Road Trip to Your Hunt with Kawdy Outfitters
Many of our hunters choose to fly, landing in Whitehorse before we depart to camp. If you have the time for a road trip, it's a great way to see the country before and after your hunt. Combining a BC hunt with fishing stops and sightseeing is the perfect vacation! You can spend a few weeks or a full summer enjoying the open road and some of the most remote and stunning landscapes on earth.
Reaching Watson Lake, Yukon Territory
While on the road system, Watson Lake is located in a remote area of the far north. The small community does have lodging options, restaurants and services however. It's accessible via two highway systems from the south.
From the US border in Washington or Montana, it's a 2-3 day drive if you make a straight shot. One route crosses Alberta before migrating into British Columbia and the other is entirely through British Columbia. Personally, I love driving the east side of the Rocky Mountains through Alberta to see the transition while driving over the Continental Divide. Driving entirely through BC is just amazing as well.
From the Canada interior and the eastern regions, the drive can range from a day to three or four days without stopping to smell the flowers. Of course, Alaskans can also drive east to reach the area as well.
For most hunters, it's a long drive in general and flying is easier if you have a strict timeline. For those who want a long vacation however, driving is a special experience.
Things to Do on the Way
For most travelers, the road will lead from south to north so we will focus on attractions on this route. In Watson Lake itself, you have to check out the signpost where license plates and signs from around the world are present. It's a fun detour near town. Also, expect to see bison near the road system. The giant wood bison are a highlight for anyone enjoying this area.
For folks driving across the Montana Border, look to Waterton Lakes National Park and Crowsnest Pass for recreation. You can also make a trip to Calgary then cut over to Banff for the National Park and some great fishing. From there, you can also drive north to Jasper National Park before pushing into the northern BC region.
Taking the western route begins at the Washington border and can lead through Kamloops where a ton of lakes are waiting with big trout. From there, it's a non-stop lineup of lakes, rivers and mountains. You can visit Prince George, the Skeena River system in Terrace and some of the best steelhead waters in the world. Catching a big steelhead after a successful hunt might be one of the best combinations of sporting achievements you can string together.
Start Planning Your Trip!
Hunters will want a plan and a time cushion for this trip. Arriving at least a few days ahead of your departure date is a good idea. The road has plenty of unknowns and personally, arriving a week ahead seems prudent. There is plenty of fun to be had near town and you can stretch and acclimate before jumping into the hunt!
