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Smithers is a compact mountain town on the Yellowhead Highway in northern British Columbia, with Hudson Bay Mountain filling the skyline above Main Street. It was established in the early twentieth century as a railway division point, on land within the territory of the Wet'suwet'en people. The town has embraced an alpine theme, with Swiss-style storefronts along its main street, and it serves as a hub for the surrounding farmland and backcountry.
Main Street is the center of town life, lined with shops, cafes and restaurants, and Alpine Al, a statue of an alphorn player, has become the town's mascot. The Bulkley Valley Museum tells the story of local settlement and Indigenous history, while the railway station and Alfred Park recall the town's origins. The Della Herman Theatre hosts performances, and the Smithers Visitor Centre is helpful for trail information. Hudson Bay Mountain offers skiing in winter and hiking in summer, with trails reaching Crater Lake. Twin Falls and Glacier Gulch lie just outside town, where water spills from a glacier down a steep rock face, reachable by a short walk or more challenging hikes.
Smithers suits outdoor lovers who enjoy small towns with character. Summers are mild and long-lit, and winters bring snow for skiing.
WiserMap travel guideSmithers British Columbia Twin Falls and FossilsPlan a visit to Smithers in the Bulkley Valley: alpine style Main Street, Hudson Bay Mountain, Twin Falls, Driftwood Canyon fossils and Babine Lake day trips.Read the guide
The heart of Smithers, a walkable main street with an alpine theme, lined with outdoor shops, cafes, bakeries, galleries and a bookstore, all against the backdrop of Hudson Bay Mountain. It is the place to gather supplies and local advice. Visit on a Saturday in summer for the farmers market.
A statue of a cheerful yodeler blowing an alphorn at the end of Main Street, the town's mascot since the 1970s and a nod to Smithers' alpine look. It is a popular spot for photos. Stop at the statue and then walk the full length of Main Street to the railway station and back.
A small museum near the centre with displays on Wet'suwet'en history, settlers, railways, mining, farming and daily life in the Bulkley Valley, along with changing exhibitions. Entry is by donation. It is a good stop on a rainy day, and staff are happy to share stories about the region's past.
A community performing arts theatre in Smithers that hosts concerts, plays, dance shows and touring performers through the year, from local groups to well known artists. It is the cultural hub of the valley. Check the schedule during your visit, as small town shows are often good value.
The mountain that rises above Smithers, with a ski resort for winter skiing and snowboarding and alpine hiking and biking trails in summer, plus views over the valley. Its glacier is visible from town. Drive up the ski hill road in summer for easy access to alpine meadows and trails.
A small alpine lake in a rocky bowl on Hudson Bay Mountain, reached by a hike of a few hours from the ski area, with views across the Bulkley Valley. Snow may linger well into summer. Start early, bring layers and rain gear, and check the trail conditions before setting out.
A small lake just outside town with a beach, dock and views of Hudson Bay Mountain and its glacier, popular for swimming, paddling and picnics on warm days. Calm mornings bring great reflections of the mountain on the water. Bring a kayak or paddleboard, and look for loons.
Two tall waterfalls side by side spilling down the cliffs of Hudson Bay Mountain, reached by a short walk from a parking area at the end of a gravel road. Snowmelt makes them strongest in late spring and early summer. Combine the visit with a hike to nearby Glacier Gulch.
A steep canyon below the Kathlyn Glacier on Hudson Bay Mountain, where a trail climbs from the Twin Falls parking area toward the ice with views of waterfalls and the valley below. The trail is steep and rough higher up. Turn back if it gets too exposed, and never walk onto the glacier.
A small park northeast of Smithers protecting fossil beds about 50 million years old, with well preserved plants, insects and fish found in the shale. A short trail leads to a viewing platform with signs about the fossils. Collecting fossils is not allowed, so look but leave everything in place.
A narrow, rocky canyon on the Bulkley River at the Wet'suwet'en village of Witset, where people have fished for salmon for thousands of years, using nets and gaffs from platforms over the rapids. In late summer the fishing can be watched from the bridge. Respect the community and its fishing sites.
The Bulkley River is world famous for catch and release fly fishing for wild steelhead in the fall, drawing anglers from many countries. Local guides offer day trips and lodges along the river. Licences and special rules apply, so read the current regulations or go with a licensed guide.
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