The Similkameen Valley covers from Osoyoos to Princeton and is a can’t-be-missed piece of BC. Adventure through the Osoyoos on your way to Canada’s only desert and don’t forget to check out the one-of-a-kind Spotted Lake in the Okanagan. As you head north towards Princeton you’ll pass through Keremeos, which is considered the organic farm capital of Canada, and you can find landscapes of agriculture with all the fresh BC fruit stands you could ever hope for. Take your pick of fishing in the Similkameen or Tulameen Rivers or indulge in the simple joy of birdwatching at the Swan Lake Bird Sanctuary. If that isn’t enough, endless outdoor activities and natural sightseeing awaits if you drive just a little further into E.C. Manning Provincial Park.
Valley’s Recommended Stops: Spotted Lake, Cawston, Keremeos, Bromley Rock Provincial Park, Similkameen River, China Ridge Trail, Kettle Valley Rail Trail, The Cascade Lookout, Cathedral Provincial Park
Road Trip Tip: If you’re feeling overwhelmed about how to plan your road trip to get the most out of the area, have a look at the Similkameen Valley site and consider booking a guide to see it from a local’s view.
Atlin, BC
Roundtrip: roughly 4720km/9-14 days
Head to the northernmost town of beautiful, British Columbia, and along the way experience some of the back-country adventure that this province is known for. Head up to Prince George, where there is no end to the indoor and outdoor recreational stops you can make. If you’d like to stay warm and cozy, check out the Railway and Forestry Museum or the Northern Lights Estate Winery. If outdoor activities are more appealing, you can check out the El Shaddai Ranch for a trail ride or any one of the provincial parks that are close-by! Stretch your legs and take in the views at the Kiskatinaw River Foot Bridge and take a dip in the Liard River hot springs, all on the way to the tiptop of the province! As you reach the top of the province, you’ll pop in and out of Yukon, giving you the chance to explore some fascinating Indigenous culture and some museums along the way in Teslin and stop to admire the Sign Post Forest at Watson Lake. As you head south back into BC, your destination is just a half hour away! Atlin offers stunning mountain and lake views that you could soak up for days.
Recommended Stops: Mile 0 in Dawson Creek, Kiskatinaw River Bridge, Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park, Sign Post Forest, Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge
Tip: Be sure to stop in Dawson Creek and snag a photo with the famed Mile Post, locals have long claimed it’s a good luck tradition for road trippers and passersby.
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With winter right around the corner, where we’ll be stuck indoors more so than we have been for the last 7 months and our beautiful roads will be covered in snow, autumn is the perfect time to get out and explore BC. Drive safe and enjoy the beautiful province that we call home!