Insider Tips for Exploring Smithers in Winter

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by Rebecca Bollwitt

Rebecca wanted to find out what photographer and writer Abby Cooper (@AbbyDells) discovered about Smithers when she set out for Northern BC with SnowSeekers’ #SkiNorthBC expedition.

Q1. What were your first impressions of Smithers?

ABBY: Despite never living there, it’s a picture perfect mountain town, friendly atmosphere and plethora of mountains make me feel right at home and ready to get to know my new surroundings.

Q2. Who was your best local resource for info?

ABBY: The heart beat of this town spans generations and there’s no shortage of Smithers residents ready to showcase the best of their town. Jay from Local Supply Co will always point you in the right direction for gear and snow. Blaine Estby knows a thing or two about apres in Smithers and local filmmaker Marty Clements has a good lay of the land.

Photo: Abby Cooper

Q3. What did you find most surprising/unexpected?

ABBY: I’ve always gone into the mountains which are literally a hop away from main street, but I was surprised by the opportunity to fat bike from downtown to the Riverside Trails – a very refreshing activity for a day off the slopes.

Q4. What is a can’t-miss in Smithers?

ABBY: Where to begin?! If you’re a powder-junkie you cannot miss the opportunity to stay overnight at Skeena Cat Skiing’s luxury backcountry basecamp. Don’t miss grabbing a bit at Telly’s, delicious array of cultured cuisine await here or a pint at one of the new breweries in town.

Q5. What was the most Instagram-worthy moment or place?

ABBY: Instagram haven at Two Sisters Cafe, so trendy, but I prefer the outdoors so I’ll take my coffee for a walk exploring the shops and views of Hudson Bay Mountain.

Q6. What would make you go back again and again?

ABBY: Culture and community meet bottomless champagne powder in Smithers, need I say more?

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If you come

Tourism Smithers and Hudson Bay Mountain Resort make it easy for you to ski this season via the Ski and Stay website, home to ski and stay packages. For more on the terrain at Hudson Bay, check out its website »

Smithers is home to a convenient airport, with car rental options on site.

Rebecca Bollwitt has been blogging about life in BC since 2004 on Miss604.com. She's been named one of BC’s Top 100 Women of Influence by the Vancouver Sun and in 2014 Notable named Miss604 the Best Blog in Western Canada. Rebecca remains committed to supporting her community and continues to sponsor over 25 events each year in around BC. In 2020, Rebecca joined the Board of Directors for the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame as Vice President, Marketing.

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