Bandstra Life on the Road: Bryant Bandstra
November 21, 2024
Bandstra Life on the Road: Bryant Bandstra
For more than two decades, our driver Bryant Bandstra has been making the long journey north from Smithers, hauling freight to some of the most remote communities in northern British Columbia. Known internally as the “North Run,” the route follows Highway 37 through rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and some of the most breathtaking scenery in the province.
For Bandstra, the drive is more than just a job — it’s a weekly reminder of the unique role transportation plays in connecting northern communities.
“Driving up 37 is interesting. Its beauty is unbelievable and it’s actually an honour to come up here every week into part of history.”
Twice a week, Bryant travels through the corridor delivering essential goods to remote destinations such as Iskut, Dease Lake, and Telegraph Creek. The route is known for its challenging conditions — from sudden weather shifts and rugged terrain, making for tough driving conditions for drivers.
His first stop, Iskut, often sets the tone for the day: “The weather can change quite drastically there,” he explains, noting how quickly conditions can shift along the northern highway.
In Dease Lake, Bryant works alongside a local partner, helping move freight through the community warehouse before continuing north. The work is collaborative, relying on local knowledge and relationships built over years of regular service.
Further north, the journey reaches Telegraph Creek, a remote village in the territory of the Tahltan Nation. Deliveries there range from groceries to building materials — essential supplies that sustain the Tahltan community in the isolated region.
“It’s a pleasure to serve the Tahltans up here, delivering their goods and groceries.”
The run requires preparation and self-reliance. Much of the route has no cell service, meaning Bryant must depend on experience, proper equipment, and support networks along the highway. “You’re sort of on your own,” Bandstra says. “But you know you have people behind you supporting you.”
For Bryant, trucking is also a family tradition. His father worked for Bandstra Transportation Systems in the 1950s before moving on to local delivery work around Smithers and Telkwa. After a few years break in farming, Bryant eventually returned to trucking and has spent the last 20 years behind the wheel.
The work can be demanding, but he wouldn’t trade it.
“Doing this run has been the best run as far as I’m concerned. It’s tough some days, but we just manage to get through.”
For drivers like Bryant Bandstra, the North Run isn’t just a route — it’s providing for a lifeline for northern communities and carrying on a tradition carried forward through generations of drivers. Hear Bryant talk about this and more on our Youtube channel.
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