Kitimat
                      "People of the Snow"

Kitimat, is a beautiful tidewater city nestled in Northwest Coast of British Columbia, Canada. It is the 3rd busiest port in this province, and like few others, encompasses only private facilities. Kitimat offers a modern, attractively planned and family-oriented townsite. Recreation, education and cultural opportunities are a community focus.
 Coastal weather is mild year round, and the surrounding wilderness provides avenues for an abundance of fishing, boating and outdoor pursuits. Over 160 organized clubs, leagues, service and community groups provide a broad spectrum of Activities for families and people of all ages

Kitimat is known for it's record-breaking snowfalls and as such, winter activities abound. A good snowfall is something to be enjoyed around here.  Cross country and downhill skiing, snowmobiling and many other outdoor sports are enjoyed throughout the winter and the summer. On coming into Kitimat, one of the first indications that you are in snow country is Kitimat's welcoming emblem.. Drawing its name from the nearby Haisla Village the meaning of Kitimat is"People, or Valley of the snow", and so it is only appropriate that the symbol for our fine city is a large snowflake.

Kitimat's moderate climate and unique geography of the northwest offers a front-row seat to one of Canada's last true wilderness frontiers. Hikers and campers delight in the cool forest trails and secluded campsites, beachcombers and picnickers savour the sandy beaches, and the vistas of the rugged Coast Mountains are a photographer's dream.

The Kitimat Valley and Douglas Channel area include rustic campsites, rock climbing, hot springs and boat anchorage. Surrounded by pristine wilderness, hiking trails abound around Kitimat, 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 and a bear bell. A pet can anger and provoke a bear attack

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!

Also, be sure to stop at the Chamber of Commerce (Tourist Information) and get yourself copy of the tide tables, (Here's a link to Tide Info or more from Canada Fisheries & Oceans),and find out what's working at the local tackle shops and where the local coveted "hot spots" are.

More on
Map & Trails Info
General Recreation
Staying Safe in Bear Country

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

Update: July1/2006
Even though the pole has safely been brought back home, there is still much to do.
Please help where you can by donating to the ongoing project to build the housing museum to house the pole. You can do so by filling out a form here to either donate money, buy a T-Shirt, a DVD about the Pole's repatriation, or you can contact the Na Na Kila Institute personally, to ask any questions you may have.

Scenery From Around Kitimat & Area

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