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 Kitimat is beginning to gain significant recognition for its impressive number of easily accessible outdoor activities, ranging from freshwater and saltwater fishing and endless hiking opportunities to cross-country skiing. The District also boasts several annual festivals and events, a number of sports facilities including two skating arenas, a full recreation centre with squash courts, and a new, recently renovated swimming pool with waterslides.
Water Activities Kitimat is famous world-wide for its freshwater and saltwater fishing. Set along the Kitimat River, at the tip of the Pacific Ocean's Douglas Channel, near a variety of lakes and streams, Kitimat offers anglers a variety of fish to catch. All five species of the Pacific Salmon, Steelhead, Halibut, and many more fish swim in Kitimat's ocean waters. Kayaking, canoeing, or boating local saltwater channels is another way to enjoy the ocean. View hot springs, waterfalls, and marine animals, such as sea lions, and sometimes, whales. Summer is great for swimming in nearby lakes and at local beaches, and the local pool, newly modernized with waterslides and water features, is a cozy way to have indoor fun during winter. Land Activities  Kitimat's surrounding area is a hiker's dream. Various trails in and near town lead to rivers, creeks, peaks, waterfalls, old growth forests, and to incredible views of the ocean and town. Hiking also offers great opportunity to view wilderness and wildlife, such as moose and fox. Camping under the stars is always an option after a day's hike. Stroll around town on the many walkways that pass along and above the Kitimat River and ocean channels, through parks and green spaces. Pathways connect the entire town, including retail, residential, and industrial areas. Walking increases the chance of seeing wildlife in the area – spot a deer or moose hiding in the trees.  Other summer activities in and around Kitimat include golfing at the local 18-hole club, guide outfitting in the surrounding wilderness, mountain biking a variety of easy to advanced trails, skateboarding at the local skate park, and rock climbing on natural formations. ATVing is another popular local sport though visitors must have their own machines to partake.
Winter Activities Kitimat's winters are usually full of snow. Popular activities include cross-country skiing, either at the local golf course or nearby Onion Lake Ski Trails.  The Onion Lake trails are maintained by a group of volunteers and offer a range of terrain. Night skiing and dog-friendly trails are also available. Snowshoeing and snowmobiling on local hiking trails are other winter options. However, equipment rentals are not available. A two-hour drive northwest of Kitimat, Shames Mountain offers downhill skiing. Heli-skiing day tours are also offered by an operator just outside nearby Terrace. The local Hirsch Creek Golf and Winter Club has a curling rink while the town's two arenas offer fun ice-skating. Hockey lovers should also check out an exciting, action-packed senior men's hockey league game. The Kitimat Ice Demons regularly finish first in their league. History and Heritage To learn more about the history of the area, check out the Centennial Museum near the City Centre Mall, or stroll through the Haisla First Nations Kitamaat Village, about a 20-minute drive east of town. The Haisla have been living in this area for thousands of years and their stories are told in the totem poles around town.
Entertainment No matter the season, Kitimat has a festival to enjoy. In the summer, popular events include the Music and Friends Festival, as well as the annual fishing derby, which has been running for more than 20 years and frequently includes international competitors. Picnic on Hospital Beach at sunset for great views of the ocean. Attend a play, dance performance, or concert at the Mount Elizabeth Theatre. Take advantage of the unique opportunity to learn about taxidermy at the North Coast Taxidermy Museum, located in the home of the region's only taxidermist. Ask for more information about any of these activities at the Kitimat Visitor Centre, located along Highway 37, just before the entrance to Kitimat.
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