Kitimat
Ocean view near Kitimat, Northern BC Tourism photo
The District of Kitimat (population: 9,332) is a family-oriented community based in the heart of the Northern British Columbia wilderness.
The Kitimat River and nearby ocean channels are ideal for a variety of water sports and exciting adventures, including freshwater and saltwater fishing, kayaking, canoeing, boating and visiting hot springs. Similarly, the area's untouched lands, forests and peaks entice and fully accommodate people hiking, rock climbing, ATVing, snowmobiling, guide outfitting, cross-country skiing, and many more.
Things to Do in Kitimat
In one day, hike Mount Elizabeth and watch an ocean sunset from the top of a mountain or Hospital Beach in town. Spend a few hours cross-country skiing at the Onion Lake Ski Trails then warm up by the woodstove in the chalet. Fish in the ocean during the day; catch some crab and cook it over the fire while fishing the Kitimat River in the evening.
Show More
Every couple weeks in the summer, Kitimat hosts exciting community events including fishing derbies, bull riding or mud-bogging races. In the winter, there's also the Winterfest celebrations. Another great way to see more of and learn more about the area, including Haisla First Nations history, is to take a cultural tour of Kitamaat Village, just a 20-minute drive east of town.
No visitor should leave Kitimat without exploring the area by boat. The territory throughout the Douglas and surrounding channels is full of natural mineral hot springs and wildlife, including the rare white Kermode (Spirit) bear. According to ancient Haisla legend, sasquatches walk the land.
Kitimat Community
Kitimat is a proud community – proud of its natural surroundings, its local Kitimat Ice Demons Hockey team, and the fact that the various cultural communities that live there get along well, and work together to make the community the best place it can be.
Kitimat is a small town with an industry-based economy. The town was originally created in the 1950s to accommodate the building and operations of a massive hydroelectric project and aluminum smelter in the area. The Rio Tinto Alcan plant is still the largest employer in town today. The Kitimat port sees large ships travelling back and forth the Douglas Channel to the Pacific Ocean.
Despite its industrial base, great efforts have been made to develop Kitimat as a fun, friendly and desirable place to visit and live. The town doesn't have many shops, but there is access to all the necessary amenities and more than enough recreational facilities. In addition, there are many green spaces and walkways.
Where to Start
Kitimatonians (for that is what they are called!) are a friendly bunch. Ask a local resident for insider tips on great outdoor adventures, from excellent fishing spots to challenging hiking trails.
For more specific directions or suggestions on places to stay or what to do in the area, visit or call the Kitimat Visitor Centre, located on Highway 37, just before the town entrance.
Show Less