Terrace
Terrace
is located 147 km (92 miles) east of Prince
Rupert and 142 km (89 miles) south-west of Hazelton
in the North Coast Region of British Columbia. If you are 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.
Shopping
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 Hazelton, Kitimat,
Prince Rupert and New Aiyansh.
Major
Stores
Wal-Mart, Canadian Tire, Great Canadian Wholesale Club, Shoppers
Drug Mart, Save-On-Foods and Safeway stores are all located here.
Large
selection of services
Terrace also has lots of other services including a large selection
of motels, hotels, pubs, gas stations, fast food outlets, sport
fishing stores and a couple of fairly large internet coffee shops
called Cafenara and The Elephant's Ear. 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 downhill 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.
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.
Kitselas
Canyon National Historic Site
The Kitselas Canyon National Historic Site is located close by to
Kleanza Creek Provincial Park 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
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.
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 located past Kitselas Canyon National Historic Site 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.
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. For a circle route go back to Terrace on the east
side of Kalum Lake through the small community of Rosswood.
Terrace
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