Terrace, BC is a city located in the Skeena River Valley in the northwestern part of British Columbia Terrace is on the Yellowhead Route #16 of the Trans Canada Highway, and about 145 kilometres east of Prince Rupert and 205 kilometres west of Smithers. Terrace is the largest city in the Kitimat-Stikine district. Also, Highway 37 links Kitimat which lies on the coast 58 km (35 miles) to the south of Terrace.
Terrace has a white bear as its local symbol. The protected Kermodei (“spirit bear”) bear may be –rarely– sighted with fur ranging from blonde to white, and still roams these isolated valleys and coastal islands. Terrace has many Spirit bear statues scattered around the city, each unique and beautiful.
North of Terrace is the beautiful Nass Valley. The Nass River Valley was formed by molten lava traveling to the Pacific Ocean, and has 26 km (16 mi) long lava beds which are located in the Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Park. You can see many totem poles, Nisga’a art, and more are throughout the valley and in the four First Nations villages of New Aiyansh, Canyon City, Greenville and Kincolith.
Terrace History
The area has a long history of Indigenous habitation, with the Kitselas and Kitsumkalum First Nations being the original inhabitants of the area. In the late 1800s, the area was settled by non-Indigenous people, primarily European settlers who came to the region for the fur trade and forestry industry.
In the early 1900s, the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway (now known as CN Rail) was built through the area, connecting the west coast of Canada to the eastern provinces. This led to an influx of settlers and the development of the town of Terrace. The town was officially incorporated in 1927 and has since grown to become a city and an important hub for the surrounding region.
Throughout its history, Terrace has been an important center for forestry, mining, and transportation. Today, the city is home to a diverse population and a range of industries, including forestry, mining, tourism, and transportation.
Terrace has also been the site of significant cultural events, including the 2010 BC Winter Games and the 2015 Canada Winter Games. The area is also home to a number of Indigenous cultural sites and events, including the Ksan Historical Village and Museum, which preserves and celebrates the heritage of the Kitselas and Kitsumkalum First Nations.
Overall, Terrace has a rich history and continues to be an important center of industry, culture, and tourism in northwestern British Columbia.