Travel

A visual journey from Prince George to Mount Robson

Canadian Geographic’s creative director Javier Frutos explores mountain landscapes and welcoming communities on a journey in British Columbia

Published Mar 28, 2025
Updated May 01
608 words
3 minutes

Story and photography by Javier Frutos

The Fraser River in front of the misty Rocky Mountains — A view of the Fraser River, B.C.

From trails through an ancient western redcedar forest to paddling pristine lakes and rivers to taking in the highest peak in the Rockies, it’s no secret that the northernmost lands of British Columbia is a veritable playground for outdoor enthusiasts. But dig deeper, and you’ll find welcoming communities, interesting history, great food, and little-known local hotspots that will almost make you forget you’re at the confluence of three spectacular mountain ranges – almost. Here, a four day itinerary in words and photos, wends its way east from Prince George to Mount Robson Provincial Park.

Day 1 | Forests and pints in Prince George

Just about an hour’s drive east of Prince George, B.C., is a gateway to Ancient Forest/Chun T’oh Whudujut Provincial Park, one of the province’s newest provincial parks that protects part of the only inland temperate rainforest in the world. Walk along a roughly two-kilometre accessible boardwalk through 1,000-year-old Western red cedars and a rich biodiversity of plants, as you learn invaluable stories and teachings about Lheidli T’enneh First Nation’s close relationship to this landscape.

Back in town, quench your thirst by exploring Prince George’s growing craft beer and wine scene. Lift a pint at Trench Brewing & Distilling, which offers small-batch libations inspired by landmarks in the region, like the Pine Pass pale ale with bright notes of pine and citrus. At the Northern Lights Estate Winery, B.C.’s northernmost winery, sample award-winning fruit wines made from locally- and provincially-grown strawberries, rhubarb, blackberries, cherries and more, while overlooking the Nechako River.

a boardwalk through an ancient old-growth forest in B.C. — A boardwalk takes visitors through Ancient Forest/Chun T’oh Whudujut Provincial Park, B.C.

A truck drives down a highway with the rocky mountains in the background — The mountainous landscape near Prince George, B.C.

Bottles of wine lined up on a counter — Fruit wines from Northern Lights winery, B.C.’s northernmost winery.

A chef cooks pizza in a kitchen — A local restaurant, Betula Burning, in Prince George, B.C.

Day 2 | Paddling and stargazing

Grab a paddle, rent a canoe, and spend the day exploring West Lake Provincial Park just outside of Prince George. Take some time to relax on one of the park’s 400-metres of swimming beaches or paddle the meandering channels in its wetlands, while keeping watch for the park’s varied wildlife, including moose, bears, beavers and osprey.

At night, head to the Prince George Astronomical Observatory to learn fascinating facts about our universe, and see it with your own eyes through their telescopes. Be sure to book a tour, or visit during one of the observatory’s public events.

Kayakers on a lake — Kayaking in West Lake Provincial Park, just outside of Prince George, B.C.

A man waits at a railway station — The McBride Heritage Railway Station, a historic landmark built for the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway in 1919.

A view of a winding river in front of mountains — The view from the old forest fire lookout on Mount McBride with the Cariboo mountains in the distance.

Day 3 | The pride of McBride

Two hours east of Prince George is the charming mountain town of McBride, nestled between the Cariboo Mountains and the Rockies. At the heart of the village is the McBride Heritage Railway Station, a historic landmark built for the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway in 1919 that, today, serves as a central gathering place for locals and visitors.

In the afternoon, continue your historic tour at the nearby Stag Ranch, an iconic century-old property that’s one of the oldest surviving log buildings in the region. Stop in for dinner at the Caribou Grill Restaurant, whose interior reflects the backwoods log cabin complete with taxidermized wildlife and leather art, not to mention a delicious menu, featuring prime rib or steaks made with AAA Alberta beef. Before heading out of town, visit the old forest fire lookout on Mount McBride for stunning views of the valley with the Cariboo mountains in the distance.

A sign for Mount Robson Provincial Park — The entrance to Mount Robson Provincial Park, B.C.

A helicopter flies over a forest — Get a bird's eye view of Mount Robson and the surrounding region by helicopter.

A silty blue river in front of mountains — A heli-tour provides unparalleled views of the landscape.

Day 4 | Mount Robson: range to river

End your journey at Mount Robson Provincial Park. Take in the highest peak in the province via helicopter, offering unparalleled views of the summit (on a clear day), the surrounding Rocky Mountains, forests, glacial lakes and rivers. Finally, cap off the trip with a rafting excursion down the iconic Fraser River, British Columbia’s longest river. While eagles soar overhead, float along the emerald waters framed by the spectacular Rockies as Mount Robson hangs in the background.

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