How to winter like a local in Smithers, with sleigh rides, skating, local gems

Start your winter escape with an enchanting horse-drawn sleigh ride from B and T Sleigh Rides. 

A staple in the Bulkley Valley for more than 25 years, Trevor and Breanne Doerksen create an incredible winter experience through beautiful forest trails that glisten in the morning light.

As the horses, Maggie and Brooke, pull you through snow-laden trails, you’ll be surrounded by towering evergreens and the crisp sound of jingling bells. 

Halfway through the journey, Cozy up under warm blankets around a blazing fire and sip hot chocolate in a beautiful mountain forest.

Trevor invites, “Put the phone away for an hour and a half, cook some food over a fire, pet some horses and just have a great time with us, in a wilderness setting with your family, friends or colleagues."

"What I love the most is the horses," says Paula Perestrelo, who has lived in Smithers most of her life. "It's so energizing and powerful to be around these animals. 

We're above the clouds just in the mountains, you can see the whole valley. Not a vehicle in sight, it's just gorgeous. Listening to the breath and beat of the horses and the birds in the trees. It's amazing." 

After your ride, warm up with delicious tastes from Tandoori Bistro, one of over 20 local restaurants and eateries in Smithers. Owner Raj Grewal serves up some of the finest Indian food in the north. 

This hidden gem serves up bold Indian flavors, from butter chicken to southern biryani, perfectly spiced for a chilly winter day. Order the famous butter chicken or try the vegetarian-friendly aloo gobi or pakoras and pair it with freshly baked naan. 

The spice-laden aromas and inviting atmosphere will transport you far from the cold outside.

"In India, every state is different, so you can have a different flavor from different communities," said Grewal. "So here we put all the flavours together in one place. And people in Smithers love their spice. So, it's the flavours of India and Smithers."

By midday, roll on over to the newest coffee shop in town, Smithers Grind at the Bulkley Valley Brewery. Settle in for one of their signature pints or lap-up a fresh latte or steaming hot apple cider that is sure to make the taste buds tingle.

If that doesn't suffice, check out a Smithers institution, Mountain Eagle Books Café, a cozy spot known for its warm inviting atmosphere and locally roasted coffee.

Enjoy a hearty steaming bowl of soup or choose from an array of tasty treats and homemade sandwiches.

But for a real taste of Smithers, order up a cup of their world-famous chai, a special recipe that took decades to perfect.

Only in Smithers

Experience the wonder of winter like a local in Smithers

"It's a place for community to happen and grow, a meeting place for people who might otherwise not come together," says Janet Walford, long-time owner of Mountain Eagle Books. "If you come here, you're going to get to know people or meet up with old friends. 

It's amazing the number of times people come in and they see someone they haven't seen for a long time. It's great."

With your insides warmed, you can choose to get out and explore more of Smithers' outdoors with a nordic ski at Bulkley Valley Nordic Centre, or some downhill laps at Hudson Bay Mountain Resort, both covered in our #skinorthbc expedition (find the stories below).

Or, head to the Bulkley Valley Recreation Centre for a chill swim or a relaxing soak in the hottub to warm up after your winter adventuring.

For the more adventurous, the 30-foot climbing wall with beginner and experienced routes will challenge even the most experienced climbers.

“We have a ton of activities,” says Jasmine, the aquatic coordinator for the BV Recreation Centre. “We have a real sense of community here and there is always something fun to do on your weekend. Everyone has a smile on their face.”

To finish off the day, lace up your skates for a magical winter spin around Lake Kathlyn. A local spot that hosts seemingly endless skating trails at the foot of the majestic Hudson Bay Mountain, it's a quintessential Smithers winter experience.

As your time in Smithers comes to an end, you'll leave with memories of snowy trails, hearty meals, and warm community spirit. Whether it's your first visit or your fifth, this little mountain town offers endless reasons to return.