The history and heritage of Northern BC is a rich amalgam of First Nations, trappers, miners, loggers, fisherman and settlers all looking to carve out life in the wilderness.
Today the legacy of these early pioneers can still be found scattered throughout the region. Learn about the fur trade at Fort St. James National Historic Site, a restored Hudson’s Bay Company trading post and fort, or visit early pioneer settlements like Huble Homestead or the Walter Wright Pioneer Village.
For a walk back into the rich fishing heritage of Northern BC, visit the North Pacific Cannery, a restored cannery and fishing village from 1800. The history of the First Nations in Northern BC can be traced back over 10,000 years. Visit ancient First Nations heritage sites and gaze on weathered but stunning Haida totem poles.
Take a tour of a modern piece of history with a drive along the Alaska Highway, an engineering marvel, or learn about ancient history with dinosaur tracks at Tumbler Ridge. Many Visitor Centres have tour brochures and information that highlight local historic sites.
Historic Forts
The town of Fort St. James was originally established as a Hudson's Bay Company trading post in 1806. The town is one of the oldest European settlements in BC and was an important trading post well into the 20th century. Visitors to Fort St. James Historic Site can wander the grounds, explore historic buildings and interact with costumed interpreters to learn about life in a remote fur trading outpost.
Historic Driving Routes
The Alaska Highway is one of North America’s most famous driving routes. The road was pushed through more than 2,400km/1,500mi of nearly impassable wilderness, linking Dawson Creek to Fairbanks, Alaska and effectively opening up northeastern British Columbia.
For a complete history of the highway, visit the Alaska Highway House in Dawson Creek. Learn about the incredible hardships and challenges of building a road through rugged wilderness terrain. Take a picture at the most iconic sign along the route, the famous “Mile 0” sign in Dawson Creek that marks the official start of the Alaska Highway.
Historic Buildings and Structures
The Kiskatinaw River Bridge is one of the only remaining structures from the original Alaska Highway and is the longest wood curved bridge in North America. Located between Fort St. John and Dawson Creek, it was the first curved wooden bridge to be built in Canada. A unique feature of this 162m/534ft bridge is a banked, nine-degree curve built to match the existing highway.
While visiting the bridge stop in Kiskatinaw Provincial Park, an ideal area to camp, fish, view wildlife or picnic on the banks of the river.
Historic Settlements and Sites
European settlements are commemorated at several historic sites. Huble Homestead in Prince George celebrate the early pioneers who settled the area. Watch a live blacksmith demonstration, enjoy a picnic along the banks of the Fraser River or take a guided tour with a costumed interpreter.
The Walter Wright Pioneer Village in Dawson Creek is an example of the frontier town that existed before the building of the Alaska Highway. Walk along boardwalks and view historic photos and exhibits or take a guided walking tour from the onsite Visitor Centre.
Historic Fishing Village
Step into a time to when canneries dotted the coast. The North Pacific Cannery is a National Heritage Site dedicated to the role the fishing industry played in the economic and cultural history of Northern BC.
Wander the grounds of this wooden cannery village overlooking the Skeena River. Stroll the 600m/1,968ft boardwalk or wander through over 30 buildings, some over 100 years old. Take a guided tour and experience life on the cannery line; hear the roar as canning machines start up and listen to stories as actors reenact a vanished way of life.
North Pacific Cannery is located in Port Edward, a 25-minute drive southeast of Prince Rupert.
Walk in Dinosaur Tracks
In Tumbler Ridge, go more than 90 million years back in history, to a time when dinosaurs walked the earth. Take a Dinosaur Trackway Tour to see, touch and stand in authentic dinosaur footprints. Tracks can be viewed on a self-guided walk or inquire at the Tumbler Ridge Visitor Centre about daily guided interpretive tours available from the Dinosaur Discovery Gallery.
Aboriginal History
Northern BC has been home to First Nations for thousands of years. Learn ancient customs and traditions at Haida Heritage Centre at Kaay Llnagaay or the UNESCO World Heritage Site of SGang Gwaay (Anthony Island), an ancient Haida village site famous for its hundred-year old mortuary totems.
A guided walking tour of Pike Island near Prince Rupert provides a look into 10,000 years of Tsimshian culture. Walk in an ancient rain forest, view petroglyphs and enjoy an authentic salmon barbeque.
Kitwanga Fort National Historic Site
All that remains of this 18th-century fortified village is a large, steep-sided mound known as Battle Hill. There's a viewing platform adjacent to the highway or you can take the trail leading to the summit of the hill. While interpretive signs explain the site's historical background, you'll learn more about the fort's Aboriginal significance on a trip to the nearby village.
Kitwanga Fort National Historic Site is a 90-minute drive from either Terrace or Smithers, near the junctions of Highways 16 and 37.
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