Giscome Portage Trail Protected Area is 40 kilometres north of Prince George and six kilometres off Highway 97 North on Mitchell Road. BC Parks says the designated Heritage Trail is about 8.5 kilometres long and crosses the Continental Divide between Pacific and Arctic watersheds.
The route linked north and south water-bound travellers.
Giscome Portage is a history-rich trail for hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fishing, wildlife viewing, and learning about Indigenous travel routes, fur trade movement, and gold rush access.
The portage was first used by the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation as a trade route and for harvesting plants and animals. Simon Fraser's journals referenced a portage in this area in 1806, and the trail became prominent after gold discoveries in the Omineca and Peace River areas in the 1860s.
The easy 8.5 kilometre trail has trailheads at both ends. Winter use includes cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on easy rolling terrain, but there is no track setting. BC Parks warns of logging-truck traffic at the North Fraser Forest Road crossing and many bugs in swampy or wet areas.
Plan around the 8.5 kilometre heritage trail, Continental Divide context, hiking, cycling, fishing, wildlife viewing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, Lheidli T'enneh history, Omineca Gold Rush context, Bear Lake access, and seasonal hunting research.
Bring drinking water, insect repellent, and current fishing or hunting licences. Use caution at road crossings, leash pets, and expect no track setting in winter.
