Kitwanga Mountain Trail Hike

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Kitwanga Mountain Trail (also known as Bernadine Mountain Trail) is found in Kitwanga Mountain Provincial Park near a Native settlement of Kitwanga, which is located in Western British Columbia off Highway 37 near its intersection with Highway 16. The said intersection is about halfway between the town of Terrace (100 km to the West), and the town of Smithers (116 km to the East).

Kitwanga Mountain Trail starts off a 2.7 km-long access road, which branches off Cedarvale-Kitwanga Road about 4.7 km from Highway 37. Cedarvale-Kitwanga Road is suitable for all vehicles, but the access road is rather rough and has very deep and long puddles. So, unless you have a high clearance 4x4 vehicle, getting to the trailhead would add an additional 5.4 km to the hike.

The trail itself goes through the woods, and then breaks into sub-alpine with absolutely gorgeous views of the Skeena River valley and Seven Sisters mountain range. Past the first viewpoint, the trail is suitable for experienced, well-equipped hikers only, as it is very steep out there. Up to the first viewpoint, which is located about 3.3 km from the trailhead, the trail is moderately difficult with several short steep stretches, and should be ok for any hiker in a decent physical shape.

Past the first viewpoint, Kitwanga Mountain Trail becomes more of a route, but the direction of travel is very obvious - West along the Skeena River valley. The views are very panoramic and impressive. For the best experience, head out as early as you can or on a cloudy day, as later in the afternoon the sun starts shining in the eyes when you are looking Southwest at the Seven Sisters, which is the main attraction of the hike.

Today, we traveled for about 1.4 km past the first viewpoint, for a total of 9.4 km round trip (plus 5.4 km of access road round-trip, for a grand total of almost 15 km). It appeared that it was possible to hike at least a bit further past the point where we stopped.

*All trail distances are based on a GPS odometer and are approximate.

35. At the 3.53 km mark, we are out of the woods and are facing this wall of stone.

Bernadine Mountain Trail - Kitwanga Mountain Trail

36. Looking back is a panoramic view of Skeena River Valley.

Skeena River Valley View from Kitwanga Mountain

37-38. Climb up the wall of stone.

British Columbia Hiking - Kitwanga Mountain Trail

Hike in British Columbia - Bernadine Mountain Trail

39. And, at 3.70 km, here comes the most difficult part of the hike - a tremendously steep climb up loose dirt (the right side of the photo below). While hiking up loose dirt is very exhausting, it really helps on the way back, serving as a natural brake during the descent.

Kitwanga Mountain

40. Steep. Looking left.

Steep Kitwanga Mountain

41. Looking back.

Hike in Kitwanga BC Area - Kitwanga (Bernadine) Mountain Trail

42. Having conquered the climb, which is about 300 meters long, your reward is a fine view of mountain plants.

Blooming Mountain Plants British Columbia

43. Looking left from the mountain plants area.

Seven Sisters View from Kitwanga Mountain

44. Seven Sisters with some zoom.

Seven Sisters British Columbia

45. Going forward (West) is still a bit steep, but not nearly as much.

Hike in Kitwanga BC Area - Kitwanga Mountain Route

46-49. At 4.28 km, a panoramic view of Skeena River Valley from East to West.

Skeena River Valley View from Kitwanga Mountain British Columbia

Here is our video of the views from approximately this point.