Northern BC offers a diverse range of cultural tours and activities that cover Aboriginal culture, national historic sites, art tours and pioneer history.
On a cultural tour in Northern BC, paddle a traditional Aboriginal canoe, walk through a recreated Aboriginal village, or gaze at ancient, weathered totem poles. Some other touring options include learning about life in a historic fishing village or remote frontier outpost; viewing murals on a community art walk; or exploring a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Haida Gwaii.
Self-guided tours can be a great way to explore off the beaten path and see local treasures. Guided tours can provide insight into historic and heritage sites through anecdotes, personal history and local knowledge.
Heritage Tours
In Prince Rupert, visit the North Pacific Cannery, built on the banks of the Skeena River in 1889. Wander the grounds of this national historic site or join a guided tour that describes camp life, fishing methods and the canning process.
Re-live frontier life at Fort St. James National Historic Site, a restored Hudson's Bay Company trading post. Although guided tours are available on request, visitors are encouraged to wander and explore the site at their leisure and interact with costumed actors representing all aspects of the early fur trade.
Aboriginal Tours
Northern BC offers a wealth of Aboriginal tours and culture. View a large collection of totems on Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands on a walking tour of Old Massett, or watch traditional carvers at work at Haida Heritage Centre at Kay'Ilnagaay, home to Bill Reid's famous war canoe.
Guided tours at Haida Heritage Centre provide unique insight into individual totem poles, while other tour companies on Haida Gwaii offer customizable multi-day guided tours that can include listening to Haida Watchmen tell ancient legends and visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of SGang Gwaay.
In Prince Rupert, join an Aboriginal guide for a walking tour of Pike Island; hear local customs, visit ancient village site, view petroglyphs and enjoy a salmon barbeque in a traditional cedar longhouse. Looking for a more hands-on adventure? Step aboard a traditional canoe for a rainforest tour, ocean paddle and lunch at a beachside fire – fresh crab is often on the menu.
Join a narrated tour of the recreated historical Gitxsan village of 'Ksan near New Hazelton. Guides describe totems, artifacts, Gitxsan history, potlatches, and ceremonial clothing and regalia. For a self-guided tour option, stop at the New Hazelton Visitor Centre for a free "Hands of History" brochure, which highlights historical people and events, and the nearly 50 totem poles in the Hazelton area.
In Kitimat, experience Haisla First Nations culture with guided ocean-going canoe trips, rainforest hikes or tours of Kitamaat Village.
Learn about Nisga'a culture near Terrace as part of a self-guided visit to the lava fields of Nisga'a Memorial Lava Bed Park.
Community and Neighbourhood Tours
While many Northern British Columbia communities have cultural tour possibilities, Dawson Creek is especially interesting for a self-guided historic walking tour. Start at the Visitor Centre and then look for historic photos, murals, Walter Wright Pioneer Village, Alaska Highway House, and the "Mile 0" cairn that marks the start of the Alaska Highway. A short drive out of town is the Kiskatinaw Bridge, a 162m/534ft curved and banked wooden bridge that is one of the last surviving structures from the original Alaska Highway.
Art Tours
Take a self guided art tour of Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands. Self-guided tour brochures (available at Visitor Centres and galleries) feature more than 50 artists in Sandspit, Queen Charlotte, Skidegate, Tlell, Port Clements, Masset and Old Massett.
In a nod to its forestry heritage, Chetwynd holds an annual chainsaw carving competition. Sign up for a free walking tour of the chainsaw art at the Chetwynd Visitor Centre or take a free brochure and explore these intricately-detailed carvings on a self-paced tour.
Driving Routes
Visit cultural sites and attractions on a Northern BC driving route. Choose pre-planned routes to see Hazelton totems, the Alaska Highway, glaciers and more.
Practical Points
- High season for most attractions is usually May to September and tours often run daily. During low season, tours can run infrequently. Most self-guided tours can be done year-round.
- Some tours may require a minimum number of participants or advance booking. It's best to call ahead to check for schedules and availability.
- Some sites on Haida Gwaii are only accessible on guided tours. These tours may involve transportation and accommodation to remote areas that may be weather dependant, so a degree of flexibility is required.
- Tours on Haida Gwaii are often informal and can be customized to meet specific interests. Check with the Visitor Centre in Queen Charlotte City or Sandspit Airport for tours and operators.
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