Sitting along the mighty Skeena River amidst gorgeous green forests, rugged mountains and cliffs, Terrace (population: 11,320) is the perfect central base for all outdoor pursuits.
In the summer, hike, mountain bike, camp, rock climb, canoe, or kayak – all in one day if feeling adventurous. Keep an eye out for the rare white Kermode (Spirit) bear. Salmon fishing is also especially popular here.
In winter, huge dumps of snow make for incredible powder skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Outdoor ice-skating on the lakes is also possible when the weather is cold enough and the snow has been cleared. Local hot springs, developed and undeveloped, also make for fine evening soaks.
In the evening, to get a feel for local culture, check out Terrace's many pubs and restaurants. For entertainment and maybe dancing, see local musicians perform at the town's various coffee houses or at the bar on the weekends.
Rare White Kermode Bear
Terrace is the official city of the Kermode bear – a rare species of the black bear that is born with a pure white coat due to a recessive gene. Everything about the bear is the same as a regular black bear, except for its spectacular white coat.
The Kermode bear, also know as the Spirit Bear, is a big draw for visitors to the area. (It was also represented in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic mascots – "Miga" was meant to represent the Kermode bear and Orca). Yet a sighting is not guaranteed as the animals are wild and do as they please. For a chance viewing, drive along the highways and logging roads in the area in early summer, when the bears are hungry and munching berries along the side of roads.
Statues, signs, references and symbols of the white Kermode bear, which is also an official animal of the province, are commonplace in Terrace.
Commercial Hub
With its many shops and service outlets, Terrace is also the commercial hub of Northwest BC. Residents from nearby communities including Kitimat, Prince Rupert, Smithers and nearby First Nations villages visit Terrace regularly for bulk shopping trips and other services. Many tourists, including fishers and adventurers, also use the town to shop and stock up and prepare for outdoor excursions.
The town's downtown core is centered around Lakelse Avenue, also known as Main Street. The 10 or so blocks are dotted with smaller boutiques, chain clothing stores, restaurants and pubs. Bigger shops, including Walmart and Canadian Tire, are on the outskirts of town, and across the train tracks on the south side of town.
Meet the Locals
Locals, who refer to themselves as Terracites, are hard-working, outdoorsy people, eager to make visitors feel welcome and love the community as much as they do. Strangers to town don't feel like strangers for long as the locals are eager to share their knowledge and stories about the area and what it has to offer.
Terracites live here because they love the quality of life the town and area offers. The people are of diverse cultures, ages and professions. Most share the same passion for the outdoors, the arts – Terrace is home to BC's longest continuously running community theatre group – and the community itself. They are loyal to their region and town. Parades, festivals and concerts are well attended and a great way to experience the community's warmth and camaraderie.
Terracites are proud of living in Northern BC and many welcome the isolation that comes with it because it lets them enjoy the fresh air, clean water, land, wildlife and quiet all to themselves.
First Nations
The Tsimshian First Nations were the first people to live in the area more than 10,000 years ago. Today, seven First Nations groups still live within close proximity to the city and contribute significantly to its economy and culture. Many of the groups are developing cultural tours and attractions, that include authentic longhouses, so that visitors can learn about their culture, history and arts.
Where to Start
For an extensive collection of reference materials, trail guides and information on local attractions, visit the Terrace Visitor Centre on Keith Avenue, on the west side of Terrace's new bridge on the south side of town.
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