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North By Northwest
This is B.C.'s wilderness at its best - lakes in every direction, some of the best fishing in North America and spectacular hiking, canoeing and boating country.
This area is the ancestral home for many of B.C.'s native people. There are several historic native townsites in the Hazelton area - in particular, "Ksan Village", which has been reconstructed as a living museum of the Gitksan culture. Notwithstanding the sparse population of the area, there are a number of interesting cities and towns to visit, including the coastal fishing and shipping port of Prince Rupert, Smithers in the beautiful Bulkley Valley and Prince George, the bustling big city of B.C.'s north.
Francois Lake:
Francois Lake is a very long, narrow lake reached, at the west end, by road from Fraser Lake (pop. 1,400) and, in the middle, by road through Burns Lake. The lake is loaded with trout, char and whitefish. There are a number of resorts and fishing lodges on the lake as well as a nine hole golf course. A free ferry ride where the Burns Lake Road meets the lake transports you to the south shore and access to many more lakes.
Burns Lake:
(pop. 1,800) Burns Lake is reached by the Yellowhead Highway from Prince George. The highway passes through rolling plateau by forests, beautiful lakes and ranch and farm country. On the way you will pass through Vandefhoof, an old agricultural and logging town with its Pioneer Village. You can take a side trip from Vanderhoof to Fort St. James National Historic Park, a restored Hudson's Bay Company fur trading post on Stuart Lake where park staff, in period costumes, recreate the feel of 19th century pioneer life in B.C.'s north. Burns Lake is in the midst of a wonderful fishing, canoeing and horse riding area. It bills itself as the "Heart of the Lakes District"--hundreds of lakes, most filled with trout. Visit the Burns Lake Heritage Centre which tells the story of the early days in Burns Lake which began with the coming of the railroad in 1911.
Smithers:
(pop. 5,100) Smithers is situated in the centre of the beautiful Bulkley Valley. The rich farmland in the valley is surrounded by the rugged Hudson Bay, Bulkley and Babine mountain ranges. The charming town has been developed on a Bavarian theme and is sometimes called "Little Switzerland". Its shops boast a variety of art and crafts from local artists. Visit the Central Park Building which houses the Smithers Art Gallery and Bulkley Valley Museum or try a round of golf at the Smithers Golf and Country Club. If you are after outdoor activities, the areas to explore around Smithers are endless.
Telkwa:
(pop. 1,000). A village close to Smithers, Telkwa was begun in the 1860's and was the economic centre of the Bulkley Valley until 1913. It is a pretty village at the confluence of the Bulkley and Telkwa Rivers. Special Days in Smithers and Telkwa: June - Mid-Summer Festival; August - Bulkley Valley Fall Fair, Telkwa Barbecue and Demolition Derby.
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