Active Pursuits

Smithers & the Bulkley Valley

Fishing

The Bulkley River has excellent fishing for steelhead, chinook, and coho salmon, though restrictions apply. The best fishing areas on the Bulkley are from the confluence of the Morice River south of Smithers to the town of Telkwa.

Hiking

The 9km (5.5-mile) Perimeter Trail is a good place to jog; especially along the Bulkley River in Riverside Park. Two excellent hikes are on Hudson Bay Mountain. Three kilometers (2 miles) west of Smithers, take Kathlyn Lake Road 10km (6.25 miles) to the trail head. It's an easy .8km (.5-mile) stroll to view the impressive Twin Falls. From the same trail head, climb up to Glacier Gulch to get close to the toe of Kathlyn Glacier. This strenuous hike is just under 6.4km (4 miles) one-way, but allow at least 3 hours to make the climb.

Follow Hudson Bay Mountain Road west out of Smithers for 10km (6.25 miles) to Smithers Community Forest, with an extensive trail system. The easy 4km (2.5-mile) Interpretive Nature Trail makes a loop through the forest. For more rugged hiking, Babine Mountains Recreation Area protects 32,400 hectares (80,028 acres) of subalpine meadows, lakes, and craggy peaks. This roadless area is accessible only on foot, but many sights are within the range of day hikers. The Silver King Basin Trail passes through subalpine forest before reaching an alpine meadow that explodes with wildflowers in July. To reach the Babine Mountains, go 3km (2 miles) east of Smithers and take Babine Lake Road.