Wilderness Lodges and Campgrounds in Northeast BC
The raw and rugged scenery of BC’s Northeast is anything but ordinary. From lakeside A-frame cabins to remote fishing outposts set deep in the heart of the Muskwa-Kechika, here are some wilderness lodges and campgrounds that aren’t your average hotel.
A-Frame Cabins, Azouzetta Lake Lodge
The epic Hart Ranges and stunning Azouzetta Lake set the scene for these A-frame cabins, located just off Highway 97 on Pine Pass. When you’re not distracted by the views out your window, you’ll find a simple, open-concept interior with a lofted bedroom. There’s plenty of amenities to make a week-long stay possible—including an on-site cafe (the donuts are worthy of making the drive just to try them). In summer, rent a canoe or kayak and head out for a sunset paddle on the lake. Winter brings massive dumps of snow to this high-alpine pass. Luckily, the lodge is located a mere five minute drive from the slopes of the aptly-named Powder King Resort.
Dawson Creek
Looking for a little history to mix in with your stay? The Mile 0 Park in Dawson Creek is the place to be! With a variety of sites, spend a few days relaxing right next door to the Walter Wright Pioneer Village, a heritage site that explores the history of the early Pioneer settlers in Dawson Creek. Is golfing your thing? After you’ve visited the historic Mile 0 Post, continue up the Alaska Highway and swing into Farmington Fairways, with a mix of full service, pull-through, and tent sites, Farmington Fairways is the place to be for a little R&R and a few rounds of golf.
Fort St. John
Ease into a relaxed state of mind at Elisi Spa & Wilderness Resort. This fly-in, all-inclusive lodge is set deep in the backcountry surrounding Fort St. John. While there’s plenty to do from the lodge—from hiking trails right from the lodge’s front doors to cantering on horseback through the sprawling valley—the on-site spa makes it hard to leave. Relax tense muscles with a Swedish massage or hot stone therapy, or pamper yourself with a facial and spa manicure. Not up for a spa treatment? The sheer beauty of the landscape imparts a sense of contemplation and will have you achieving a zen-like state in no time. Your only potential distraction? The wildlife that can be spotted roaming in the distance.
Hudson’s Hope
Located on the shores of Williston Lake is this traditional log-cabin built from Pioneer Log Homes (have you seen Timber Kings?) with hand-hewn pine logs, the Williston Lake Resort is sure to amaze. The area around Hudson’s Hope is rich in game and wildlife and elk, deer, moose, wolves, and bears are frequently spotted from the lodge. Explore the area on horseback or take advantage of your location on the well-stocked Williston Lake and cast lines into still waters. Tales from the day are best shared around the handcrafted bar and communal dining table. At night, keep warm around the cozy stone fireplace or bundle up and stargaze from the massive deck.
Looking for something a little more tent-ish? Check out Dinosaur Lake where you’ll find incredible fishing, hiking trails, fossils galore, and abundant wildlife all while relaxing to the soft lake-waves lapping on the rocky shores. Hudson’s Hope has no shortage of camping, you just have to be up for adventure!
Tumbler Ridge
Hiking, biking, boating, fishing… why not add camping to the list. Tumbler Ridge has no shortage of amazing places to pitch a tent or park a trailer. Located in the heart of Tumbler Ridge, Monkman RV Park offers 54 full-service sites to call your home base while you explore all that Tumbler Ridge has to offer.
Is adventure and exploration more your speed? Be sure to check out the Monkman Provincial Park and endless opportunities for backcountry camping in the Tumbler Ridge UNESCO Geopark; thinking of heading into the backcountry? Make sure you leave a trip plan with a trusted contact and always be prepared for rapid weather changes and wildlife.
Muskwa-Kechika Adventures
This is a backcountry expedition like no other. The Muskwa-Kechika (MK) is one the largest and most biodiverse areas in the Rocky Mountain range yet its harsh climate, rugged terrain and remote location make it one of the least-explored—and sparsely populated—areas of British Columbia. A guided horseback trip, led by renowned conservationist Wayne Sawchuk, offers a unique way into the region. Expeditions range in length and skill level, but the more accessible option includes venturing out from Mayfield Lake base camp. This wilderness outpost consists of handcrafted teepees (perfect for sheltering from inclement weather), an outdoor kitchen (with on-site chef), sauna for keeping warm, and canoes to help you explore the lake.
Do you want to explore the heart of the Muskwa-Kechika? Accessible only by aircraft, Scoop Lake Outfitters offers unforgettable wilderness adventures, yoga retreats, an off-grid eco friendly cabin stay, home grown and fresh cooked foods, and of course incredible hosts! With five main camps and sixteen satellite camps, Scoop Lake Outfitters offers the stay of a lifetime as you explore the majesty of the Muskwa-Kechika.
Northern Rockies Adventures
There’s remote and then there’s Muskwa-Kechika remote. Experience the raw and untamed beauty of this wilderness area first-hand at one of Northern Rockies Adventures‘ three backcountry cabins. The outposts vary in location, from a mountain valley on the Arctic Watershed where you can fly-fish in glassy pools to the shores of a crystal-clear mountain lake set deep within Dune Za Keyih Provincial Park. The cabins themselves are no-frills and instead put the focus on the scenery and the adventure that awaits those who venture off-grid here.
Backcountry and Spike Camps, Stone Mountain Safaris Lodge
Stone Mountain Safaris Lodge‘ signature cedar lodge offers plenty of creature comforts and a spectacular location on 500 acres in the scenic Toad River Valley. But those looking to brave the Northern Rockies elements will want to stay at one of the lodge’s remote wilderness camps. Accommodations take shape as a comfortable cabin or wall tent (both heated by propane and wood-burning stoves.) Meals here are wholesome and hearty—ideal for refueling after a day in the fresh mountain air. You may even choose to “spike camp”—these temporary base camps are meant to provide shelter during multi-day hiking or hunting expeditions and feature collapsible tents, stoves and some freeze-dried rations to help stretch meals.
How to Get to Northeast BC
Direct flights are available into Fort St. John and Dawson Creek from Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton. Vehicle rentals are available from local airports; make sure to reserve in advance.
By road, there are multiple points of entry to Northeast BC. From Vancouver and the Okanagan, expect a two-day drive via Highway 1 and 97. Coming from Edmonton and Grande Prairie? Highway 43 is an easy one-day straight shot; from Calgary, Highways 2 and 22 will connect you to the main artery heading west in a longer but scenic route.
Highway 16 in Northern BC will connect you to Prince George, then onto Highway 97 north. Make sure you have all-season tires and check road conditions before you embark.
What To Know Before You Go
Be sure to check hours of operation in advance. Cell service, fuel and supplies are limited on the Alaska Highway. Bring essential items with you and make sure to stock up on food, fuel and other supplies for long stretches of road between service stations.