Kitimat

Located in Northern British Columbia and accessed via the Yellowhead Hwy 16, Kitimat lies on Donald Channel with access to the Pacific Ocean. The stunning vistas across the Coastal Mountain Range and the fjords provide opportunities to experience the abundance of outdoor recreation including wildlife viewing, kayaking and world-class fishing.

Some of the best salmon, steelhead and trout fishing can be found in these waters. Fresh-water fishing in the Kitimat River is available year-round and in summer fishing for chinook peaks early in July with coho towards the end of August into September. Many come here to fish for halibut where charters are available to take you to some of the best salt-water fishing grounds. Salmon, snapper, cod and shellfish such as crab and prawns are found in abundance.

Hiking, from easy level walking to mountainous climbs offer lots of exercise for all ages with trail maps available. Waterfalls, wildlife and amazing views will delight the avid walker. Parks, both local and provincial parks, provide lots to do including beaches, crabbing, paddling, old forests to explore and beautiful gardens.

When you have exhausted the outdoors go inside to appreciate the local arts and culture scene, much of it influenced by the Haisla First Nation. The museum, galleries and artisans have lots to show you.

Location

Kitimat is located at the end of Hwy 37 approximately 60 km (37 mi) south of Terrace off Hwy 16.

A Step Back in Time

The Haisla First Nation have occupied the land here for many centuries but during the last 150 years explorers, trappers and prospectors came to Kitimat looking for gold and to start a new life. The success of the town ebbed and flowed during the early years, but in the post-war industrial boom the Kitimat Project was born, an engineering feat that culminated in the largest aluminum smelter in the world and employing thousands of people. The Project took just five years to complete and the governments of the day promoted Kitimat as the future for prosperity for Canada. The Alcan smelter was officially opened in 1954 by His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Today, Rio Tinto Alcan is the main employer in the region.