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Highway 16: Terrace to Prince Rupert, Skeena Valley, British Columbia
Photo: William Matheson · CC BY-SA 2.0 · cropped

Drives British Columbia Vancouver, the Sea-to-Sky and the BC Coast

Highway 16: Terrace to Prince Rupert

Yellowhead Highway, YH 16 · Terrace → Prince Rupert

Leisurely87 mi1 hr 30 min2,600 ft climbHigh point ≈ 600 ftOne way
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The drive

The Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) runs 86.8 miles from Terrace down the Skeena River to Prince Rupert. The drive takes about 1 hr 31 min, with 2,628 feet of climb and a high point of 564 feet. Two lanes follow the river past rail lines, tidal flats and snow-capped coast peaks, with rock cuts in places.

Exchamsiks River Provincial Park has a short nature trail through rainforest. The route ends at Prince Rupert, a ferry port.

Gentle bends and frequent rain.

Along the way

  1. Terrace (Highway 16 west)
  2. Prince Rupert
Elevation
2,600 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 600 ft
TerracePrince Rupert
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
TerracePrince Rupert
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Rain is frequent.
  • Rockfall can briefly close the road.
  • Check the DriveBC page before a winter trip.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check DriveBC.

Questions about this drive

How long does Highway 16 from Terrace to Prince Rupert take?

It is 86.8 miles and takes about 1 hr 31 min.

Is Highway 16 twisty?

Mostly gentle bends along the Skeena River.

Is there a ferry at Prince Rupert?

Yes, BC Ferries sails from Prince Rupert to Haida Gwaii.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.
Drive it with no signalAPEXDownload the map and every turn before you go.
Live Group TrackingAPEXEveryone on the route, on the map, by name.
Road conditionsAPEXWet or dry, ice, fog and wind along the road before you go.
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More drives near here

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Highway 16: Terrace to Prince Rupert, from Terrace to Prince Rupert