Guide to Visiting Terrace and The Nass Valley In Northern BC

Nestled in the heart of Northwest British Columbia lies Terrace and the Nass Valley. With its awe-inspiring natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, this area is a must-visit destination for a Northern BC road trip. Whether you’re seeking thrilling outdoor adventures or looking to immerse yourself in the history and traditions of First Nations culture, Terrace and the Nass Valley have something to offer. I am sharing with you my top recommendations for exploring this captivating region. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey of all the things to do in Terrace and the Nass Valley.  

Terrace and the Nass Valley, offer a diverse range of activities and experiences in the heart of Northwest British Columbia. From hiking and fishing to cultural tours and sightseeing, visitors can create their own unique itinerary and discover what this charming area has to offer.

Northern BC Road Trip: Follow along with our Northern BC road trip with all my comprehensive travel guides! After making our way to Prince Rupert on the Inside Passage Ferry, we road-tripped through Northeast British Columbia to Terrace and the Nass Valley, Stewart and Kitimat. See the road trip itinerary for all the details.

About Terrace

Surrounded by mountains (Hazelton Mountains to the East and the Kitimat Ranges to the west), wildlife, lakes, and the mighty Skeena River (the second-largest river in British Columbia), Terrace is considered the gateway to the best outdoor adventure in Northern BC.

Terrace is a place where you can immerse yourself in the rich history of First Nations culture that dates back to time immemorial. You will find many opportunities for authentic experiences based on traditional lifestyles. Discover the Tsimshian communities of Kitselas and Kitsumkalum, located near Terrace. For a truly unforgettable experience, head to the Nass Valley to explore the ancient Lava Beds and discover the four Nisga’a villages.

Due to its rich and plentiful natural resources, Terrace was a vibrant hub for fur trading and gold prospecting. Then, in the late 1800s, a steamboat route was created along the Skeena River, and European influence expanded. George Little (otherwise known as the founder of Terrace) arrived in the early 1900s and worked with a railroad company to create his vision of creating the town of Terrace.

How to Get to Terrace

Terrace can be easily reached via car, plane, or train!

By Car

Most people visit Terrace as part of a larger Canadian road trip and will drive along the scenic Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16). It’s 144 kilometres from Prince Rupert and 62 kilometres from Kitimat (both destinations we visited on our Northern BC road trip!). During your travels along the Yellowhead, you will be treated to views of pristine forests, inspiring mountain vistas, and the mighty Skeena River. 

By Air

You can fly into Terrace Northwest Regional Airport (YXT) from Vancouver and northern BC airports. The Northwest Regional Airport is just 11 km from downtown Terrace. You’ll find several daily flights to and from Vancouver. Air Canada, West Jet, Hawkair, and Central Mountain Air operate several direct daily flights.

By Rail

Finally, if you hope to enjoy the views without the stress of driving, the Via Rail Trains stop in Terrace several times a week travelling between Prince George and Prince Rupert. This is a great way to observe wildlife without having to worry about keeping your eyes on the road!

Things To Do in Terrace

Although Terrace is known for its outdoorsy scene, there are still several things to do in Terrace that do not involve the great outdoors! Below, you will find different things to do that will offer a peek into the town’s cultural and historical elements.

Admire the Art at Terrace Art Gallery

Terrace Art Gallery holds an impressive amount of local art that is available for the public to view and purchase. The exhibits rotate each month, so no matter when you visit you will be sure to see unique pieces of art. There are also occasional interactive workshops where you can join the artists in creating your own masterpiece! The gallery is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., and donations are accepted.

Stop by the George Little House

Dating back over 100 years, The George Little House was the home of the founder of Terrace, George Little. Today, the house has been restored and moved and serves as the VIA Rail Station. Even if you aren’t taking the train, it’s still a great stop to immerse yourself in the town’s history. You’ll find historical and cultural artifacts throughout, as well as a small gift shop.

Tour the Terrace Heritage Park Museum

The Heritage Park Museum is located on the outskirts of town and is a great way to immerse yourself in the vibrant history and culture of Terrace. This 2-acre open-air museum is home to several historical log buildings full of artifacts from the pioneer days. The museum is only open during the summer months from June 2 to August 31. However, guided tours and winter visits are available upon request.

Outdoor Activities in Terrace

We spent the majority of our visit to Terrace immersing ourselves in the nearby outdoor adventures. From exhilarating helicopter rides to rushing waterfalls, there are so many fun outdoor activities in Terrace!

Flight Seeing Tour to Anderson Cabin

Nestled in the stunning alpine setting of Terrace, the Anderson cabin is a secluded escape maintained by the Mount Remo Backcountry Society. Whether you’re a winter sports enthusiast or a summer adventurer, the surrounding terrain is perfect for backcountry skiing and hiking. With a significant snowfall each winter, the ski season lasts longer than most.

It doesn’t get much better than exploring Terrace via a flightseeing Helicopter Tour! Accessible via a short helicopter flight from the Northwest Regional Airport in Terrace, the Anderson cabin was the perfect summertime getaway for a true wilderness experience.

We took a 1.5-hour tour with Quantum Helicopters to the remote cabin. You can rent this backcountry cabin for a true off-the-grid experience.

We just took a day trip to check it out, but a night in the cabin is definitely on my list! No matter which helicopter tour you choose, you will be met with amazing views of Mount Remo and the surrounding area.

Walk Through the Kitselas Canyon

Combining history and the outdoors, a tour of the Kitzelas Canyon is a must on any Terrace itinerary! From May to October, you are able to take a self-guided tour of this National Historic Site. Throughout your walk, you’ll stroll along the Canyon Trail until you reach Ts’msyen Clan Poles, which represent the four clans of the Ts’msyen people.

The Kitzelas Canyon has been an important place to the Ts’msyen people for more than 6,000 years. Its location high above the Skeena River, made it a strategic site to control trade between the coast and the interior. Kitzelas Canyon became a National Historic site in October 1972. Today, the villages no longer stand, but there are vast archaeological remains.

Take an Eco Tour with Mandi McDougal from Westcoast Charters

In addition to fishing charters, West Coast Fishing offers customizable eco tours for the non-fishers! You can choose from hiking to waterfalls, visiting remote hot springs, paddleboarding, biking, or even a bear-viewing tour!

During my trip to Terrace, we took a half-day tour with Mandi McDougal (the co-owner) and visited different waterfalls! It was great to get to explore the surrounding area with such a knowledgeable guide! Plus, we were even able to swim in some of the waterfalls, so be sure to pack your swimsuit!

Swim at Extew Falls

If you only have time for one waterfall on your trip to Terrace, make sure it’s Extew Falls! If you have a high-clearance car, you can drive right up to the falls and then take a short 15-minute walk to the plunge pool. If not, you can park 2 kilometers away and hike in. It’s a great place to take a swim, have a picnic, or hike around the area!

Paddle or Relax at Kitsumkalum Provincial Park

Just 37 kilometers outside of town, you’ll find the beautiful Kitsumkalum Provincial Park. This 40-hectare park is home to amazing views, and wildlife, and provides plenty of room for recreational activities.

If you are travelling with a canoe or kayak, you will be able to easily access the lake from the beach. Then spend the day paddling around the serene Kalum Lake.

If not, it’s still fun place for a picnic, a swim, or simply to relax in the sun on the sandy beach. You’ll find several free camping sites and pit toilets here as well!

Hike at Kleanza Creek Provincial Park

This slice of natural beauty can be found 19 km northeast of downtown Terrace. Kleanza Creek Provincial Park is situated right on the Skeena River and offers many opportunities for locals and visitors to relax in the great outdoors.

We enjoyed a stroll along the easy 1-mile Kleanza Creek Trail and then spent some time relaxing by the riverbanks admiring the tall trees around us. The trail itself is well-maintained, but there are a few sections that are a bit steep so be sure you have proper footwear!

Shop at Skeena Valley Farmers Market

If you find yourself visiting Terrace during May-October, a stop at the Skeena Valley Farmers Market is a must. It’s open every Saturday during the summer and fall months and features over 70 vendors carrying the best fresh produce and local products. It’s a great place to stop to stock up on some picnic foods for your outdoor adventures!

Nass Valley and Lava Beds

The Nisg̱a’a Lands are a destination to add to your bucket list. From lava rock to bright blue water, it is a landscape you won’t see elsewhere. The Nisga’a lava beds are located in the Nass Valley of British Columbia and were created from the Tseax volcano that erupted around 1780. ⁣

Anhluut’ukwsim Lax̱mihl Angwinga’asanskwhl Nisg̱a’a (Nisg̱a’a Memorial Lava Bed Park) is the first park in BC to combine the interpretation of natural features and Indigenous culture. These lands are sacred to the Nisga’a (People of the Nass River), who have called the area home since time immemorial. The vast lava beds are culturally significant and are a memorial to the 2,000 Nisga’a people who died in the eruption.⁣

The park provides opportunities to learn more about the Nisg̱a’a culture and the history of Nisg̱a’a Lands. Amenities include a campground, picnic areas, boat launches, and short hiking trails. Stop at the Visitor Centre when you arrive to learn more, book a guided tour, and get a copy of the self-guided Auto Tour of Nisga’a Lands.

Take the Self-Guided Nisga’a Nation Auto Tour

The self-guided Nisga’a Nation Auto Tour was my favorite experience of the trip. By using this map, you are able to drive from Terrace to the Nisga’a Village with 18 points of interest along the route. If you were to drive straight through, it would take 2.5 hours, but I recommended spending the entire day to ensure you have time to fully check out all the sights.

Throughout the road trip, you’ll be able to stop at the Drowned Forest, the Nass Lava Beds, several waterfalls, a Visitor Centre, a carving shed, and even hot springs. If hoping to soak in the Higu Isgwit Hot Springs, you do need to make an advance reservation online.

The Nisg̱a’a Museum

There is a museum in Laxgalts’ap that is open every day except Sunday. The museum is home to hundreds of cultural artifacts that help to tell the history and traditions of the Nisga’a.⁣

The museum design was inspired by traditional Nisg̱a’a longhouses, feast dishes, and canoes. It contains exquisitely carved masks, bentwood boxes, headdresses, and regalia acquired from Nisga’a Lands.

Hlgu Isgwit Hot Springs

Nisg̱a’a have used the Hlgu Isgwit Hot Springs, a culturally significant heritage site, for many generations for ceremonial, medicinal, and spiritual purposes. Today, visitors make a reservation to use the two large cedar tubs. They are open only during the week; unfortunately, we didn’t get an opportunity to visit.

Where to Stay in Terrace

Terrace has many options as to where to rest your head after a day full of exploring! From cozy cabins to rustic campsites to quaint B&Bs on the river, there’s something for everyone!

Hidden Acres Farm

Situated on over 36 hectares of farmland, Hidden Acres Farm has 5 treehouse cabins and 2 tiny homes to choose from.

We stayed in one of the treehouses, which was basically a cozy cabin on stilts. We appreciated the peaceful setting (even though it’s just 5 minutes from town), the full kitchens, and the outdoor fire pits and BBQs.

Vetter Creek Campground

For those looking for a more rustic and off-the-grid experience, Vetter Creek Campground is a great option. It’s located within Nigsa’a Memorial Lava Bed Park and has 16 vehicle-accessible campsites available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Backcountry camping is also allowed, but there are no developed trails.

Where to Eat in Terrace

Who doesn’t love indulging in a delicious meal after a full day of exploring? Below are some of the best restaurants in Terrace!

Ninja Sushi

Ninja Sushi is the perfect place to grab a quick lunch or dinner with many gluten-free options. You’ll find a variety of rolls, sushi, sashimi, and cutlets on the menu, and you’ll quickly realize why it’s a local favorite!

The Fix Café

The Fix Cafe is a cool (and multi-purpose) coffee shop on the south side of town. Not only can you grab a coffee and a quick breakfast, but you can also bring your bike in for maintenance! If you are planning to spend any time mountain biking while in Terrace, be sure The Fix Cafe is on your radar in case a problem arises!

Sherwood Mountain Brewhouse

The Sherwood Mountain Brewhouse in Terrace is a popular destination for beer enthusiasts. This family-owned micro-brewery offers a variety of handcrafted beers that are brewed on-site. With its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, the Sherwood Mountain Brewhouse is the perfect place to relax (inside or on the patio) and sample their German-style lagers and delicious ciders.

Chef Abhi’s Classic Indian Cuisine

Chef Abhi’s Classic Indian Cuisine is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys traditional Indian food. It is evident that Chef Abhi is passionate about cooking and sharing stories. Best of all, they can accommodate special diets – our meal was gluten-free and dairy-free and absolutely delicious!

FAQ’s about Visiting Terrace, BC

Terrace and the Nass Valley are two captivating British Columbia, Canada, destinations to add to your travel bucket list. With their awe-inspiring natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, these areas offer endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and skiing or looking to immerse yourself in the history and traditions of First Nations culture, Terrace and the Nass Valley have it all. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the beauty and wonder of this incredible region firsthand!

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