Alaska Highway – TOP 6 BEST Stops Along the ALCAN in British Columbia, BC

The Alaska Highway – also known as the ALCAN Highway is a dream destination for any road traveler. A lot of people ask me “What to see in British Columbia on the Alaska Highway?”, “What is the best place in the British Columbia section of the road”, “What attraction is a must-see in BC?”, and “Do you have a bucket list to do on the Alaska Highway in the British Columbia part”.

The Alaska Highway runs through the Canadian province of British Columbia, connecting the provinces of Alberta and Yukon. The section of the highway in British Columbia is known for its rugged wilderness, beautiful scenery, and historic sites.

Today I will show you my list of the best stops on the British Columbia section! This is my top 6 places in the order they appear on the Alaska Highway in British Columbia, each with name, mileage, detailed description, helpful tidbits, address, and GPS coordinates. Remember that more of them, you can find in my travel guide about the ALCAN: “Alaska Highway Travel Guide – 202 Best Stops”. Are you ready to see my top six choices? Here are the best things to see in BC Canada’s westernmost province:

1. Alaska Highway Sign

HISTORIC MILE 0 (0 KM) DAWSON CREEK, BRITISH COLUMBIA
GPS: 55.758836, -120.225037
ADDRESS: Highway 2, 800 Hwy 2, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 3V8, Canada

Welcome to the start of our journey! Our first stop on the list of best places to see in British Columbia – Alaska Highway is the Mile 0 Alaska Highway sign located next to the Surveyor Statue. The sign reads, “You are now entering the world-famous Alaska Highway,” marking the official starting point of the Great Alaska Highway.

Constructed between 1942 and 1944, the Alaska Highway connects the contiguous United States to Alaska across Canada, providing a vital transportation route for goods and people alike. Standing in front of this sign, you can feel the history and significance of this iconic roadway.

Don’t forget to take a picture to commemorate the start of our journey! It’s an excellent opportunity to capture the beginning of an unforgettable adventure. With the start of our trip now officially underway, we’re ready to explore all the wonders that the Alaska Highway has to offer.

2. Walter Wright Pioneer Village

HISTORIC MILE 1.5 (2,4 KM) DAWSON CREEK, BRITISH COLUMBIA
GPS: 55.768933, -120.259309
ADDRESS: 1901 Alaska Hwy, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 4P7, Canada

Our next stop on the list of best places to see in British Columbia is the Walter Wright Pioneer Village. This historic village is a replica of Dawson Creek as it existed before the construction of the Alaska Highway.

As you wander through the village, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time to the early frontier days. Complete with a general store, churches, and a schoolhouse, this recreated town provides a unique glimpse into the region’s rich history.

At the far end of the street, near the church, you’ll find a large collection of historic farming equipment and a beautiful garden, providing insight into the early days of agriculture in the area. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see how people lived and worked in British Columbia before the highway was built.

Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a unique experience, the Walter Wright Pioneer Village is an excellent destination. It offers a chance to step back in time and gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges and triumphs of those who lived in the region before us.

3. Fort Nelson Heritage Museum

HISTORIC MILE 300 (454 KM) FORT NELSON, BRITISH COLUMBIA
GPS: 58.804379, -122.716011
ADDRESS; 5553 Alaska Hwy, Fort Nelson, BC V0C 1R0, Canada

A visit to the Fort Nelson Heritage Museum is an essential stop on any Alaska Highway journey through British Columbia. The museum’s buildings and grounds house an extensive collection of vehicles and equipment, including items from World War II when the highway was constructed.

Founded and operated by the legendary Marl Brown, who worked as a mechanic for the Canadian Army at Mile 245 maintenance camp when the highway was just a trail, this museum is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of those who built this incredible roadway.

Marl opened the museum in 1987 and served as its first curator until his passing on June 30, 2021. His passion for preserving the history of the Alaska Highway shines through in the museum’s exhibits and collections, making it a must-see destination for anyone interested in the highway’s rich history.

From vintage cars and trucks to military vehicles and equipment, the Fort Nelson Heritage Museum is a treasure trove of artifacts and stories from the Alaska Highway’s construction. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn about the people and machinery that made this incredible feat of engineering possible.

4. Summit Lake Campground – Stone Mountain Provincial Park

HISTORIC MILE 392 (598 KM) SUMMIT LAKE, BRITISH COLUMBIA
GPS: 58.651850, -124.651129

Looking for a picturesque stop on your journey along the Alaska Highway in British Columbia? Look no further than Summit Lake, located at milepost 392. This stunning lake is surrounded by towering mountain ranges and offers crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming, boating, or fishing.

The Summit Lake Campground is a hidden gem with only 28 campsites, so be sure to book in advance to secure your spot. The campground offers boat launches, picnic tables, and pit toilets, making it an ideal spot for a picnic or a weekend camping trip.

But the beauty of Summit Lake extends far beyond the campground. This area is part of the Stone Mountain Provincial Park, which covers over 25,000 hectares of the Northern Rocky Mountains. Here, you’ll find stunning alpine valleys, remote lakes, and flowering meadows that are home to a wide range of wildlife.

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are many hiking trails in the area that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, moose, caribou, and mountain goats.

Summit Lake is truly a must-see destination on any journey along the Alaska Highway in British Columbia. So, grab your hiking boots and camera and get ready for an unforgettable experience in one of Canada’s most beautiful wilderness areas.

5. Toad River Lodge

ALASKA HIGHWAY : 422 MI / 647 KM TOAD RIVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA
GPS: 58.847779, -125.232761
ADDRESS: Alaska Hwy Mile 422, Toad River, BC V0C 2X0, Canada

The charming town of Toad River is a must-visit for anyone traveling along the Alaska Highway. The town boasts a small airstrip, a one-room schoolhouse, and a quaint gas station, but the real gem of the area is the Toad River Lodge. This historic lodge has been welcoming guests since 1945 and offers a range of amenities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy motel room or prefer to camp out under the stars, the Toad River Lodge has got you covered. Their full-service campground offers all the amenities you could need, including clean restrooms and showers, fire pits, and even a playground for the kids. And if you’re hungry, be sure to stop by the lodge’s restaurant, which serves up delicious homemade soups, chili, beef stew, and baked goods.

The Toad River Lodge has a rich history, having been opened by Dennis Callison back in 1945. Callison was one of the guides for the engineers of the Public Roads Administration in 1941, and he fell in love with the area and decided to make it his home. Since then, the Toad River Lodge has been a popular destination for travelers along the Alaska Highway, and it’s easy to see why.

You can check this post for more historic lodges: Alaska Highway Lodges – The 10 TOP BEST Historic & Modern Lodges Along the ALCAN

6. Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park

HISTORIC MILE 496 (765 KM) LIARD RIVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA
GPS: 59.425575, -126.100870
ADDRESS: 75100-81198 Alaska Hwy, Northern Rockies B, BC V0C 1Z0, Canada

If you’re looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating stop along the Alaska Highway, look no further than the Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park. This natural wonder is one of the most famous stops on the highway, originally named Theresa Hot Springs, and it’s easy to see why. The park boasts the second largest hot springs in all of Canada, providing a perfect oasis for Alaska-bound travelers after a long day on the road.

In addition to its restorative hot springs, the Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park is also home to a warm water swamp and boreal forest, which supports a diverse range of plant, mammal, and bird species. The lush plant life in the area is influenced by the warmth of the springs and was once known as the “Tropical Valley,” a testament to the unique and vibrant ecosystem found here.

The first boardwalk and pool facilities at the Liard River Hot Springs were built by the United States Army in 1942 during the construction of the Alaska Highway. Since then, the park has become a beloved destination for travelers along the highway, offering a peaceful retreat in the midst of the stunning Canadian wilderness.

So if you’re planning a trip along the Alaska Highway, be sure to put the Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park on your list of must-visit destinations. With its natural beauty and restorative hot springs, it’s a truly unique and unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss.

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