Introduction
Terrace British Columbia is a small community located in the heart of Northwest BC with a population of approximately 12,000 people. Terrace is the largest community within the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine which includes Kitimat, Stewart, Hazelton and New Hazelton. Although Terrace is small, the adventures are endless. Within minutes you can be at trailheads to hike for 6 hours, walking trails, and lakes. https://www.visitterrace.com/
Below you will find just some of the countless adventures you can go on!
Gunsite Lake
Gunsite Lake. Photo by Amy Furgeson
To get to the Gunsite Lake trailhead, you will need to drive approximately 18km along Highway 37 to Furlong Bay Provincial Park campground. The trailhead can be accessed in the gravel pit that is directly across the highway from Furlong Bay.
Gunsite Lake is a 13-kilometer round trip hike that leads you through the alpine and ridges to a gorgeous lake. Make sure you pack properly for the trip as the weather can sometimes take a turn. For people who are not interested in the full trek, there is a bridge that leads to a waterfall at the 3.5km mark and is the perfect spot to take a break and return to the trailhead.
This hike is perfect for getting out with a few of your friends and animals. The scenery is absolutely beautiful and it is my favourite hike in Terrace!
Shames Mountain
Shames Mountain. Photo by Jake Blix
Shames Mountain is located 35km west of Terrace, towards Prince Rupert which is approximately a 30-minute drive.
Once you arrive, you will soon realize that the atmosphere is amazing and the people are friendly. Shames is a family friendly mountain that has 28 different runs ranging from beginner to advanced. Shames is surrounded by more than 7,800 acres of backcountry, so there is a lot of opportunity to explore.
The average amount of snowfall at Shames Mountain is 1200cm (480 inches) so there is plenty to enjoy!
During the summer months, you can find people hiking, mountain biking, and berry picking. The opportunities are truly endless up there. https://mymountaincoop.ca/
Lakelse Lake
Lakelse Lake is situated in the Skeena River Watershed and is surrounded by the Kitmat mountain range. Travelling west on Highway 37 there are multiple entries to Lakelse Lake; Grouchies Beach, which is a short walk in from the parking lot and is pet friendly; Lakelse Lake Provincial Park is family and pet friendly and is perfect for an afternoon at the beach; and Furlong Bay Provincial Park which is a quiet family friendly campsite that gives you access to the lake and a large boat launch.
There are many activities you will see and can participate in at Lakelse Lake. You will find people paddle boarding and kayaking down to Lakelse River, or jetskis racing from one end of the lake to the other. There are plenty of people who enjoy waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and fishing. Grouchies Beach is where you can find younger individuals playing beach volleyball.
Kayaking on Lakelse Lake. Photo By Haylee Gibson
During the winter the lake is perfect to skate on and to go ice fishing.
Me (Haylee Gibson) skating on Lakelse Lake. Photo by Ben Thompson
On an average day at Lakelse Lake you will see eagles soaring, fish jumping, people having fun and the sun shining. There are so many activities that a person can do, it is the perfect location for your next adventure.
Fishing
Ben Thompson with his catch of the day on the Skeena River. Photo by Myles Pedro
Fishing on the Skeena River is something I believe every person should do at least once in their life time. The experience is completely amazing and you are sure to make memories that will last a life time. The Skeena River flows 350 miles to the sea and is considered one of the last great bastions of wild and native fish. The Skeena River is home to all kinds of species of fish such as: Coho, Sockeye, Rainbow Trout, Steelhead and many more! During the month of March is the oolichan run so there are always plenty of sealions and eagles to watch from the river bank. There are many smaller tributaries that extend off the Skeena River, so the exploring and scenery is endless! https://www.hellobc.com/stories/exploring-the-skeena-river-from-terrace-to-prince-rupert/
There are fabulous fishing charters in Terrace and they will help you make this adventure a great one.
- Skeena Wilderness Fishing Charters and Lodge – https://www.bc-steelhead.com/
- Westcoast Fishing Adventures – https://westcoastfishing.ca/
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling up Sterling Mountain. Photo by Trevor Gibson
When the mountains are calling, you go. There are so many different mountains to snowmobile up, you’ll spend countless hours in the fresh air. Just to name a few are: Sterling Mountain, Trapper Mountain, Big Cedar, and South Douglas. The local snowmobile club, Skeena Valley Snowmobile Association, hosts many events every winter (before COVID-19) such as a poker run to raise money for the association, and Snowarama with all proceeds going to the Easter Seals Club of British Columbia. To find out more about snowmobiling in Terrace and surrounding areas you can check out the Skeena Valley Snowmobile Association on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=skeena%20valley%20snowmobile%20association
Thank You
Thank you for taking the time to read my vlog! I hope this has encouraged you to come visit my small hometown for your next adventure when it is safe to do so!
