Marvelous McBride
Sep 19–20 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
After a fantastic rest, quick visit and breakfast, we were packed up and headed for the 9:40am ferry to the northside of Francois Lake. We were last on, but first off the ferry, and enjoyed the unobstructed twist-turny undulating road into Burns Lake. The morning was slightly overcast, and a few degrees warmer than the day before. The heated grips were perfect to take the edge off.
Surprisingly the route east was fairly quiet, but soon got busier as we approached Vanderhoof. J suggested a bakery he found earlier for a light lunch. Bakkerij Lobelle offered a feast for the eyes with their assortment of sweet and savoury offerings. J was disappointed they were out of the Aussie Pies, and instead enjoyed a leek and onion pasty. A enjoyed the daily soup special and a samosa. The apple fritter for dessert was delicious, but a bit oily and sweet.
After a quick fuel stop, we were back on the road towards Prince George. A had an issue with a power cable so a quick stop at the dollar store before bypassing the downtown retail traffic. J suggested a top up of fuel as the next service wasn't available for the next 200km in McBride.
The ride was fantastic! The Yellowhead highway was empty of traffic and offered many sweeping corners, distant vistas, and multiple water crossing. Halfway we made a stop at the Ancient Forest to hydrate, finally savour our slice of cheesecake from Smithers and stretch the legs.
Arriving late afternoon in McBride under mostly clear skies, walked across to the Gigglin' Grizzly restaurant, which sported a limited menu, mostly deep-fried offerings. The beer on tap was in frosted mugs 🍻
Fun fact:
The Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) is named after the Yellowhead Pass, itself named for 19th‑century Iroquois‑Métis guide Pierre Bostonais, nicknamed Tête Jaune (“Yellow Head”) for his blond‑streaked hair. In 1819 he led a Hudson’s Bay Company brigade through the pass and cached furs near today’s Tête Jaune Cache, BC. The pass later became a key rail route, and when a modern road was built in the 1960s, it adopted the historic name and became part of the northern Trans‑Canada Highway.Read more