Thursday, 29 Aug
Trailer Brake Issues
Stewart marked the final significant stop of our caravan journey, with plans for an overnight stay in Hazelton, BC, before concluding in Prince George, BC, where the caravan members would part ways.
Unfortunately, we had begun encountering a trailer wiring fault warning message, which was pointing to an issue with our trailer brakes. While the trailer still seemed to handle well, and we hadn’t experienced any immediate problems with control, the warning was concerning—especially with plans to navigate more mountainous and remote terrain over the next month. Many of our upcoming stops were in small towns with limited resources, and our tightly scheduled camping reservations left little flexibility for unexpected delays.
Given the circumstances, we decided to skip the scheduled overnight stop in Hazelton, a destination with limited attractions, and instead drive the 451 miles directly to Prince George. This larger city offered better resources and multiple repair options, making it the ideal place to address the issue promptly.
A fellow caravan member, who had also been dealing with camper issues, had booked appointments at two repair facilities in Prince George but no longer needed both. They graciously offered us their unused slot, and I promptly coordinated with the shop to take their place. While missing part of the caravan’s planned route was disappointing, prioritizing safety and ensuring our trailer was in peak condition gave us peace of mind for the adventures ahead.
The Journey from Stewart, BC, to Prince George, BC
We set out on our 451-mile journey to Prince George, with the rugged peaks of the Coast Mountains surrounding us. Driving along Highway 37A toward Meziadin Junction, we were enveloped by low-hanging clouds that blanketed the narrow valley, lending an ethereal quality to the towering mountains and glaciers. Among them, the striking Bear Glacier loomed dramatically above Strohn Lake. The winding road was flanked by dense forests of Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and cedar, adding to the sense of immersion in this wild and majestic landscape.
At Meziadin Junction, we stopped for gas and admired the expansive Meziadin Lake, known for its crystal-clear waters and excellent fishing opportunities. After refueling, we turned south on Highway 37, where the terrain began transitioning. The rugged, glacier-strewn mountains gave way to wider river valleys, flanked by dense coniferous forests and meandering rivers like the Nass River, creating a more open but equally picturesque landscape.
Continuing south, we reached Kitwanga, where Highway 37 connects with the Yellowhead Highway (CA-16). This historic junction offered a glimpse into the region’s rich Indigenous culture, with nearby Gitwangak Battle Hill National Historic Site, where the Gitxsan people once defended their land. Though we didn’t stop, we noted the site’s importance in telling the story of resilience and heritage.
As we approached Hazelton, the landscape shifted dramatically once more, dominated by the Seven Sisters Peaks, a breathtaking range of towering, jagged mountains. The sight of these majestic peaks rising sharply against the sky was a highlight of the drive.
From there, we ascended Hungry Hill Summit at an elevation of 2,769 feet before descending into the verdant Bulkley Valley. Here, the scenery opened into wide fields, forests, and distant mountain ranges, offering a more pastoral view of the region. The valley is known for its fertile farmland, scenic beauty, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
We stopped for lunch at Steelhead Park in Houston, located next to the visitor center. Although the visitor center was closed, the park featured the town’s most famous landmark: the World’s Largest Fly Rod, a massive 60-foot-long structure weighing 800 pounds. This giant rod, rigged with a “Skykomish Sunrise” fly, is a tribute to Houston’s reputation as the Steelhead Capital of the World. The park was charming, with informational signs and flower gardens that made for an ideal lunch spot.
Continuing along the Bulkley River toward Smithers, we passed through landscapes increasingly marked by farmlands and open meadows framed by forested hills. As we ventured further south, the terrain became flatter, punctuated by small lakes, mixed pine, spruce, fir forests, and expansive meadows.
Prince George
As we neared Prince George, we descended into the Fraser River Valley, where the landscape unfolded in valleys and elevated plateaus. Nestled at the confluence of the Fraser and Nechako Rivers, Prince George lies at the heart of the valley.
With a population of approximately 76,000, Prince George is the largest city in northern British Columbia. Its European roots trace back to 1807 when Simon Fraser established a trading post for the North West Company.
Several key industries have shaped the city’s growth. The forestry sector has long been the cornerstone of its economy, with vast forests surrounding the city providing abundant lumber and paper production resources. Mining also played a vital role, with the region’s rich mineral deposits driving economic expansion. The energy sector, particularly hydroelectric power, further fueled development, tapping into the area’s plentiful water resources. Additionally, the arrival of the railway solidified Prince George’s status as a transportation hub, enhancing trade and connecting it to the rest of Canada.
Mama Yeh RV Park
We drove through the city of Prince George. We turned onto BC-97 South to reach the campground, passing numerous other campgrounds along the highway, a testament to the area’s popularity as a camping destination.
The campground was just off BC-97, so we cautiously approached the short dirt road to the entrance. The office was a small shed at the entrance, and since we had arrived a day early, we needed to check in and pay for an extra night.
Nestled in a heavily wooded area, the campground was small and quiet, making it easy to locate our site. There were no buildings other than a few port-o-potties. Fortunately, our site had full hookups, so we were well-equipped for the stay.
We chose not to unhook the trailer, knowing we would take it to the repair shop the following day. Instead, we relaxed and unwound after the longer-than-usual drive.
Later that evening, the campground owner knocked on our door, introduced himself, and kindly asked if we needed anything. It was a thoughtful gesture that added a personal touch to our stay.
Friday, 30 Aug
Prince George Spring & Accessories
In the morning, we packed up the camper and took it to Prince George Spring & Accessories as soon as they opened at 8 a.m. The staff were friendly and efficient, quickly identifying faulty brake wiring that had corroded near the wheel hubs. In under an hour, the issue was resolved, and the final bill came to less than $100.
Laundry, Truck Wash, & Booze
After returning the camper to the campground and setting up, we gathered our laundry and headed to Spotless Laundromat on Highway 16. Located in a roadside strip mall, the laundromat provided the perfect opportunity for me to explore the area. While waiting, I visited the Salvation Army Thrift Store, picked up some refreshments at the liquor store, and washed my truck at the nearby Esso car wash. The car wash was unique; they had converted a drive-thru wash into an indoor facility with wash bays. You paid by the amount of time you spent in the bay, and they even offered a senior discount—apparently, they thought seniors moved slower, so it was only fair to charge them less!
When we returned to the campground, the rest of the caravan was pulling in.
Carmel Restaurant
The caravan hosted a heartfelt farewell dinner at the Carmel Restaurant. We gathered in a private meeting room in their cozy basement, where we were treated to a mouthwatering prime rib buffet. The atmosphere was filled with warmth, laughter, and a few tears as we said our goodbyes. The Wagonmaster and Tailgunner presented us with thoughtful gift bags, a kind and unexpected gesture, adding a special touch to an already emotional evening. It was a perfect way to close out our incredible journey together.