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History
The junction of the Skeena and the Kitsumkalum Rivers was originally the site of a Tsimshian
Indian Village. Fur trading and gold prospecting were the principal activities along the
Pacific Shore, including the Skeena area from 1770 to 1900. In the early 1890's, a steamboat
route was established up the Skeena as far as Hazelton, and Tom Thornhill settled permanently
near what is now known as "Little Canyon" on the south side of the Skeena.
In 1905, George Little staked his pre-emption across the Skeena River, and purchased land in
what is now known as Terrace. Being a far-sighted person, he gave land to the Grand Trunk
Pacific Railway, resulting in the creation of a railway station in Terrace, rather than at
Kitsumkalum.
Up to World War II, the town existed as a sawmill community, having incorporated in 1927. The
population of Terrace in 1951 was 350 people. In the early 1950's, Terrace began to serve as a
distribution centre for the new town of Kitimat and became an important wood processing centre
with the establishment of the Canadian Cellulose Company.
Terrace was once known as the cedar pole capital of the world. Over 50,000 poles were
manufactured annually to supply many parts of this continent with telephone and electric power
poles. The world's tallest pole (50 metres) was cut in Terrace and is currently standing in New
York City.
The world record spring salmon was caught at the junction of the Kalum and Skeena Rivers with
rod and reel, weighing in at 41.7 kilograms (92.5 lbs.)
Location
Terrace, the regional business centre for the area, is located approximately 550 air miles
northwest of Vancouver. The City is located on a series of natural flat benches, or terraces
(hence the name) within the broad Skeena River Valley. The relatively close proximity to the
ocean (approximately 60 kilometres - 37 miles), the low altitude (60 metres - 196 feet above
sea level), and its location within the shelter of the Coast Mountains has created a natural
greenhouse effect. Rainfall is less than half of that found on the coast and temperatures are
moderate - warm enough to permit the growing of fruit orchards and specialty crops, including
peaches, for those with a green thumb and some TLC.
Terrace is located at the junction of three major roadways:
- Trans Canada Highway 16 - (Yellowhead Highway) with east/west connection to Edmonton and Prince Rupert;
- Highway 37 - to Kitimat (south), which also connects north to the Stewart-Cassiar Highway to the Yukon and Alaska;
- Nisga'a Highway - all weather logging road and public secondary highway to the Nass Valley.
Places to See
- Lakelse Lake Provincial Park
Lakelse Lake Provincial Park is a favorite summertime hangout for locals and
visitors alike. Located just a 20 minute drive south of Terrace on Hwy 3 7, the
water is irresistible on a hot summer's day. Going to Furlong Bay, the Lakelse
Lake picnic site, or Gruchy's Beach? Be sure to pack a lunch, because once you
settle in there, you won't want to leave.
- Heritage Park Museum
Heritage Park Museum is nestled in the heart of Terrace and boasts some of the most
impressive original historic log structures in B.C. On almost two acres of beautiful
parkland, with wonderful views of the surrounding mountains, this civic museum is a
must-see for any traveler staying or passing through Terrace. Exhibiting the "Pioneer"
past of the Terrace region, the visitor will learn about forestry, farming, mining and
traditional trapping while touring through exhibits housed in the eight historical
log buildings dating as far back as 1910.
The museum tells of the settlement of the Terrace region by ambitious and
brave people looking for new and exciting opportunities. Early pioneers made
coffee over the wood stoves housed in this museum, used the cross cut saws to clear
their land and the ploughs to plant their first crops. The main museum building,
the Kalum Lake Hotel, was originally set along the shores of Kalum Lake during the
1930's and hosted people from all over North America wanting to experience what
Northern BC had to offer.
- Kleanza Creek Provincial Park
Kleanza Creek Provincial Park is located amongst the forests and rock canyons in the
Coast Mountains. Occupying frontage on the Skeena River and on both sides of Kleanza
Creek, the park is of historical significance. Kleanza means gold in the Gitxsan
language and it was this metal that influenced the early history of the park site.
Placer mining for gold was first carried out in the creek in the late 1890's.
- The George Little House
The society mandate is to maintain the building as a community cultural facility, to
house the Via Rail station and to use the house for the betterment/promotion of tourism,
heritage, and the arts within the City . It will be the tourism anchor for walk-in traffic,
train passengers and hotel guests for the downtown area.
Having said that, the House is the original home built for George Little (the founder of
Terrace) and his family in 1914. The design was done by his wife, Clara Beste Little, and
the details show a woman's touch. It has a unique history, for besides being a family home,
it became a boarding house and a transition house, and then was handed to the city when it
could no longer be maintained privately.
Things to Do
- Fishing!
Welcome to one of the world's greatest fishing paradises! Freshwater angling adventures are
only minutes away from Terrace, offering unparalleled opportunities for salmon, steelhead
and trout. Saltwater fishing for halibut, ocean salmon, crabs, etc., are only a short drive
away - to either Kitimat and the Douglas Channel or Prince Rupert and the Pacific Ocean.
The world record for catching (and releasing) a 99-pound Chinook Salmon is held by a visiting
German tourist who had her first fishing experience in the Skeena River in 2001. Previously,
the world-record was a 92 pound Chinook salmon.
There are many fishing guides and charter operators available to suit your fishing adventure
fantasy. Information on seasonal spawning runs and catch restrictions is vital, so make sure
you know them. During the main months of the fishing season, the guides are usually booked, so plan
early and call ahead to make sure your trip is all that you want it to be.
Although some lakes are home to only one species of fish, others may contain a dozen or more,
such as rainbow trout, kokanee, lake trout, Dolly Varden, mountain whitefish, lake whitefish and
burbot. The fall months herald the arrival of sea-run steelhead, sockeye, Chinook and coho salmon
on their spawning runs.
- Hiking!
From the steep, rocky Terrace Mountain Trail located in the heart of the city, to the paved
Grand Trunk Pathway there are numerous trails in Terrace for any ability and interest. The
challenging Terrace Mountain Trail is a stunning hiking trail located in the heart of Terrace.
It offers a steady hike to the top of the mountain, which opens up to offer an incredible view
of the city below.
- Hang Gliding!
Explore Terrace and the surrounding area while gliding across the sky!
Feel the air rippling by as you pass over the beautiful landscape of the north, hundreds of
feet above. View the sights, the scenery, the people, and everything else as few before have
done. The mountains in the direct area contain many locations from which to launch,
giving the sightseer a series of unique opportunities to view the area.
- Rock Climbing!
Northwest BC hides a wealth of excellent undeveloped and often completely unclimbed rock.
Simply driving along the highway to Prince Rupert, there are at least half a dozen 200 meter
cliffs, plus countless smaller bluffs, most of at least some potential for climbing.
- Skiing!
More and more people are attracted to Terrace as a base for some of the best skiing the
province has to offer. Winter in the Skeena Valley means snow and lots of it. The Onion
Lakes Ski trails are a network of cross-country ski trials located roughly half way between
Terrace and Kitimat. The recreational area boasts five kilometres of lit trails allowing for
both day and night skiing. The Snow Valley Nordic Ski Club is a group of dedicated volunteers
who maintain the Onion Lake cross-country ski trails. Whether you are a skate skier or if you
prefer the classic style, fantastic cross-country skiing is less than a half hour drive from
Terrace. The club also offers youth programs and masters skiing.
- View the Aurora Borealis!
Terrace is one of the cities far enough north to view this magnificent display of nature's
light. Whether one has seen this once, or a hundred times, this is a phenomenon that is always
viewed with a sense of awe. The ebony night is illuminated with splashes of colour to create
one of the most beautiful displays to be found in nature.
Events
- Riverboat Days
The BC Day long weekend kicks off the biggest party of the year and is enjoyed by everyone.
There are so many concerts, races, games, tournaments and contests that it lasts a whole
seven days. It is the time of year when we celebrate our city, our people, our culture, and
our history.
Locals and visitors line downtown streets to kick off the week withthe always-popular
Riverboat Days parade. Sports teams, community service groups, local businesses and
clubs create fantastic floats that weave their way from City Hall down the main street,
Lakelse Avenue. The festivities include activities for every age and interest. Treasure
hunts on Ferry Island are always fun for the little ones, along with watching the rubber
ducky race, and don't forget to go to the spectacular fireworks display. Riverboats
Days sees dozens of sporting events, tournaments, races and celebrations take place in
andaround Terrace. High-speed action hits the Terrace Speedway as the annual stock car
races kick into high gear and you won't want to miss thosefancy cars at the drag races
held at the Northwest Regional Airport. Another summer favourite is the amazing
transformation of a downtown parking lot to a beach volleyball paradise, thanks to half
a million pounds of sand coating the area. Teams of two and four battle it out for top
honours. Skateboarders wow onlookers during the annual skateboarding competition at the
skate park near the arena. Softball and basketball tournaments, bike races and obstacle
courses are among the perennial favourites.
The long weekend has also become a special time for kayakers from around the region, as
a three-day Paddle Party gets underway on a river. For the less competitive, there are all
sorts of just-for-fun activities and games including the annual slingers' race that sees
area hospitality workers facing off in a series of obstacle races. Many venues feature live
music throughout the week and you don't want to miss out on the concerts in the park - an
exciting outdoor music festival featuring local artists and special guests that get the whole
downtown rocking. Riverboat Days are certainly something to celebrate.
Notable Comments
- In my delirium, I wandered in and out of consciousness, until as last, I was awakened
by the gentle nudging of a white kermode bear. She asked me to follow her; and thus, having
never been confronted by the strange spectacle of a talking bear, I decided to oblige her
request. For hours we walked aimlessly, both in and out of Terrace, before finally arriving
at Lakelse Lake. There, she stopped and beckoned for me to enter the cold water. I shrugged.
I'd gone this far already. There seemed no point in hesitating now. Not bothering
to remove any of my clothes, I walked silently into the lake until I was completely submerged.
I waited. After fifteen minutes, I spotted another kermode bear swimming towards me. I knew
he was different from the one I'd followed previously: he was missing a paw. He swam right up
to my face and whispered into my ear, "If you guild it, they will plum." Well, that's what I think
he said- the water made his words a little garbled. Finally realizing I hadn't swallowed any air
in quite a long time, I blacked out. When I awoke, I had washed ashore, and was now being buried in
the sand by two schoolchildren.
- George Sorrento, in his Canadian ramble, "Fear and Loathing in Terrace"
- "I like Terr-ace!
- Delores Clayburn, an enthusastic six-year old from Kamloops
Contact Information
Terrace Visitor Information Centre
4511 Keith Ave
Terrace, BC V8G 1K1
Phone: 1-250-635-2063
E-mail: terracechamber@telus.com
Webpage: http://www.terracetourism.bc.ca
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