Explore British Columbia’s North Coast: Visiting Kitimat

The last stop on our amazing Northern BC road trip was to the scenic town of Kitimat. Kitimat is known for its endless outdoor adventures and breathtaking views. Throughout this guide to visiting Kitimat, I will cover the very best things to do, where to stay and places to eat to ensure you have the best vacation in this natural wonderland!

Kitimat is a destination unlike any other, with a unique blend of natural beauty, industrial heritage, and outdoor adventure. From exploring the rugged coastline to indulging in local cuisine, there are so many ways to enjoy in this charming community.

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 Kitimat

Nestled along the rugged coastline of British Columbia lies the charming community of Kitimat. With a population of approximately 8,200, this town at the head of Douglas Channel, next to the Kitimat River, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness.

Like many other towns in northwestern British Columbia, Kitimat has a rich history rooted in living and working off the land.

Kitimat is a destination with a rich indigenous history and culture that spans millennia. For generations, the Haisla people have lived in harmony with the land and waterways of the area, practicing traditional activities such as fishing, hunting, and gathering that remain an integral part of their way of life.

While Kitimat may be known for its exceptional outdoor experiences, its roots lie in industry. The town was planned and built by Alcan in the 1950s to house workers at the local aluminum smelter, which Rio Tinto later acquired. As people from all over the world flocked to Kitimat, the community became a melting pot of cultures.

In the present day, Kitimat is once again in the industrial spotlight. The construction of a liquefied natural gas facility by LNG Canada is underway, which is the largest industrial project in Canada.

How to get to Kitimat

Getting to Kitimat is easier than you might think, with a few options for transportation depending on your preferences and travel style. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular ways to get to Kitimat:

By Car

If you’re driving, the journey to Kitimat can be a scenic and enjoyable part of your Canadian road trip. Take the scenic Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) from Prince George and then at Terrace, continue south on Highway 37 to Kitimat. With stunning mountain views and charming small towns along the way, it’s worth taking your time and enjoying the journey.

By Air

You can fly into the Northwest Regional Airport (YXT) from Vancouver and northern BC airports. The Northwest Regional Airport serving Kitimat and Terrace is 56 km from Kitimat. You’ll find several daily flights to and from Vancouver. Air Canada, West Jet, Hawkair, and Central Mountain Air operate several direct daily flights.

Things to do In Kitimat

Whether you are hoping to immerse yourself in the town’s historical ties, relax amidst the breathtaking backdrop, or check out the area’s many hiking trails, the things to do in Kitimat are endless! Let’s start with some indoor activities in Kitimat!

Tour The Kitimat Museum

The Kitimat Museum is a great way to learn about the town and is an excellent first stop. The museum has two floors to explore.

The first floor explores the history of Kitimat and has some of the area’s wildlife on display. The upstairs features a rotating exhibit that changes every couple of months. When we visited there were hand-crafted items displayed by locals of Kitimat.

The museum also displays a collection of Haisla heritage artifacts in its upstairs gallery. The collection includes those artifacts held in trust for the Haisla Nation.

The museum is open year-round and offers donation-based admission.

Admire Art at Local Galleries & Artisans

Another great way to immerse yourself in the Kitimat culture is to check out the local art galleries. The Sammy Robinson Gallery features masterpieces created from wood, gold and silver, while the Blackfish Gallery specializes in First Nations art.

Each will give you a glimpse into the Haisa culture while allowing the opportunity to admire the intricate work of each artist.

Throughout the downtown area, you can also find a variety of shops that carry items made by local artisans and artists.

Outdoor Activities in Kitimat

With a spectacular natural setting, Kitimat offers year-round adventures for outdoor enthusiasts of all types.

We could have spent much longer exploring the outdoor activities in Kitimat! It’s truly an outdoor lovers paradise. Here are some of my favourite outdoor activities in Kitimat.

Visit the Largest Living Sitka Spruce

Although short, the Giant Spruce Park trail must be on any Kitimat itinerary. This 0.6 km trail is home to the remains of BC’s largest living Sitka Spruce. Located in the Kitimat River estuary, the tree is a popular attraction for visitors, who marvel at its sheer size and age.

The tree is almost 600 years old but has since started falling apart. Nonetheless, it’s an amazing sight to see!

Marvel at Moore Creek Falls

Moore Creek Waterfall is a quick, but beautiful stop. The falls are located just a 2-minute walk from the parking lot so they are truly accessible to all. Unfortunately, you can no longer go down to the bottom of the falls as there is a fence all around to prevent anyone from going down.

Minette Bay West Park

Minette Bay West Park is a tranquil spot to relax amongst the coastal mountains. The park has a couple trails along the water where you can see remains of old boats. There’s also a recreational area which provides a covered area right by the water, bathrooms, and a few fire pits which make for a great way to spend an evening.

Take a Hike!

There are a plethora of hiking trails to explore in and near Kitimat. From short strolls to longer treks, there’s a trail for everyone.

Maggie’s Point Trail (Gazebo trail)

Maggies Point Trail, otherwise known as the Gazebo Trail, is a short 15-minute trail to a stunning gazebo overlooking the Douglas Channel. It’s known to be a pretty muddy trail (even on hot days) so be sure to dress appropriately. Once at the gazebo, it’s a great place for a snack and to partake in some quiet wildlife viewing!

Pine Creek Trail

For those looking for a great moderate hiking trail, The Pine Creek Trail is a great option. This 3.5 km trail meanders its way through the magical mossy forest of Kitimat. Although it is a marked trail, you will likely run into a few sections that aren’t well-maintained.

Coho Flats

Located just 1.4 km outside of town, the Coho Flats Trail is an easy hike to a scenic lookout over the water. The entire trail is gravel, so it does get pretty muddy after rain. It’s a great dog-friendly hike as the pups will appreciate the opportunity to swim in the river!

Robinson Lake Trail

The 7.7 km Robinson Lake trail is longer than others on this list but 100 percent worth it. After a short climb, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful lake. It’s a great place for a mid-hike swim! As always, be sure to be bear-aware on any Kitimat hike!

Take a Hot Springs Tour

I can’t think of many things better than relaxing in natural hot springs while surrounded by the beauty of northern British Columbia!

While in Kitimat, you can take a hot springs tour with Rob from Northern BC Jet Boat Tours. He is the same guide we had during our tour in Prince Rupert, so I am sure it would be a good one!

During the tour, you visit four coastal hot springs (Bishop Bay Hot Springs, Shearwater Hot Springs, and Weewanie Hot Springs).

Go Fishing!

Although we didn’t have time for a fishing charter on this trip, it’s definitely on my list for next time! Blue Heron Charters will take you out on the Douglas Channel in their 24-foot vessel in hopes of catching halibut, salmon, rockfish, cod, Dungeness Crabs, or spot prawns.

The Kitimat Lodge also offers many opportunities for visitors to get out on the water! You can choose between guided freshwater, saltwater, or fly-fishing excursions.

Where to Stay in Kitimat

With a population of just over 8,000, the accommodation options are somewhat limited. However, if you book early enough you will be pleasantly surprised with several B&Bs, lodges, hotels, and campgrounds to choose from.

M Star Hotel

During this leg of the trip, we opted to stay in a hotel. The M Star Hotel was centrally located and had everything we could need. The free high-speed WIFI was helpful in getting some last-minute work done while enjoying the mountain views from our room.

Where to Eat in Kitimat

For a small town, there were surprisingly a lot of restaurants to grab a bite to eat. It was great to grab a quick coffee from the local cafes and then end the night with happy hour at the lively pubs. Below are some of my favorite stops during the trip!

Rosario’s

Rosario’s restaurant is a cute little diner and was the perfect place to grab dinner after a day of outdoor adventures. They have gluten-free options like wraps and chicken strips, fresh fish and chips, and local beer on tap.

Two Peaks Brewing

Two Peak Brewing is not only home to a rotating selection of the best local beers, but also a full menu of your favorite bar food. You can enjoy this relaxing setting on one of the two indoor floors or on the outside patio.

FAQs About Kitimat, BC

Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, or simply a chance to relax and unwind in a unique and unforgettable setting, Kitimat is a destination that promises to captivate and delight. So why wait? Start planning your trip to Kitimat today and discover all that this one-of-a-kind destination has to offer.

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