Smithers (population 6,000) is a naturally beautiful, welcoming and small Northern BC town with stunning vistas in all directions.
A plethora of summer and winter activities attract locals and visitors alike. People come to Smithers for fishing, boating, camping, hiking, skiing, shopping or to listen to the local musical talent. Many visit (and have moved to) Smithers for its easy access the outdoors and the local entertainment scene.
Rolling hills and farmland, rivers, creeks, lakes, mountain ranges, green forests, and wildlife such as bears and moose enclose the town. Smithers' backdrop is snow-peaked Hudson Bay Mountain, which towers above at 1,650m/5,413ft.
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Four-Season Smithers
Downtown consists of just a few blocks, but each block is full of shops and at least one coffeehouse or café full of chatty and smiling locals.
Smithers calls itself the town of all seasons because each season is unique; summers are warm, winters are snowy – annual snowfall averages 204cm/80in – springs are rainy and falls are cool. There is also an abundance of recreational opportunities.
The Wet'suwet'en and Town History
Smithers was founded in 1913 as the Bulkley Valley's divisional headquarters of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway. It is also BC's first incorporated village, having gained that status in 1921. The culture of the region's First Nations people, the Wet'suwet'en, is another intriguing aspect of the town's history. The Wet'suwet'sen have lived in the Bulkley Valley for thousands of years and are still very much a part of the community, living contemporary lifestyles but also keep up with many traditions.
Local Economy and The Locals
The locals are friendly, some quirky. The town feels safe and friendly. The air is fresh and clean, and no matter where one walks or drives, the views of the surrounding land are spectacular.
Exploration and mining, in addition to agriculture, forestry and tourism, plays a large part of Smithers' economy. The town is becoming known as the mining hub of Northwest BC, athough a visitor wouldn't necessarily be able to tell this.
Smithereens are proud of living in Smithers and visitors can sense that pride. Even the downtown décor – an alpine theme – shows Smithers folk are committed to keeping their town quaint.
Smithers is far away from other town hubs – at least a two-hour drive – but that is a part of the town's attraction and charm. The isolation lets outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the Northern BC nature without crowds or pollution, and allows locals to relax and be themselves.
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