The Great Wilderness in British Columbia

A visit to The Great Wilderness transports you to a land of epic grandeur, with vast open skies – perfect for chasing the Northern Lights – and geological marvels such as lava beds, glaciers, and volcanoes.

It’s the perfect destination for a once-in-a-lifetime wilderness experience with a wide range of fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities. Moose, caribou, bison, bears, and eagles are among the abundant wildlife that call The Great Wilderness home. Visitors can look forward to a truly immersive experience observing these stars of British Columbia’s wildlife in their natural habitats.

Few places in the world boast such remote and pristine environments. One of the last great wild areas on earth, The Great Wilderness is awe-inspiring and provides a sense of connection to nature that is so rare in the modern world.

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There are many ways to embark on an adventure in The Great Wilderness. There is a wide array of popular hiking routes across this ancient landscape, including Hudson Bay Mountain’s alpine trails, Mount Robson’s backcountry Berg Lake Trail, and walks to stunning waterfalls such as Kinuseo Falls.

Jazz from the travel blog Ramblyn Jazz has walked the Berg Lake Trail herself and has shared: “For backcountry hiking enthusiasts, one of the must-see landmarks in Mt. Robson Provincial Park is the Berg Lake Trail, with breathtaking views of glaciers, waterfalls, and turquoise-blue lakes. Hikers can choose easier or challenging trails. Start at the end of Kinney Lake Road and continue up into the mountains to Robson Pass.”

From day trips to multi-night adventures, it’s all possible, including taking to BC’s waters for adrenaline-pumping activities like river rafting on the Tatshenshini-Alsek and Stikine Rivers - world-famous locations for thrilling rapids and gorgeous scenery.

There are stunning fishing hotspots along the Skeena River, guided wildlife tours for a deeper dive into British Columbia’s wildlife, and shorter experiences, including local hot springs, treks to see lava beds and wildlife observation spots.

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The Great Wilderness is home to endless activities, attractions, and experiences that can’t be matched. Here are 10 of the most iconic experiences you can look forward to:

• Chasing the Northern Lights – What wilderness activity is more iconic than chasing the Northern Lights? The Great Wilderness is home to several aurora hot spots, including the awe-inspiring views from the Northern Rockies Lodge at Muncho Lake Provincial Park, Fort Nelson, and along the Alaska Highway.

• Tumbler Ridge UNESCO Global Geopark – This is the place to discover where dinosaurs once roamed. Here, you can follow in the footprints of dinosaurs, discover fossilised remains, explore stunning trails, and enjoy BC’s only dinosaur museum. Come yourself and see the exciting discoveries and landscapes of Tumbler Ridge.

• Relaxing at the hot springs – For a peaceful activity during your wilderness adventure, unwind at one of The Great Wilderness’ rejuvenating hot springs. There’s plenty of choice, including taking a dip in the Liard River Hot Springs or a soak in the Aiyansh Hot Springs. These springs are the ideal serene experience after so much exploration.

• River rafting on the Tatshenshini-Alsek –The Great Wilderness is known for its world-class river-rafting experiences. Opportunities include rafting on the pristine Tatshenshini-Alsek River. Located in the far northwest of The Great Wilderness, this is the place to be for thrills and spills on the water.

• Wildlife viewing – Canada’s wildlife can’t be matched, and The Great Wilderness provides endless viewing opportunities of nature’s most remarkable wild animals. Head to Stewart Estuary, Meziadin Fish Ladder, and Kwadacha Wilderness Provincial to see bears, moose, caribou and eagles in their natural habitats.

• Heli-skiing in Skeena Mountains – For a different perspective on The Great Wilderness and some of the deepest powder on the planet, try heli-skiing in the remarkable Skeena Mountains. This is one of the world’s largest areas for heli-skiing and truly one of the most epic experiences to look forward to in The Great Wilderness.

• Hudson Bay Mountain trails –The Hudson Bay Mountain offers alpine trails aplenty for serious hikers, and it's also home to a legendary skiing resort. The expansive views of rugged peaks and scenic vistas are an excellent backdrop for on-foot exploration and diverse slopes for skiers of all skill levels. With powdery snow and forested trails, Hudson Bay Mountain is a winter sports destination not to miss.

• Visit Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park – At Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park, visitors can look forward to exploring BC’s volcanic landscapes and Indigenous history. Volcanic eruptions have shaped this historic landscape, which features vast lava fields, scenic trails, and ancient Nisga’a cultural sites. As a result, it’s a must to catch a glimpse into natural history and Indigenous heritage.

• The Great Northern Circle Route – Canada is built for road trips, and this is exemplified in The Great Wilderness. The Great Northern Circle Route features a series of epic routes and miles of open road with nothing but pristine wilderness on either side. The highways of The Great Wilderness are the perfect place to clear your head, get away from the world, and discover the wild side of Canada.

• Explore Glacier Highway – Glacier Highway is another opportunity to discover The Great Wilderness's incredible natural landscapes and features. Providing adventurers with a chance to encounter over 20 glaciers in a single trip – including the Bear and Salmon Glaciers - Glacier Highway is an experience like no other.

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