Head north for Nordic bliss on Quesnel-Wells cross-country ski trails

Posted: Tue. Nov. 12/24

originally published on SnowSeekers.ca

Quesnel/Wells BC — Out on the cross-country ski trails in Quesnel-Wells, it’s just you, the trees, and the gentle rhythm of your skis. The expanding cross-country ski trails offer Nordic skiers the chance to wander through the serene northern wilderness, deepening your connection with nature right from your backdoor stay in Wells or Quesnel.

Quesnel has long been a nordic destination with its Hallis Lake Nordic Centre, but in recent years the Wells and Area Trail Society has expanded its trail network—reaching nearly 30 kilometres of trail at last tally. With the addition of the Martins Pass Hut, you can now find the perfect spot to warm your toes and catch your breath as you have your breath taken away by the views and the deep sense of quiet that only winter offers.

WATCH: Northern BC cross-country ski adventures in Wells & Quesnel

The new backcountry cabin is only a six-kilometre ski on groomed trails from Wells, although you could easily add in other loops to extend the adventure. The snug log cabin has bunks and a stove and could fit six to eight people for a cozy overnight excursion.

According to Dave Jorgenson, local wilderness guide, entrepreneur and trails advocate, "It’s the perfect opportunity for Nordic skiers to have an overnight cabin experience."

We caught up with Dave and his wife Cheryl at the Frog on the Bog for morning snacks and coffees before Dave joined us for a tour through the forested trails. (To book your own guided trip, look up Dave at WhiteGold Adventures.)

Wells BC Frog in the Bog start of cross-country skiing in northern BC

Photo: Ember Fedirko

The cross-country ski trails in Quesnel-Wells are perfect for Nordic skiing lovers looking for fresh tracks.

Cornish Mountain Loop, the access trail to Martin's Pass Hut, is a mild climb easily manageable for skiers on classic nordic ski gear. All told, the trail spans 12 kilometres, with the hut awaiting at the halfway point.

As we set out, the trees were laden with the big recent snows and the snow kept falling on us all day. Is there anything better?

Martins Pass Hut, on the Wells Area trail network, makes a great overnight nordic loop destination.

If you haven’t yet had your fill of ski days by spring, Tony Fiala, local skier, ski coach and two-time Canadian Olympic biathlete tells me that in spring, "You can ski the Cariboo Mountains and paddle on the incredible Bowron Lake in the same day."

It sounds like the perfect plan to beat the shoulder season doldrums.

Go north for cross-country skiing paradise in Quesnel, Wells

For those seeking a more crafted ski experience, the Hallis Lake Nordic Facility just outside of Quesnel, BC is a great starting point. Maintained by the Cariboo Ski Touring Club, 75km of groomed trails await, weaving through calm forest paths. Lit tracks offer peaceful evening runs, while two snowshoe trails provide a slower-paced experience of the landscape.

And of course, a day of cross-country skiing cannot be completed without a cup of hot chocolate. Cozy up in the public lodge and enjoy a quiet après ski moment surrounded by northern BC’s finest views.

Heading out for a nordic ski on the maintained trails at Hallis Lake Nordic Centre on a snowy winter day.

The popularity of snowshoeing continues to flourish, and in 2024, the club volunteers have hand built a new warming hut at the highest point in the network. The traditional Scandinavian cabin harnesses the ambient warmth from an outdoor fire to keep your spot warm without getting smoked out, and has some of the best star watching around.

The community of Nordic skiers is flourishing throughout the North, as more people discover the effective health elixir of fresh air and gliding on snow.

Go north for Nordic lovers in Wells, Quesnel

"It doesn’t matter what you did that day, if work was hard or if you are struggling with anything else in your life," says Tony, "life is just good once you’ve had a ski."

The only way to improve on an incredible nordic ski weekend in Wells and Quesnel is to have a great après at the Barkerville Brewery: award-winning local craft beers, fabulous NA (non-alcoholic) cocktails and all the local foods that you’ve been dreaming of on the trails.

When You Go

Driving: Wells is a 1h drive from Quesnel, or 2h15 from Prince George, BC.

Ski: find info on Wells' expanding trail network at the Wells and Area Trails Society (WATS) website. The Cariboo Ski Touring Club operates the Hallis Lake Nordic Centre, 15km South of Quesnel on Quesnel-Hydraulic Rd. Day passes are available at the lodge.

Stay: book a stay in a cozy cabin at Wells' Historic Stays (which includes the cozy B&B at Frog on the Bog), the historic Wells Hotel or The White Cap Motel

Eats & treats: visit Frog on the Bog in Wells for cool local products and great eats!

Gear: for all your outdoor gear, check out Rocky Peak Outfitters in Quesnel. (And say hi to Brenda while you’re there!)

Apres: Barkerville Brewery is unmissable in downtown Quesnel at 185 Davie St.

Hit the road to #skinorthbc

Check out skinorthbc.com to learn more about how you can connect epic skiing experiences across northern BC on a road trip. And read on for more winter adventure inspiration!