I was returning to the lower 48 states after my road trip to Alaska, coming south on the Alaska Highway. If you know anything about driving in Alaska and Yukon, other than in the Kenai Peninsula and around Anchorage, the traffic is light. But coming south to Dawson Creek, BC was quite a shock. All of
This post contains affiliate links. This website earns a small commission for items purchased through these links with no additional cost to you.
The Dunster – Tete Juane Cache Route
Whereas staying on the highway will only take 30 minutes, taking this scenic drive will take at least 60 minutes of driving on mostly gravel roads without stops. With stops, plan for this trip to take 2-3 hours. From the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16), you will turn right onto Dunster Station Road, which turns into Dunster-Croydon Road. Stay right when you get to a junction and the road turns into Tete Jaune-Croydon Forest Road which will take you back to Highway 16 in Tete Juane Cache, BC. Insider tip: download the maps.me app and the British Columbia maps on that app – these maps work even if you’re not connected to data or wifi. These forest roads are on the app so you’re more confident you’re on the correct road.
Dunster General Store
I arrived just before 9am opening at the Dunster General Store. The owner opened the door and said coffee would be ready in about 15-minutes so I took the opportunity to look around. This tiny store has a little bit of everything! From farming supplies to fresh produce, spices, T-shirts. The Dunster General Store is also the Dunster Post Office!
Insider tip: Look outside the shop for the historical list of proprietors of the Dunster General Store.
Dunster Railroad Station
The railroad station, now a small railway museum, is across the street from the store, open 3 days a week noon to 4:00. The Via Rail to Banff stops here on request.
Wild Blueberry Picking
The proprietor of the Dunster General Store told me there was a bumper crop of wild blueberries this year and told me to look in the areas of tree clearings. Sure enough, the ground was covered in tiny blueberry bushes. It only took a few minutes to fill a whole container with blueberries. Just as I had filled my container, I saw a big pile of fresh bear scat on the ground. I should have definitely been carrying my bear spray for berry picking!
A Momma Bear and Cub
I got in the car and drove not a mile down the road only to discover a momma bear and her cub. The momma stood on her hind legs to get a better look at me but then shuffled off into the bushes. I was glad I was in my van.
A Road Less Traveled
I only encountered a few other vehicles on this detour – a couple of logging trucks and a
Other Things to See on the Dunster Road
The drive is so lovely – you are surrounded by forest and mountains. There are some scenic farmsteads, both active and inactive, along the road. They say the cows in California are happy, but the cows here have a lovely home. I pulled into Shere Lake BC Rec Site for a view of a lake. There were baby frogs everywhere!
Mount Robson
From the end of the Dunster Detour, from Tete Juane Cache, it’s only a 14 km, or 10-minute drive to Mount Robson Provincial Park. I will not forget the moment I turned the corner and got my view of Mount Robson. It brought tears to my eyes. Do not miss this park! Some of the best views in British Columbia.
Dunster BC – Where to Stay
To the west of this detour, on the Yellowhead Highway, is McBride, BC (Check Rates and Availability). Valemount is to the east (Check Rates and Availability)
Recent Comments