Adventures along the Alaska Highway © Northern BC Tourism/Abby Cooper
With the warmer weather upon us, it’s time to embrace new adventures in the great outdoors—and the Northern Rockies are the perfect place to begin.
Tucked into the northeastern corner of British Columbia, this region is defined by dramatic mountains, jade-green lakes, and welcoming towns. The stretch of highway between Fort Nelson, B.C., and Watson Lake, YT, invites travellers into a landscape rich with opportunity.
Nicknamed the “Serengeti of the North,” the region is renowned for its incredible wildlife viewing, with frequent sightings of wood bison, caribou, elk, bears, stone sheep, and countless bird species. Located within the Aurora Oval, this is also one of the best places to view the northern lights—particularly from fall through spring, when darker skies provide the perfect backdrop.
In summer, the long northern days mean dusk is as dark as it gets, making it possible to enjoy hiking, golfing, fishing, paddling, and backcountry exploring late into the evening. The Alaska Highway itself is a lasting legacy of World War II and remains one of North America’s most iconic wilderness routes. Whether you’re road-tripping or venturing off the beaten path, the Northern Rockies are a destination like no other—alive with nature, history, and the promise of adventure.
Spring Into the Wild
The Alaska Highway winds through true animal territory—a natural northern wilderness where humans are the visitors. Here, the wildlife has the right of way. Iconic species like the wood bison—the largest land mammal in North America, weighing up to 2,000 pounds—frequently share the road, and visitors should always maintain a respectful distance from any animal they encounter.
Spring and summer are ideal for spotting young wildlife, with the best chances during the cooler mornings and evenings. The season’s vibrant greenery sets the perfect backdrop for wildlife viewing across countless scenic spots. One standout is Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park, open year-round and known for its lush, warm-water ecosystem. This unique environment supports a range of species, including some found nowhere else.
The region also encompasses the Muskwa-Kechika Management Area (M-KMA), one of B.C.’s largest and most ecologically significant wilderness zones—roughly the size of Ireland. This globally important area protects diverse wildlife and ecosystems while honouring the cultures that call it home. Whether you stick to the highway or strike out (on your own or with a guide) by hike, paddle, plane, or horse, adventure in the Northern Rockies is as wild as it is unforgettable.
Legacy Roads
The Alaska Highway is one of the world’s most storied roadways, built in just eight months during World War II to connect mainland U.S.A. to Alaska. The feat was monumental—carried out under extreme weather and working conditions by thousands of soldiers and crews.
Today, the 2,237-kilometre highway stands as a living legacy, rich with both history and natural beauty. From rugged mountains to wide-open vistas, the journey offers some of Canada’s most photogenic highway stretches. Be sure to pull over in safe pull-outs to snap photos, stretch your legs, and take in the views.
No matter the season, preparation is key. Carry the proper equipment, plan for changing weather, and visit the Fort Nelson Visitor Centre for up-to-date information and local tips. With so much to discover, give yourself time to stop, explore, and fully experience the northern wild.
Learn more at tourismnorthernrockies.ca
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The allure of the Northern Rockies will have you dreaming of your next trip. There are plenty of ways to keep you inspired and planning for an escape to this spectacular area in Northern BC.