Kitimat
Kitimat (population: 8,987) is found in the rugged Coast Mountains at the head of the Douglas Channel, a 90-km (56-mi) saltwater corridor that connects the community to the Pacific Ocean. A gateway to some of BC’s most exquisite wilderness, Kitimat has proved an irresistible destination for those seeking adventure.
Here one can explore sparsely inhabited islands, sail through spectacular inlets, anchor in sparkling bays, hike rugged mountains or trek through awe-inspiring, old-growth, temperate rainforests. Anglers the world over also head to this region for outstanding saltwater and freshwater fishing.
For thousands of years, the area surrounding Kitimat has been home to the Haisla Nation. Early inhabitants fished for Eulachon (smelt) to use for food, medicine and vitamin-rich oil. This annual spring harvesting remains an important tradition. Today, most Haisla people live in or near the village of Kitamaat.
The town was officially born in 1950, at the time Alcan began to develop an aluminum industry here. Alcan’s Kitimat smelter is one of the largest and best-known industrial installations in Canada, attracting thousands of visitors each year.