Northern British Columbia's festivals and events showcase the region's culture and heritage, and range from small community celebrations to large, multi-day exhibitions.
Summer is a busy time for festival-goers with the Prince George Exhibition and Bulkley Valley Exhibition (in Smithers). Terrace is home to the Riverboat Days, which has parades, music and sporting events. For a unique event experience, check out the three-day Chetwynd International Chainsaw Carving Championships.
In winter, Fort St. John welcomes snow and chilly temperatures at the High On Ice Festival, while Prince George visitors and residents warm things up by dancing to live music at Wintersnap.
Summer Festivals and Events (June - August)
Prince George Exhibition (August): More than 30,000 people attend the annual Prince George Exhibition, which began almost 100 years ago. Stroll down Heritage Lane to watch costumed interpreters and entertainers enact a history of the area, experience the thrill of the midway, or watch free concerts, dog agility shows and rodeo events.
Chetwynd International Chainsaw Carving Championships (June): During the three-day Chetwynd International Chainsaw Carving Championships, artists rev up chainsaws and turn huge pieces of wood into works of art. The completed carvings, some taller than the artists themselves, depict everything from wildlife and people to dragons and mermaids. Stroll through town to see more than 100 carvings, many from previous competitions, proudly out on display
Riverboat Days (July/August): Riverboat Days showcases the heritage, culture and community spirit of Terrace. Watch parades and drag car races, check out live rock or bluegrass music, or participate in one of the many sports events.
Bulkley Valley Exhibition (August): Almost 20,000 people head to the Smithers Fall Fair Grounds for this family-friendly event. A parade kicks off four days of thrilling midway rides, educational (and tasty) agricultural exhibits, children's events and a rodeo.
Winter Festivals and Events (December - February)
Coldsnap Festival (January): Listen and dance to the sounds of local and international musicians at the nine-night Coldsnap Festival in Prince George. Evening concerts have featured renowned acts such as The Good Lovelies, Great Lake Swimmers and The Lee Boys. Festival performers host workshops and share music and stories while leading discussions on topics such as the importance of multiculturalism.
High on Ice Festival (January): Embrace winter at this four-day festival in Fort St. John. See the town on a horse-drawn sleigh, head to Centennial Park to watch professional and amateur ice sculptors, or enter a fishing derby, toboggan race or curling bonspiel.
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