About Kitimat
Kitimat City Emblem
Kitimat - “People of the Snow”
Kitimat, is a beautiful tidewater city nestled in the Northwest Coast of British Columbia, Canada. It was originally a planned city, built in the 1950’s to accommodate the people who worked in the Alcan plant. This area was chosen because of the availability of hydroelectric power and the fact it was a deep sea port. Kitimat has the 3rd busiest port in British Columbia, and like few others, encompasses only private facilities. Kitimat also offers a modern and attractively planned, family-oriented city. Recreation, education and cultural opportunities are all a community effort and strong focus here.
Coastal weather in Kitimat is mild the year round, and surrounding wilderness provides avenues for an abundance of fishing, boating or other outdoor pursuits. We have over 160 organized clubs, leagues, service and community groups that provide a broad spectrum of activities for families and people of all ages.
Haisla People - Repatriation of Totem Pole
The nearby Haisla (See more below) village’s meaning for Kitimat is, “People of the Snow,” and we are well-known for record-breaking amounts of it. In fact, upon coming into the city, one of the first indications that you are in snow country is Kitimat’s welcoming emblem – a large Snowflake! A good snowfall around here is something to be really enjoyed, and so winter activities abound here, from cross-country and downhill skiing, to snowmobiling, These are just some of the sports that are highly sought after during our winter months.
Outdoor Recreation:
During the remaining seasons, Kitimat’s moderate climate and unique geography of the northwest offer a front-row seat to one of Canada’s last true wilderness frontiers. Hikers and campers delight in cool forest trails and natural hot springs, beachcombers and picnickers savor sandy beaches and the vistas of the rugged coastal mountains. Kitimat is truly a photographer’s dream come true.
The Kitimat Valley and Douglas Channel areas also include rustic campsites, rock climbing, waterfalls and boat anchorage. Surrounded by pristine wilderness, hiking trails abound around Kitimat, (See below) whether you’re looking for a pleasant stroll through the woods or a challenging climb to the top of a mountain. There are a number of hiking trails that range from easy family walks to difficult routes into alpine areas. Easy strolls can be enjoyed to Hirsch Creek Park and Humphrey Creek Falls, with a longer three-hour easy trail to the spectacular view at the Hirsch Creek Canyon. If alpine meadows and views over the Kitimat Valley and Douglas Channel are what you seek, then try the Clague Mountain Trail, a difficult 6-km hike with a return time of 8 to 10 hours. An even greater challenge is the steep and difficult trail that leads hikers on the 9 to 12 hour return trip to the peak of the mighty Mt. Elizabeth, at an elevation of 6300 metres. When hiking through the area with a dog though, remember to pack its leash, a bear bell and pepper/bear spray, as a pet can anger and provoke a bear attack.
Kitimat & Surrounding Area Photos
Fishing for Salmon - A Favorite Pastime in Kitimat
Kitimat is also a sport fishing paradise, with Steelhead, Chinook, Chum and Coho salmon all making their way up the Kitimat, not to mention the feisty resident population of Cutthroat trout. The spring run of Steelhead peaks in early May, and continues to the middle of the month, Chinook start arriving in late May, providing anglers with memorable battles through June and the first part of July. Chum arrive in late July and August, and Coho provide the action in late August and beginning of September. Saltwater fishing also offers up an awesome selection of Snapper, Cod or Halibut running up to 120 lbs!
Whatever you choose to do or see in and around Kitimat, be sure to stop off at the Chamber of Commerce on Forest Avenue (On the left, just before you come into town) and get yourself copy of the tide tables, trail maps, and or info on accommodations. Then drop by one of the local tackle shops to find out what’s working and where the local coveted “hot spots” are.
Chamber of Commerce’s fishing guide Click Here
Canadian Fisheries & Oceans – Tide Info
Hiking
All hiking trails are marked and traveled by residents of Kitimat and the surrounding area. However, please be aware that they are not maintained and are subject to windfall. They are however, good for walking and biking in single file.
Please keep in mind when hiking or biking that you have entered into wildlife country! It is recommended that you carry bear bells, pepper spray or an air horn with you. Singing, rocks in a can and loud noises also work well. Please also keep your dog on a leash, as loose dogs have been known to bring the bears to you, rather than away from you!
It is also strongly advised that you never hike alone or separate from your group to meet at another destination. You will notice while you are hiking that the timbers are large and our forest is dense. Know your whereabouts and carry a compass for long hikes.
Most of the trails that are mentioned here are suitable for both the hiker and mountain biker. However, if you are biking you must give way to the hikers on foot.
Always wear/bring comfortable layered clothing, and sturdy hiking shoes. Always be prepared for swampy spots on the trails. Running shoes are not recommended as the best choice of footwear. Pack a change of proper clothing; layering is always suggested as the weather can change in an instant in our region. Remember to bring: wind protection, hat, extra socks, sunscreen and gloves.
Always carry an adequate supply of food and fresh drinking water. Drinking from streams is not recommended as they may harbor harmful bacteria from stream runoffs and increase your chances of acquiring what’s known as “beaver fever”. Always take a map, compass and matches in a water proof container.
Please keep our trails beautiful for the next person. Whatever you take in with you, should be packed out with you – this includes refuse.(Do not burn it) Keep to the designated trails; this protects the precious ecosystems of the wild plant life and animal habitats and assists animals in adapting to human movement.
Keep note of the fact that this is a logging region. Logging roads are private property and often busy on weekdays. When driving on logging roads remember to KEEP YOUR LIGHTS ON. AND….REMEMBER THAT LOGGING TRUCKS HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY AT ALL TIMES!!!
If you see a forest fire please call 1-800-663-5555.
Emergency Phone Numbers:
Local R.C.M.P. 632-7111
Kitimat General Hospital 632-2121
Ambulance 632-5433
Air or Marine Emergency 1-800-567-5111
British Columbia Provincial Emergency Program ”TRIP PLAN for OUTDOOR SURIVAL” forms
are available at the Chamber of Commerce office or the Kitimat RCMP detachment.
Kitimat Area hiking trails.
For those of you wanting an easier hike or if you have little ones to consider, click here to see our family trails.
For you hikers who want a good workout, but don’t have time or inclination to get a really good workout, click here for the moderate trails in the area.
If you are the adventurous type and really like the outdoors, click here to look at the attached file to get all the information you need about the more advanced hiking trails in the Kitimat Area.
Some information on the Haisla
About the Haisla – Here
The repatriation of the G’psgolox totem pole can be found Here Here,& Here
Written Artifact about the G’psgolox totem pole (Page 6 of this document or title page 474 of artifact)
Information about the mission to bring it back to it’s people and homeland from where it was taken can be found at the Na Na Kila Insititute
