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destination, record catches are made here, as in the
summer of 2001 when a 99-pound salmon was caught
in the Skeena River. Opportunities for freshwater and
saltwater fishing exist year-round, from drift boats to
charter fly-in service to remote lakes.
The region is the home of the legendary Kermode
(ker-moh-dee) Bear, also known as the Spirit or
Ghost Bear. Numbering around 400, the Kermode
is an otherwise ordinary black bear which carries
a recessive gene resulting in white fur in one out of
every ten bears. The elusive Kermode is unique to
the ancient rainforest of Northwest BC. In Tsimshian
mythology, Raven created the Ghost Bear: long ago
when the world was still covered in ice and snow,
Raven came down from heaven and turned the world
green as it is today. But as a reminder of the time when
all was white, Raven went among the bears and turned
every tenth one the color of snow. Raven decreed that Kayaking Douglas Channel
the Spirit Bear, which the Tsimshian call Moksgm’ol, photo by:
Jill Barrowman
would live forever in peace.
Whether fisherman, hiker, climber, naturalist,
camper, or skier, the area offers a unique opportunity located on the mainland and bordered by the attraction in Port Edwards, with a bed and breakfast
to enjoy nature and a favorite recreational pursuit. Skeena River, Inverness Passage and mountains accommodation associated with it. Other tourist
Depending on the season, you can hike, bike, canoe, north of Highway 16. Population: 800. Vistor accommodations include a full service RV Park,
rock climb, ski, and more. There are a variety Information: The Village of Port Edward, Box camping at Prudhomme Lake Provincial Park and
of accessible trails to explore the area’s pristine
environment, while Shames Mountain, just 35 1100 Port Edward BC V0V 1G0 Phone: (250) fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities at
kilometers west of Terrace, boasts more snow than any 628-3667; Email: district@portedward.ca Dianna Lake and Rainbow Lake Park.
other lift-served downhill ski area in North America!
In the heart of downtown are dozens of shops, In 1908, the Grand Trunk Railway laid out plans ALASKA MARINE HWY VIA KETCHIKAN,
many fine restaurants, and relaxing cafes to enjoy on a for the Port Edward town site in their expansion to ALASKA TO SOUTHEAST ALASKA & BC
stroll down the quaint main street. the Northwest coast of British Columbia. Speculators FERRY SYSTEM TO QUEEN CHARLOTTE
purchased much land in the area and the railway put ISLANDS & POINTS SOUTH
JCT. YELLOWHEAD HWY 16 & their plans for Port Edward’s development on hold
NISGA’A HWY/NASS FOREST SERVICE and progressed the railway to Kaien Island instead. Prince Rupert
ROAD NORTH TO JCT. WITH Port Edward is a multi-cultural community
STEWART-CASSIAR HWY 37 port due to its history, which centers on the fish Location: Yellowhead Highway 16; 30 miles
canneries and processing plants that existed in the south of southeast Alaska; approximately 90
area. Approximately 200 canneries operated within miles from Terrace; 450 miles from Prince
STEWART-CASSIAR HWY 37 SOUTH the region during the heyday of the fishing industry. George; 942 miles from Vancouver, BC. The
Designated a National Historic Site in 1985, the Alaska Ferry System and BC Ferry System both
Kitimat North Pacific Cannery was one of the most prolific, have terminals in Prince Rupert. Population:
and today is home to the North Pacific Cannery
16,000. Visitor Information: Tourism Prince
Location: Highway 37 South; 58 km (35 Village Museum. The museum is the chief tourism Rupert; Email: info@visitprincerupert.com;
miles) south of Terrace and Yellowhead Hwy Phone: (250) 624-8687.
16; 198 km (120 miles) soustheast of Prince
Rupert. Population: 9000. Visitor Information: Anyone planning a vacation to Alaska or the
The Kitimat Chamber of Commerce and the west coast of British Columbia will soon realize the
Kitimat Visitor Info Centre are both located at
the entrance to Kitimat. Kitimat Chamber, PO strategic importance of Prince Rupert to their vacation.
Box 214, 2109 Forest Avenue Kitimat, BC V8C Located just 30 miles (50 km) south of southeast
2G7; Phone: (250) 632-6294 or (800) 664-6554; Alaska, Prince Rupert is the crossroads of Canada’s
Email: tourism@kitimatchamber.ca; Website: great Pacific Northwest. It is the interface between
www.tourismkitimat.ca major land and sea highways, the southernmost port

Kitimat is an all-season outdoor paradise and
playground uniquely situated at the head of the
Douglas Channel, with access to exceptional salt and
fresh water fishing within minutes of downtown. To
fully experience the majesty of BC’s inland coast,
plan a canoe or kayak trip on the Douglas Channel
or Kitimat River for incredible scenery and wildlife
viewing. Sport fishing and sightseeing charters can be
easily arranged in Kitimat.
Golf the professionally designed and challenging
18-hole Hirsch Creek Golf Course. Amble along
family-friendly hiking trails through the lush rain
forest or tackle the higher altitudes of adventurous
alpine hiking. Recreation facilities include an indoor
sports complex with an aquatic centre, arena and ice When we say
rink, racquetball and squash courts. awe-inspiring...

YELLOWHEAD HWY 16 WEST PHOTO: Northern BC Tourism/Andrew Strain — Kayaking in Foch-Gilttoyees Provincial Park
TO PRINCE RUPERT
Port Edward we mean it.
Location: 9 miles south of Prince Rupert and
72 miles west of Terrace. The town site is
Plan your trip today: 63
kitimatbound.ca