Terrace, B.C.
Welcome to outdoor adventure
Terrace embraces its culturally diverse community, while maintaining its breathtaking beauty
Terrace, a town en-route to Alaska, is the main hub of the north coast and offers many activities and adventures for any camper. Nestled in between a dormant volcano, thick and rich forests, and natural mineral stone pools, residents embrace the culturally diverse ambience of their town, while still preserving their small-town mentality.
Are you looking at me? If they are lucky, tourists in Terrace can catch glimpses of the elusive Kermodei bear.-photo by Marc Chevrier
Tourism increases during the summer months as there are numerous places to camp, several RV parks to enjoy, many mountains to hike, and fistfuls of fish to catch. However, even during the other seasons, Terrace provides an abundance of activities for any age.
"There is a great social atmosphere in town with musical and theatrical scenes, so there is always entertainment available," said Naomi Gourlay, who is the executive director for Kermodei Tourism in Terrace. "And you can walk down the street and always see people that you know and sometimes even have conversations with complete strangers," she added with a laugh.
Home of the Kermodei bear, the designated provincial mammal of British Columbia, Terrace's landscape accommodates this sub-species of black bear with its many lakes and streams as well as other abundant wildlife. During the summer months, the Skeena River, which runs through Terrace, offers great salmon fishing opportunities for both people and bear. According to Aboriginal legend, the Kermodei or "spirit bear" can assume human form and cannot be hunted. Although glimpses of the bear are hard to come by, some tourists are lucky enough to spot this majestic creature on their visit.
Originally inhabited by the Tsimshian, Nisga'a, Haisla, Gitxsan and Gitanyow Nations, Terrace is rich in Aboriginal heritage. Kitselas Canyon, home of the Tsimshian, won the cultural authenticity award through Aboriginal Tourism B.C. in 2008 and one does not need to wonder why. Archeological evidence indicates that over 600 people occupied the land over the canyon about 5,000 years ago and the Aboriginal people have succeeded in giving people a vivid representation of their culture and heritage. Tourists can participate in guided interpretive tours of the canyon, as well as take part in cultural activities such as singing, dancing, observing totem poles, and the passing on of traditional stories. Gourlay herself has visited the Kitselas Canyon and she believes that this attraction holds significant importance to everyone who stops by.
"It is a very rich cultural experience that is so important to our area," she said. "These people were here from the beginning and they have created this natural historical site for people to visit and it is absolutely stunning."
If that is not enough, Ferry Island, otherwise known as the "Enchanted Forest," is often visited by tourists and commonly used by locals for walking, jogging and fly fishing. Gourley said the main highlight of the enchanted forest is that local artist Rick Goyette has carved 55 different pictures into the trees, which are scattered amongst the woods.
"Ferry Island is a lot of fun because it is an easy hike and you can go and look at all of the different carvings," she said.
If you are feeling adventurous and comfortable with a more rugged, endeavour during your time in Terrace, then head into the bush to pick pine mushrooms. In demand by the Japanese, these mushrooms are used for ceremonial purposes and bought by local mushroom merchants in the Terrace area. However, do take caution on this journey as the terrain is relentlessly challenging and distances quite substantial.
So for the young, the elderly, the adventurous and the more cautious, Terrace is unlikely to disappoint any visitor.
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