Chun T'oh Whudujut/Ancient Forest

When picturing BC's interior, the image of walking beneath towering old-growth cedar trees might not be what springs to mind. Yet, Chun T'oh Whudujut/Ancient Forest exists as a one-of-a-kind Provincial Park and Protected Area within the traditional territory of the Lheidli T'enneh. A serene escape and short day trip from Prince George, the park provides a rare opportunity to experience an intact inland rainforest filled with ancient old-growth cedars, some of which are hundreds or even thousands of years old. On our walk through the forest we had the honour and pleasure of bringing Lheidli T'enneh Elder Clifford Quaw along with us to share stories and knowledge of his territory. His Nation has played a major role in the protection of this forest and the ancient trees that were slated to be logged.

Where to stay: Just a short drive from Prince George on the shores of West Lake, this extremely cozy and scenic lakefront Airbnb with a built-in sauna is available for rent.Recommended Trail: The boardwalk trail is easily accessible and wheelchair friendly. You'll get a great feel of the environment and access to some of the giant trees. This also allows you to explore the ancient cedar forest while protecting the delicate root systems.

Places to eat and drink: Grab a hot drink at Ritual Coffeeworks in Prince Geroge to warm you up en route to the forest, and be sure to make a dinner reservation at Betulla Burning for a delicious wood-fired pizza when you return.

Powder King Mountain Resort

Nestled in the Pine Pass, deep in the heart of the Northern Rockies, Powder King Mountain Resort is a hidden winter paradise. It felt like we had the mountain to ourselves, which is hard to believe considering the resort ranks #4 in North America for snow, with the best snow quality in Canada. It boasts an average annual snowfall of 41 feet and 37 runs, and hardly any lift lines.

As a beginner skier, the well-groomed green runs were super gentle and fun while the breathtaking rocky mountain summits peeking out above the clouds distracted me from my nerves. We were smitten with the community of creatively designed and hand-built cabins at the base of the mountain; colourful roofs, firewood piled high, footsteps from the lifts. This is a place full of character and heart, and is absolutely worth the drive from Prince George!

After you work up an appetite on the hill, head to Cafe 97 and get one of their famous donuts or cinnamon buns! We had the best Boston Creme donut, ever.

Where to stay: Azouzetta Lake Lodge has 2 rustic and photogenic a-frame cabins that make for a close and comfortable basecamp. It’s a short drive just north of the resort next to the lake.

Favourite ski run: Black Forest Trail (green) to Hippy Hippy Shake (blue). This is a great combo for beginner/intermediate skiers and boarders. The views along this route were especially stand-out! The top of the T-Bar offers a breathtaking 180+ degree vantage point of the surrounding snow capped Rocky Mountains.

Know before you go: The lifts, cafeteria and rental shop are closed on Tuesdays & Wednesdays—be sure to plan accordingly.

Tumbler Ridge UNESCO Global Geopark

Global Geoparks are specially designated places that are recognized for their international geological significance by UNESCO, and Tumbler Ridge is the only one of its kind in Western North America. With next to no light pollution and an enthusiastic community of stargazers, the region is also an aspiring international dark sky preserve. The park is like a treasure trove of geological wonders and is most famous for its dinosaur trackways and fossils. Endless hiking, biking, snowmobiling and ATV trails lead to unique geosites including mountain peaks, alpine meadows, glaciers, canyons, waterfalls, incredible vistas, caves and karst formations.

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Situated in an area rich in coal deposits, Tumbler Ridge and the surrounding landscape provides a glimpse into the region's industrial history, which has opened up roads and trails to some of the park’s most beloved sites. With so much to see it can be a little overwhelming, so we were lucky to explore the backroads and trails with guide extraordinaire, Randy Gulick from Wild River Adventure Tours and his daughter, Alexandra. Having spent decades on the land, he is a legend in the park and knows the terrain and waters intimately. They brought us to all of the best viewpoints and shared many laughs along the way. It’s very clear that he takes great pride in making sure his guests have an unforgettable experience in the Geopark.

Recommended Tour Operator: Wild River Adventure Tours (Snowmobile, Snowshoe & UTV tours). Randy is like a walking encyclopaedia of the area. You’re in good hands with him and his family.

Where to stay: Wild River Adventure Tours has a secluded cabin available for rent on the border of Monkman Provincial Park near Kinuseo Falls. It’s the perfect place to view the night sky—we were treated to one of the most incredible Milky Way displays of our lives after our day of adventures in the park. Please note that a minimum two-night rental is required. For booking inquiries, reach out to Randy directly for availability.

Where to eat: If you stay at the cabin, then you’re in for a treat. You don’t want to miss out on a high-end backcountry meal cooked by Randy. The steaks and his personal seasoning blend are legendary.

Monkman Provincial Park

Towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and ancient forests characterize this vast landscape in Treaty 8 territory, a true look into the raw beauty of British Columbia's backcountry. We couldn’t help but notice so many similarities to Banff National Park in terms of the scenery. One of the park's major highlights is Kinuseo Falls. This feature definitely stands out as a must-see destination, which is also conveniently reachable by vehicle, offering accessibility to all. For those seeking deeper immersion, the park has numerous trails and viewpoints that can be found here!

Ridge Heli Adventures offers scenic helicopter tours and services for those looking to get an aerial perspective or remote drop off. There’s a lot to see and the trails are quite long so this is a great option for those wanting to make the most of their time here. We were so fortunate to get on a flight on a perfect bluebird day—it was a major highlight of the trip and an absolute bucket list experience for us. Seeing this section of the Rockies from above, bathed in dramatic light and covered in snow is forever etched into our memories.

Best viewpoint: The Kinuseo Falls Trail (1.5km) gives you a direct and dramatic view of the falls and surrounding peaks. Cascading 60 metres down the Murray River, this waterfall is higher than Niagara Falls and doesn't have the big crowds. An absolute must see—be sure to bring ice cleats as the trail can get quite icy!

Where to stay: There are campsites within the park for those seeking a rustic outdoor experience and hotels in Tumbler Ridge for those preferring more warmth and comfort. Keep in mind that it’s a long drive in from town on gravel roads (65 km each way). Chains are recommended.

Where to eat: There are no restaurants or shops in the park itself so you will need to bring your own meals. Tumbler Ridge is your closest option with a handful of restaurants and cafes. North Star Kitchen & Catering prepares nutritious and hearty meals to go, that you can arrange for a pick up before you head out!

We are grateful to have spent time on the lands and traditional territories of the Lheidli T’enneh, Dunne-Za, Saulteaux, Tse’Khene, Métis and Cree peoples.

For more information and recommendations of things to do in Northeast BC, check out the tourism board’s suggested itineraries. Safe travels!