Northern British Columbia Things To Do

'Ksan Historical Village

'Ksan Historical Village in Hazelton is a two-time winner of an "Attractions Canada" award. 'Ksan's seven traditionally styled Northwest Coast longhouses are situated on the grounds of the original Gitxsan village of Gitanmaax. 'Ksan authentically replicates an ancient village, with its houses forming a single line as well as facing the river at this important fishing site and transportation hub.

Moricetown Canyon

Before you depart for Moricetown Canyon, stop in at the Smithers Visitor Info Centre for a map. On the highway, look for the pullout and rest area overlooking the canyon. Here the Bulkley River rushes through the narrow canyon, providing a spectacle of white, cascading falls. An even better viewpoint can be found across the bridge on the other side of the river.

The best time to view the falls is during the peak of the salmon run from late June to mid-July. As this is territorial fishing ground held by the Wet'suwet'en, you'll often see First Nations fishers perilously perched on rock ledges catching fish with nets and gaff poles during this time.

Be sure to visit the Moricetown Interpretive Centre – overlooking the canyon. You will find Wet'suwet'en aritifacts, old photos, historical information, as well as local art and crafts for purchase. The Interpretive Centre is open June - August.

Moricetown Canyon is located in the Wet'suwet'en Nation community of Moricetown, a 20-minute drive west from Smithers via Highway 16.

Nisga'a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park

Nisga'a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park is jointly managed by the Nisga'a Nation and BC Parks. If volcanoes are your passion, make sure to arrange for a guided tour at the Nisga'a Visitor Centre. Your 6-km (3.7-mi) roundtrip guided tour will take three hours and have you hiking through scenic old-growth forest to a viewpoint overlooking the crater.

There are also five short, interpretive trails you can take to further explore the park's volcanic landscape as well as to learn about the culture and legends of the Nisga'a people, who have a long history in the area. In the mid-1700s, a lava flow spilled from the crater, covered the valley bottom, redirected the mighty Nass River, destroyed two villages and killed over 2,000 Nisga'a people.

Nisga'a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park is located off Highway 16, a 90-minute drive north from Terrace.

A word or two on your excursion:

• User fee in effect (guided tours)
• Approximate time required: one day
• Unguided access to the volcanic cone is prohibited

> Nisga'a Lava Bed Park website

Museum of Northern BC

Visitors enter this museum through its impressive longhouse lobby of massive cedar timbers and contemporary glass art.

Exhibits take you through 10,000 years of Northern BC history. You can also observe some of the best carvers of the Northwest Coast at the First Nations Carving Shed, and enjoy a fantastic view of the harbour from the museum's Monumental Gallery.

Haida Heritage Centre

The Haida Heritage Centre at Kaay Llnagaay on Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands) showcases the unique art and history of the Haida First Nation, celebrating a living culture dating back some 12,000 years.

Six monumental cedar totem poles carved by Haida artists stand in front of a row of longhouses, which span the length of the beach and are connected by interior walkways and atrium space. Features of the centre include the Haida Gwaii Museum, a gift shop, canoe house, carving shed, performing house and a small café. Information and orientation for visitors to Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site is also available at the centre.

The Queen Charlotte Islands are accessed via a seven-hour ferry ride from Prince Rupert. Air service is also available from Vancouver and Prince Rupert.

A word or two on your visit:

• Admission fee in effect
• Approximate time required: 2-3 hours