For most people, it’s the reason they live here. The great town life? An awesome bonus! Visitors to Smithers, many of whom travel from Europe and Australia, share this passion and return to experience the lifestyle.
Everyone who skis at Hudson Bay Mountain agrees the snow here is special--pure fluffy powder that never lets you down. Living here, you’ll become an expert on the snow, spending winter days skiing and boarding pristine, uncrowded, family-friendly runs with something for everyone from novice to expert. And at Hudson Bay Mountain Estates, with all this at your back door, you are ideally located for exploring cross-country and back country experiences too.
The possibilities are mountainous…
Located along the mountain road you will find the Bulkley Valley Nordic Centre, a top-rated cross-country ski area. With a 45km network of trails through sheltered spruce and pine forest, excellent ski conditions, world class night-lit trails, and a pro-longed ski season, those who haven't tried cross-country skiing are inclined to do so.
Back country opportunities from Crate Lake and Hudson Bay Mountain Summit.
For other people it’s hiking, For you, it’s walking out your backdoor.
Living up in the alpine, you have a serious headstart on hiking up Hudson Bay Mountain for spectacular views of Smithers and the the Bulkley Valley. Set out for Glacier Gulch, or the meadows for annual bloom. Further afield – if you can stand leaving your own view – try an outing to Babine Mountains Provincial Park, just one of dozens of scenic and hike-worthy destinations only moments from home at Hudson Bay Mountain.
Don’t tell the skiers, but for the thousands of visitors, fishing is the king of sports in the incredible nature destination that is Smithers. Babine lake, for example, is known the world over for trout fishing, the Bulkley River is a mecca revered for steelhead salmon. There are literally hundreds of lakes and miles of river to choose from, and expert guides to show you how it’s done. Current fishing license required; stop by the Tourism Smithers office- an easy drive from Hudson Bay Mountain.
Before setting out on your mountain or road bike, you first “pull a Mariner” (that is, drop by Main Street in Smithers) at the McBike Shop for a map of the Bluff Trail network and Babine Mountains Park, where you’ll find the trails for serious bikers. The Perimeter Trail circles around Smithers and offers 13 km of family-friendly cycling and a great way to explore the town. For mountain biking enthusiasts, Hudson Bay Mountain boasts an extensive network of biking trails. Smithers Mountain Biking Association.
These days are not to be missed. With amazing food on top of the mountain, phenomenal views, hiking, sightseeing, mountain biking, kite flying there is no shortage of fun!
Festivals such as Spirit of the Mountains Winter Festival, Midsummer Music Festival or the Bulkley Valley Exhibition, there is always something to look forward to right in Smithers. A short 1.5 hour drive to the Kispiox Valley Rodeo is a must see spring highlight.
Home to Smithers Golf & Country Club, a Championship 18-hole course with exceptional green, Smithers is also ideally located as the centre for a golf vacation. With many outstanding golf courses within day-trip driving distance, Smithers a great locale from which to enjoy a day on the links.
The Bulkley Valley and surrounding area teams with many lakes which provide for ample activities. Most notably, Babine Lake is renown for its abundant fish population, McDowel Lake is popular with nature lovers and local Tyhee Lake with boat launch delights water sports enthusiasts from June through September.
Close by is the Bulkley Valley Pool and Recreation Centre, where you can swim indoors, exercise in the fitness facility, ice skate or take part in a variety of sporting activities like baseball and soccer.
A volunteer organization for kids ski racing, which many locals hold close to their hearts. This club promotes sportsmanship, competition and fun in a safe environment. They have been training athletes for over 30 years and you will see many of them showing off their skills at Hudson Bay Mountain Resort.
Take a stroll down Smithers’ charming Main Street where you will find a variety of imported clothing and goods, a broad selection of outdoor clothing and equipment and very tempting gifts and home décor. Then take a break and whet your appetite at one of the many local restaurants offering tempting and delicious food and drink in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Smithers is widely know for snowmobiling and you’ll find the three main areas an easy half-hour from home. The Smithers snowmobile association maintains cabins at the Onion and Microwave two of the three nearby snowmobile areas.
Paddle sports are big in the Bulkley Valley thanks to the countless lakes for canoeing and rivers for rafting—the Bulkley, Babine, Morice and Kispiox Rivers are all in easy reach of Smithers. In fact, you’ll discover some of BC’s most esteemed rafting and river kayaking experiences here—either a gentle float, or a full-on whitewater, why-did-I-agree-to-do-this type of ride, strictly for thrill seekers. The Adventure Smithers Group is cooperative of top area guides providing information on trips and much more.
The Bulkley Valley Quad Riders are the people to check with about the places to use ATVs in the area—and the rules for doing so to avoid harming the pristine and delicate alpine nature throughout the Bulkley Valley. A popular ATV spot is Keynton Lake; The Quad Riders offer downloadable maps.