THE JOURNEY NORTH
Getting to the
River
Nass trips start in Terrace and Babine trips start in Smithers. Both towns are on Highway 16 in northwest BC. This page covers how to get to each one, where to stay and eat, and what happens the day before and after the river.
MEET US
Terrace | Smithers, BC
ARRIVE
Day before launch
LAUNCH MORNING
9AM pickup
DEPART
Day after takeout
WHICH TOWN?
Where Your Trip Starts
NASS EXPEDITION
Terrace, BC
BABINE EXPEDITION
Smithers, BC
OTHER TRIPS
We'll confirm your meeting point when you book
GETTING TO TERRACE
For Nass Trips
Terrace sits at the junction of Highway 16 and the Skeena River in northwest BC - the gateway to the Nass.
FLY IN
Northwest Regional Airport (YXT)
About 10 km south of Terrace, with direct flights from Vancouver, Calgary, and Prince George.
DRIVE IN
1,350 km from Vancouver
North via Prince George and Highway 16. Plan on 15 to 16 hours of driving.
Getting to Smithers
For Babine Trips
Smithers is a small mountain town in the Bulkley Valley, on Highway 16 between Prince George and Terrace.
FLY IN
Smithers Regional Airport (YYD)
About 5 km north of town, with daily Air Canada flights from Vancouver.
DRIVE IN
1,150 km from Vancouver
North via Prince George and Highway 16. Plan on 13 to 14 hours of driving.
For Both Trips
Before You Launch
Arrive the Day Before
Plan to arrive in town the evening before launch. You'll get a full night's sleep and a chance to meet the group, and a delayed flight or a long drive won't throw off the start of the trip.
Launch Morning
We meet the group around 9 AM on launch day. You'll sign your waiver, get your gear, and go through the safety briefing, and then we'll drive everyone to the put-in. You won't need a vehicle once you're in town.
Driving Up?
Once your trip is booked, we can suggest places to leave your vehicle while you're on the river.
The Rhythm of the Trip
Before and After the River
NIGHT BEFORE
Settle In
Check in, have dinner, and meet the people you'll be on the river with. Take it easy, pack your dry bag, and get a good night's sleep.
Launch Day
Meet Your Guides
Meet your guides around 9 AM. We'll rig the boats, run the safety briefing, and drive to the put-in. Bring your personal gear and we'll supply the rest.
TAKEOUT Day
Back to Town
Once we're off the water, we drive the group back to Terrace or Smithers. Plan to stay one more night before you head home, so you're not rushing to catch a flight after several days on the river.
RECOMMENDATIONS · NOT REQUIREMENTS
Where to Stay
A few places our guides and past guests have liked. Book whatever suits you.
In Terrace · Nass trips
In Smithers · Babine trips
Fuel Up
Where to Eat
Take your time over dinner the night before, and eat a good breakfast on launch morning.
In Terrace · Nass trips
Night Before
A popular spot for a filling dinner, with a relaxed room that works well for groups.
Night Before
A lighter option if you'd rather not eat a heavy meal before your first day on the water.
Launch Morning
Good coffee and a proper breakfast in a café and bike shop on the Southside.
In Smithers · Babine trips
First Nations Land Acknowledgement
West Coast Whitewater acknowledges that our operations on the Nass River take place on the traditional, unceded territory of the Nisga'a and Gitanyow Nations, and adjacent to the Lake Babine and Gitanmaax Nations. We recognize the deep cultural, spiritual, and historical connection the local indigenous people have to these lands and waters, and we are committed to operating in a way that respects their sovereignty, values, and stewardship. We are grateful for the opportunity to travel through these territories and strive to uphold practices that honour their ongoing guardianship of the Nass and Skeena Valleys.