Terrace is in the north, so swimming in the outdoor lakes is cold even in the summer. But the water is refreshing and clean, and the scenery is gorgeous.
Lakelse Lake and Beaches
Lakelse Lake is the region's most popular swimming and recreational spot. The lake is huge, surrounded by roads, cabins, houses, forest and, private and public beaches.There are three public options for visiting the lake: Gruchy's beach, the picnic site and Furlong Bay Campground. To get to either of the these spots, drive about 20 minutes south of Terrace along Highway 37 towards Kitimat and look for the signs on the right.
Gruchy's beach is the first and smallest of all three. From the parking lot near the highway, walk about 20 minutes on a beautiful nature trail to the sandy beach. This spot is most popular with the younger crowd and is dog-friendly.
The Lakelse Lake picnic site is a good place for families and big groups. The parking lot and beach are just off the highway. The site has a covered lunch area, washrooms and a group camping area that can accommodate up to 100 people. No dogs are allowed.
Camping and Water Activities
Furlong Bay Campground is further along the highway. It is the biggest of the three choices, fit with 156 campsites and nature trails through old-growth forest. The site is also good for families, overnighters and boaters. The beach area has picnic tables, a dock, a boat launch and a paved parking lot where kids can bike. Lakelse Lake is a popular spot with locals and other in the Northwest. Visitors can relax on its beaches or canoe, kayak, wakeboard, water ski, swim and fish in the water.
Hotsprings and Pools
For those who'd rather swim indoors, the Terrace Arena Pool features a hot tub and two saunas. It's open to the public at various times of the day year-round. Hot springs are another great local option, especially during the winter.
Mount Layton Hot Springs Resorts is a developed spring, about a 20-minute drive from town along Highway 37 towards Kitimat. The resort includes a restaurant, hotel and a couple waterslides. Drop in for a relaxing soak most days of the week in the afternoon and evening. Contact them for winter and summer hours.
The area also has a few undeveloped hot springs as well, in the Nass Valley and across the Skeena River along Highway 16, halfway between Terrace and Prince Rupert.
Many other small beaches and lakes around Terrace are fit for swimming and a visit. Ask at the Terrace Visitor Centre for more info on these and other hotsprings.