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Terrace
Terrace
is located 147 km (92 miles) east of Prince
Rupert in the North Coast region of British Columbia. Coming
from Prince George, you take the
west exit for Yellowhead Hwy 16.
Great
Fishing
Situated on the Skeena River, Terrace is famous for its local rivers,
lakes and streams offering great year-round fishing opportunities.
Spring (Chinook) salmon in the 40 to 60 lb range seem quite common
during the summer fishing season.
The
main hub of the North Coast
Terrace can also boast as being the main hub for retail shopping
in the North Coast Region. Every main store seems to be represented
here, attracting shoppers from Kitimat,
Prince Rupert and New
Aiyansh.
Major
Stores
Wal-Mart, Canadian Tire, Great Canadian Wholesale Club, Zellers,
Overwaitea and Safeway stores are here to stay. The local buzz around
town is that a London Drugs and a possible Home Depot are not far
behind.
Large
selection of services
Terrace also has lots of other services including a large selection
of motels, hotels, pubs, gas stations, fast food outlets and sport
fishing stores. If you're having car problems, Terrace contains
a large number of car dealership servicing most manufacturers of
automobiles. For boat repairs and engine parts, try Ken's Marine
located on Greig Avenue, near the Sandman Inn.
The
Skeena River
Terrace has some incredible recreation activities including the
biggest playground around, "the Skeena River." Between
Terrace and Prince Rupert, the Skeena
flows for approximately 125 km (78 miles) to Port
Edward or Telegraph Pass. For the fisher, hiker, train watcher,
explorer and adventurer, the places to see and visit are countless.
Skeena
River Bald Eagles
For the bird watcher, this section of the river has an impressive
display of Bald Eagles, especially during the Ollichan run during
March. Pull over and watch as bald eagles roost in the trees and
rocks waiting to dive for these fish. There are great camera and
photo opportunities in getting great bald eagle pictures.
Shames
Mountain
If you like skiing and snowboarding, check out Shames Mountain located
35 km (22 miles) west of Terrace towards Prince
Rupert on Hwy 16. Look for the sign on Hwy 16 and then head
into some awesome mountain scenery.
Onion
Lake
There is also a large number of cross-country skiing trails around
Terrace, especially out towards Kitimat
at Onion Lake. For snowmobiling the list goes on and on, especially
along some of the Forest Service Roads.
Sleeping
Beauty Mountain
The hiking around Terrace is very good. Sleeping Beauty Mountain
is always a good choice if your time frame allows 8 to 10 hours.
For other walks around Terrace, refer to "Trails to Timberline,"
by Einar Blix. His book is the local resource among the various
walkers in this region. Other help can be found in the Backroad
Map Series for this region.
Ferry
Island Walk
For a shorter walk, try Ferry Island located just east of Wal-Mart
heading towards Thornhill. When you're here look for heads, carved
by a local artist, Rick Goyette, on the sides of the Cottonwood
trees throughout the park. It becomes a great game seeing who will
spot the faces along the trails. This park also offers great camping
plus it is located close to town.
Pine
Mushrooms
If you feel comfortable hiking in the bush, a very popular event
is Pine Mushroom picking in the fall. This valuable mushroom is
sought after by the Japanese for its ceremonial purposes. The mushrooms
that are picked are bought by mushroom buyers located throughout
the Terrace area. The prices vary depending on the quality and supply
that is available to the Japanese market from other suppliers, notably
Korea.
The
"Wildwest"
If you attempt to mushroom pick, be prepared as there is a "Wildwest"
atmosphere created similar to the "Gold Rush" era of the
late 1800's. The terrain around Terrace is also very unforgiving
and, because of the distance, the Search and Rescue could take a
while in assisting you. Take every precaution necessary and be 'bear
aware' before going into the bush.
Nisga'a
Memorial Lava Bed Park
Another area for you to visit is the Nisga'a Memorial Lava Bed Park
located along the Nisga'a Highway towards New
Aiyansh. This was the site of British Columbia's last volcanic
eruption that happened approximately 250 years ago just north of
Rosswood. Make sure you visit New
Aiyansh and other Nisga'a communities along the Nass River.
West
Kalum Forest Service Road
For a different route to New Aiyansh,
take the West Kalum Forest Service Road. You can find Kalum Lake
FSR on the west side of Kitsumkalum River just past the boat launch.
This road goes along the west shore of Redsand and Kitsumkalum Lakes.
Kitsumkalum
Lake
If time permits, stay at the Recreation Sites at either Redsand
Lake or at Hart Farm. Both sites are close together and offer nice
sandy beaches with access to Redsand and Kitsumkalum Lakes. Try
and plan it away from the weekends as the locals fill up the unreserved
sites quickly.
Lakelse
Lake Provincial Park
For provincial campgrounds, try Lakelse Lake Provincial Park on
Hwy 37 towards Kitimat. The beach area
is great for kids and there is some excellent swimming plus the
campground contains some very large campsites for greater privacy.
For more of a private swim take the 1 km (.6 mile) trail to Gruchy's
Beach. This trail meanders through a lush forest to eventually emerge
onto a fine sandy beach.
Kleanza
Creek Provincial Park
There is also more camping available at Kleanza Creek Provincial
Park 15 km (9 miles) east on Hwy 16 from the Hwy16-Hwy 37 junction
in Thornhill.
Lakelse
River
Fishing is also good on Lakelse Lake if you want to try your luck
for trout. For Steelhead try your luck near the mouth of the Lakelse
River. If you like ice fishing, this place is great in the winter.
Mount
Layton Hot Springs Resort
Make sure you also visit Mount Layton Hot Springs Resort located
just past the Lakelse Lake Provincial Park heading towards Kitimat.
Mount Layton offers hot springs, pools and waterslides. There is
a licensed lounge available, eating facilities and accommodations
if you wish. This is a great spot for you to relax your body after
a long day of fishing.
Skeena
Valley Farmers' Market
Besides the abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery, Terrace has
much more to offer. Make sure you visit the Skeena Valley Farmers'
Market from May to October.
USK
Also, there is one of the world's smallest chapels located on Hwy
16 at USK, about 15 km east of Terrace. While at USK, take the ferry
across the Skeena River.
Kitselas
Canyon National Historic Site
The Kitselas Canyon National Historic Site is located close by at
the Kitselas community of Gitaus. Proper permission must be given
before going on the heritage site so contact the Kitselas Band office
at: 4562 Queensway Drive, Terrace, BC
Terrace
Information and Links:
Includes; Travel, Recreation, Accommodation, Places to Eat and First
Nations
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