Five ways to have a wildly good time in Smithers this winter
By Abby Cooper
Smithers, B.C. – Snow banks taller than myself line the streets of Smithers, a sure sign that this incredible snow haven is in good winter form. Whether arriving by plane, car or Via Rail, your first glimpse of town will without doubt steal your heart and whisk you into the mountainous magic that surrounds you.
The other things we instantly noticed about Smithers, are the people. It’s easy to seek out opportunities to connect with the wonderful folk that make up this town.
Tanner Elliott, Smithers born and raised describes the community as "a collection hardworking, like-minded friendly people that are excited to share their town with you."
With that endorsement, we were ready to start exploring.
But coming up with only the top five reasons to visit Smithers was tough because there’s such a long list of places, activities, adventures and sightseeing experiences worthy of a Top 5 status. Inspired by the copious amounts of snow and an itch for adventure, we present our top five reasons to visit Smithers in winter.
Photo:
Abby Cooper
Hudson Bay Mountain Resort
Towering over downtown Smithers, you’ll see carved out runs and a perfectly triangulated peak coated in white. This my friends is Hudson Bay Mountain Resort. Known for delivering a generous amount of powder days, Hudson Bay Mountain has some seriously playful terrain ready to be tackled. Don’t miss the opportunity to cruise through the terrain park, newly gladed tree skiing and carve up some quality corduroy on your next visit.
Photo:
Andrew Strain
Backcountry skiing
Skeena Heli Skiing and Skeena Cat Skiing are a stone’s throw away from Smithers. These guys are the real deal when it comes to wild backcountry skiing and snowboarding. The terrain tucked into the Babine Mountain range is jaw-dropping and powder filled. If you prefer your backcountry minus the machinery, Hankin-Evelyn Backcountry Ski Touring Resort is the place for you. A one-of-a-kind experience, Hankin-Evelyn has marked-up tracks, cut runs, gladed areas and a backcountry warming hut at the foot of the alpine all waiting to be explored. Don’t forget your avalanche safety gear and a few dollars to drop in the donation bin to keep this spectacular place maintained.
Photo:
Abby Cooper
Fat biking
McBike is the perfect place to start and end a day of fat biking. With daily rentals you can cruise right out the shop door and down to the nearby Riverside Park. Snow-coated trees arch the peaceful trails and occasionally break to offer a view of the stunning Skeena River. Fat biking is also a great way to get the lay of the land when first getting into Smithers.
Photo:
Abby Cooper
Snowshoeing
Snag a pair of snowshoes from Local Supply Co in Smithers for an afternoon of blissful strolling. Riverside Park is full of set trails, or venture onto the riverbanks with caution and enjoy blazing your own trail.
The town
Smithers picturesque downtown is what mountain town postcards are made of. The restaurants and shops along main street are equally as charming on the inside as are the menus.
Here’s are few of our recommendations for your next Smithers town stroll.
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Coffee: Walk to Bugwood Bean and take an Americano for a wander or park it at Two Sisters Café for a mocha.
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Eats: Lasagna at Telly’s is top-notch or grab some shareable grub and a pint at Alpenhorn Bistro and Bar. Enjoy fine dining with a classy cabin atmosphere at the Riverhouse Restaurant at the Aspen Inn.
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Après: Two new breweries have popped up in Smithers and each has a taste to call their own. Luckily, only a two-block walk from each other, you can easily sample pints at both the Bulkley Valley Brewery and Smithers Brewing Co in a night.
If you go
Learn more about skiing at Hudson Bay.
Start planning your winter stay and play Smithers adventures here.
Getting here is easy via the Smithers Airport.
For all your travel Northern B.C. details, the folks from Northern B.C.Tourism can help make the planning process smooth.
SnowSeekers has once again teamed up with our #SkiNorthBC partners and contributors to bring you more exceptional video, photo and stories throughout the upcoming season to inspire you to discover B.C.'s northern gems. Read on…
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