Rugged scenery defines BC Route 16, here with Carwash Rock towering in the background near Terrace, BC. Image courtesy of Route16.ca.

Motorcycling on Little Known Route 16 in British Columbia

February 20, 2025

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For sport touring riders, the thrill of the open road lies in the perfect combination of sweeping curves, breathtaking scenery, and a route that beckons for exploration. British Columbia’s Route 16, stretching across the province from the towering peaks near Mount Robson to the rugged Pacific coastline of Prince Rupert, delivers exactly that. This highway—often called the Yellowhead Highway—winds through mountain passes, alongside pristine lakes, and into remote wilderness, making it an ideal destination for riders seeking adventure.

The Backstory on Route 16

Route 16, also known as the Yellowhead Highway, has a rich history rooted in early exploration and trade. The route follows old Indigenous pathways and trails that were later used by fur traders in the early 19th century. It gets its name from Pierre Bostonais, a Métis-Iroquois guide and trapper known as “Tête Jaune” (French for “Yellow Head”) because of his distinctive light-colored hair. Bostonais played a key role in leading fur traders through the Rocky Mountains, paving the way for commerce and settlement in the region. By the mid-20th century, the push for a trans-provincial highway led to the development of Route 16 as part of Canada’s Yellowhead Highway system, connecting British Columbia’s interior with the Pacific coast.

From Peaks to the Pacific

Starting at Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Route 16 quickly sets the tone for what’s ahead: grand vistas, long open stretches, and sections of engaging, twisty pavement. Riders heading west pass through Tête Jaune, an important crossroads for travelers, before reaching McBride, a quiet town nestled in the Robson Valley with stunning views of the Cariboo Mountains.

Mt Robson on Route 16. — British Columbia is well known for pristine mountains, among them Mt Robson seen here in the background. Image courtesy of Route16.ca.

Further along, the road reveals the hidden gems of Ancient Forest Provincial Park, home to towering cedars and one of the world’s rare inland temperate rainforests. Walking among these massive old-growth trees is a unique and humbling experience, making it a worthy stop.

The Heart of the Ride: Lakes, Rivers, and Mountain Passes

West of Prince George, the character of the ride shifts as the highway carves through British Columbia’s interior plateau, passing by Vanderhoof, Fraser Lake, and Burns Lake. These sections provide sweeping open roads perfect for soaking in the scenery at a brisk pace. Houston, with its famous steelhead fishing, offers a good stop before hitting the more technical portions of the route near Smithers and Moricetown.

Smithers, in particular, is a highlight for riders. The town has a distinct alpine character, complete with a Swiss-style main street, and sits beneath the stunning Hudson Bay Mountain. Smithers is also a hub for outdoor activities, making it an ideal stop to refuel and explore.

From here, Route 16 continues to The Hazeltons, a historically rich area home to Indigenous culture and spectacular canyon views. This section is where the road starts to bring in more curves, making it particularly engaging for sport touring bikes.

Coastal Adventures and Side Trips

As Route 16 approaches the coast, the landscape becomes dramatic, with mountains crowding the highway and the Skeena River guiding the way. The ride into Terrace and then toward Prince Rupert is exhilarating, offering some of the most scenic river-valley riding in Canada. Prince Rupert itself is the gateway to the legendary Haida Gwaii, a bucket-list side trip for any touring rider willing to hop on a ferry to explore its remote beauty. Haida Gwaii is known for its rich Indigenous culture, rugged coastlines, and stunning natural beauty, making it a once-in-a-lifetime destination.

Ferry in Prince Rupert — Ferries depart Prince Rupert on Chatham Sound for Skidegate, Port Hardy on Vancouver Island, and points as far north as Ketchikan and Juneau, Alaska. Image courtesy of Route16.ca.

Beyond the main route, numerous side trips add to the adventure. Heading south from Terrace, riders can take the road to Kitimat, a small coastal town at the end of a twisty highway. Another must-ride detour is the Nisga’a Highway, which cuts through volcanic landscapes in the Nass Valley—an unforgettable ride featuring tight corners, open straights, and remote wilderness. The volcanic scenery along this route is striking, with ancient lava beds and steaming hot springs providing a surreal riding backdrop.

Northern Exploration and Historic Stops

For riders looking to venture even further, the northern and eastern extensions of Route 16 provide endless opportunities. Fort St. James, with its well-preserved National Historic Site, showcases the region’s fur-trading history. Meanwhile, Barkerville, a gold rush-era town, offers a step back in time along a fun, winding road leading into the Cariboo Mountains.

Route 16 on Skeena River — Winding along the Skeena River, BC Route 16 delivers both thrilling curves and stunning scenery. Image courtesy of Route16.ca.

More remote but equally rewarding rides include routes to Mackenzie, Granisle, and Stewart, the latter of which offers jaw-dropping views of glaciers and fjords. Stewart’s proximity to the Alaskan border also makes it a unique and exciting stop. Riders who make it here will be treated to the sight of the towering Bear Glacier and have the opportunity to cross into Hyder, Alaska, for a truly remote riding experience.

Sport Touring Riders Will Love Route 16

The best time to ride Route 16 is from late spring to early fall, when temperatures are mild, and road conditions are at their best. Summer (June-August) offers the most favorable riding weather, with warm temperatures in the interior and cooler conditions near the coast. Early fall (September) brings stunning autumn colors, making for a spectacular ride, while late spring (May) allows riders to experience the awakening landscapes with fewer travelers on the road.

Route 16 waypoint map — Sport touring riders will enjoy exploring major towns, noteworthy landmarks, and scenic side trips along British Columbia Route 16. Image courtesy of Route16.ca.

Route 16 provides a perfect mix of long, open roads for stretching the legs of a sport touring bike and curvy sections that demand precision and skill. With low traffic in many areas and a backdrop of mountains, rivers, and forests, it’s a route that never feels dull. The variety of landscapes—Rocky Mountain passes, coastal rainforests, high plains, and river valleys—ensures that no two sections feel the same.

For those who crave long-distance sport touring with a mix of fast sweepers and technical twists, British Columbia’s Route 16 is a ride to remember. Whether taking it end to end or exploring its many side roads and scenic detours, this is a journey that delivers excitement, challenge, and the unfiltered beauty of Canada’s wild landscapes.

For more information visit Route16.ca or download the route map.

by John DeVitis, Editor and Publisher

John DeVitis, Editor & Publisher of American Sport Touring, has been riding and writing about all things motorcycling for decades, with a special focus on sport touring. He possesses an uncanny knack for discovering little-known roads in picturesque locations across the United States and Canada, turning riding adventures into stories that inspire readers to explore. These experiences—both on the road and in digital publishing, including years at MSNBC.com—have shaped strong editorial principles and a clear vision, assuring readers of high-quality content they can trust.