Top Things to do in Kitimat-Stikine District
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10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Kitimat-Stikine District That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Kitimat-Stikine District, British Columbia including Nisga'a Memorial Lava Bed Park, Sherwood Mountain Brewhouse, Stewart-Cassiar Highway, Ksan Historical Village, Heritage Park Museum, Nisga'a Museum, Hagwilget Canyon Bridge, Ksan Historical Village and Museum, Lakelse Lake Provincial Park, Kleanza Creek Provincial Park.
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1. Nisga'a Memorial Lava Bed Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By PookyCake - Victoria, Canada
The Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park is a unique experience. Established in 1992, this Park is the first in British Columbia to be jointly managed between First Nations and BC Parks. As such, it offers visitors an inimitable opportunity to experience rich Nisga’a culture intertwined with natural history. It is, in other words, a place where the Nisga’a culture and Canadian geologic history meet. Indeed, the history of the Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed is fascinating. When the Tseax Cone erupted circa 1700, it sent millions of pounds of basalt lava flow and rock into the Nass River and valley below, forever altering the physical landscape. Trees were burned (creating “tree casts”); the Nass River was dammed (creating beautiful Lava Lake); and two Nisga’a villages – Lax K’abit and Lax Ksiluux – were destroyed, resulting in the deaths of approximately 2,000 people. When all was said and done, the lava flow extended over a 22 kilometer area and was 3 kilometers wide. Now, over 250 years later, the landscape looks otherworldly, even being described as “moonlike” by some. While the sheer size of the park is somewhat intimidating (clocking it at just over 178 square kilometers), the Nisga’a have performed yeoman’s duty to make sure it’s a manageable experience for visitors via the Nisga’a “Auto tour,” which is available online or at the Terrace and Nisga’a Visitor Centres. The tour is essentially self-guided; however, it sets out key geological and cultural points of interest throughout the park, allowing you to pick and choose what you’d like to see according to your own schedule. The tour sets out 18 different stops; highlights include: Lava Lake, which formed as a direct result of the volcanic eruption and subsequent lava flow, is a picturesque area offering good fishing and swimming opportunities. There are also pit toilets and picnic tables on-site. Crater Creek: This area of the park speaks to the sheer power and force of the eruption. As you amble along this rocky landscape, you can’t help but wonder how it got its name seeing as there’s no creek in the immediate vicinity. Reading the available information, however, you learn that the creek is apparently up to 30 meters below your feet, running below the solidified lava rock. This area also gives a good sense and idea of the type of lava you’ll be encountering throughout much of the park. The first type is “A’A,” which is and jagged; the second type of lava is “Blocky” which, as the name implies, are large chunks that were cast out by the erupting cone. Drowned Forest: This place was the highlight for me. When the waters are high, the Txeas river flows into and over the surrounding forestscape; hence, the name “Drowned Forest.” The green-ish waters, concomitant with the turbulent and roaring falls made for a sublime experience. Absolutely stunning! I’d make the drive back just to see this again. Vetter Falls: Only a short drive from the Drowned Forest, the Vetter Falls represent a contrast of landscapes. Arriving at the pullout, you first walk a short graveled path – surrounded by lava flow on either side – towards the green foliage of forest. From there, you witness the Vetter Falls. While these aren’t the largest Falls in the area, they are one of the easiest to access and photography. The cool waters are inviting for a swim while the general atmosphere lends itself to a sense and feeling of calm. Hot Springs: These are natural hot springs that hold significant cultural importance for the Nisga’a. The natural sulphur smell is said to be that of the “spirit” and thus they ask that you respect the site. The nerdy types will also enjoy the geological process involved in this site, too. Visitors Centre: This is a small building, but an absolutely crucial stop for those who want a well-rounded understanding of the Nisga’a and the Memorial Lava Bed. While here you can receive practical information about the park and its physical features; learn about the Nisga’a legends and oral histories that inform their understanding of the park; and, of course, grab a few souvenirs to take home with you. Indeed, the Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park offers a number of geological, cultural and outdoor recreational activities for everybody. Even though I did spend a day at the Park, there was still much left unseen. Visiting the Tseax Cone was probably the biggest “miss;” however, one MUST set up a guided tour to visit the cone – no visitors allowed otherwise. Maybe next time. And there will be a “next time.” The Park is just too rich, vast and complex to limit to a single visit.
2. Sherwood Mountain Brewhouse
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By travel_de_world77 - Terrace, Canada
Great local brewery with a unique selection of ales, lagers, porter etc. Seasonal blends, mountain views, patio, and live music.
3. Stewart-Cassiar Highway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
4. Ksan Historical Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
5. Heritage Park Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By ehpw
It's a charming and interesting historical site and an excellent overview of Terrance & area history. Although there were there were just the three of us our guide gave us the complete tour which took about an hour. There's also a self-guided tour. Our guide really knew the site well and we learned a lot.Highly recommended. Admission cost is by donation.
6. Nisga'a Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
7. Hagwilget Canyon Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By SightSeeingFeather - Hazelton, Canada
One of my favorite spots to walk or drive over. From the bridge, you get to see so much of the majesty of the area. From this vantage point, you see the mighty Rouche de Boule (Stekyoden) overlooking New Hazelton, and then Nine Mile Mountain on the opposite side. The best part by far is looking down at the Bulkley River underneath. In the summer, you might be able to catch some kayakers going down the canyon and around the bend. I recommend walking across this bridge, it is just thrilling to stand on top of a historial site.
8. Ksan Historical Village and Museum
9. Lakelse Lake Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By 128shelleyb1 - Terrace, Canada
It’s a fabulous lake. Large enough to water ski, boat, paddle board and wake board. It has three separate public use sites - the old Picnic site, Grouchie’s Beach and Furlong Bay Picnic Site and Campground. There is also a site, Waterlily Bay where one can rent cabins. There are also some hiking trails for those who love to walk. Winter and summer it is in use. You’ve heard about summer, but winter offers ice fishing, snowmobiling and skating when the lake is frozen over. Go one give it a try! You will love it!
10. Kleanza Creek Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Grizeagle - Terrace, Canada
I love this little creekside campsites and park at Kleanza Creek. The emerald green waters of Kleanza Creek flows out of a small canyon at the park and rushes along the campsites and picnic area to the Skeena River a kilometre away beyond Highway 16. The creek has spawning salmon in it during summer months. There is a nice switchback walk that is kid friendly, to the top of the canyon walls and down the other side to the roaring creek above the canyon. There is a rough trail further on up the creek through the forest. The views of Kleanza Creek and surrounding forests and mountains are quite scenic. This is a great park to take young kids to play in the cold water in summer and learn to scramble on the granite rocks. It is an awesome place to snowshoe or cross-country ski into during the winter when the creek has cool ice and snow formations. It takes about half an hour to ski in and a half hour out through the old growth forest. The campsites are so beautiful where you can back unto the creekbankand listen to the roaring waters of Kleanza. The picnic tables along a nice green grassy area above the creek are a very enjoyable place to have a lunch or supper. There are not too many campsites here which makes it not too busy. The tall trees throughout the park provide a lot of shade in the campsites. There is an on-site attendant here at all times. One can travel the 26 kms. to Kleanza Lake on a logging road at the entrance. This road also takes you to some mountain trails. Kleanza Creek is a very worthwhile area to camp ,visit or have a picnic. The air here is very fresh along the creek and the aromatic scents of evergreens fill the air. This area is also good for huckleberry picking in season. Kleanza Creek Park is a must place to come and veg and take in the scenery, smells, sounds of nature and watch water dippers, kingfishers , eagles and other wildlife.
