Smithers is located approximately halfway between Prince George and Prince Rupert, BC and boasts a population well over 5,000 people. The beautiful town is nestled in wilderness area with an abundance of world class wildlife and fishing.
Farms consisting mostly with cattle spread out along the outskirts of town on either side of Highway 16 and also outlaying areas, such as the Telkwa High Road. The main industries are forestry, mining, agriculture and tourism.
Hudson Bay Mountain known for it's skiing appeared in the movie The Grey starring Liam Neeson. Smithers has become a perfect spot for filmmakers over the years.
The indigenous peoples of Smithers are Wet'suwet'en which translates to 'People of the lower hills.' Their territory surrounds the Bulkley River in the northern interior of British Columbia. Twenty four minutes west of Smithers is a village called Witset. Home of the Witset First Nation. Formerly known as Moricetown.
Witset Canyon draws tourists from around the world each and every year. People come to watch the First Nations catch salmon near the edge of the falls while safely secured to ropes. There is also the opportunity to buy fresh salmon from the locals here.
The falls in the canyon is beautiful to experience. You can watch the salmon fight their way up the rushing waters and you might be lucky to see a bear swim across the river too.
At the canyon you might see Tony in his red trailer selling homemade bannock, burgers, fries and more. Picnic benches are supplied by the canyon and there is a gasbar and convenience store just up the road.
Crossing the canyon bridge takes you to the Telkwa High Road. An alternative route back to Smithers, Telkwa and even up in behind Babine Mountains to where many lakes can be found.
A couple minutes west from the canyon and just on the outskirts of the village along Highway 16, a new Airbnb opened for business this summer. Dead Wood Gone is the name and it is the creation of Joshua and Amy Gunster.
Years in the making, the Gunsters have created a perfect piece of paradise to escape to. The Airbnb is surrounded by mountains and forests. A beautifully constructed boardwalk leads to a large Norwegian Geo Dome. No expense was spared in providing nothing but the finest in luxury, in every detail, for their guests.
Within the Geo Dome is a spacious bathroom with shower, toilet, a fully equipped kitchen, and a room with a king size bed, hammered copper tub, and 82 inch screen and projector. There is also a loft above.
Along the boardwalk stands a massive gazebo with four archways. Made from willows, alder and birch that was sourced from the woods nearby. Stairs lead down on either side of the boardwalk. One way leads to the firepit. The other side leads to a pond, horse trough and outdoor shower. Privacy curtains separate the view from the driveway. Ensuring complete privacy. Nighttime the whole area and boardwalk is lit up with beautiful tinkle lights. It's an absolute fantasy!
Check out their website at deadwoodgone.ca
We give this Airbnb a rating of ★★★★★
Barb & Richard Cecil
Things to Do
Houston, Smithers, Telkwa, Hazelton & Area
- Aldermere: Old Telkwa townsite, BC, Canada
- Aspen Park
- Babine Lake
- Chapman Lake
- Fulton Lake
- Fishing Bulkley River at Trout Creek
- Fishing Bulkley River in Telkwa
- Goosly Lake (Parrot Lakes too)
- Jonas Creek Recreation Site, Telkwa River
- Kitseguecla Lake
- The Phantom Grizzly on display at Smithers Airport
- Hazeltons
- Hudson Bay Mountain
- Owen Flats Recreation Site (Collins, McBride, Morice & Chisholm lakes too)
- Owen Lake (Tagetochlain, Nadina & Newcombe lakes too)
- Tanglechain Lake
- Twin Falls, Smithers
- Witset Canyon
Terrace
Film captured at Dead Wood Gone Airbnb :)
The Journey - Four arch gazebo constructed over boardwalk. Took me 5 months to construct. The four bases are held down using rocks with wire wrapped around the outsides. I sourced willow, alder and some birch from the woods nearby. Tied everything together with twist ties, and then went around and removed them, placing them with wire. Lots of twisting! The thick outer edges of the arches are woven together. I was terrified that it wouldn't work. But it did! The ground is uneven all around. I just worked with the lay of the land. Just like the boardwalk. - Barb