The Douglas Channel is one of the widest and deepest waterways on the west coast and a perfect place for whales to thrive thanks to rich food sources, quiet waters and deep fjords.
Seeing multiple pods of killer whales and/or humpbacks (depending on the season!) when out fishing or on a boat tour is standard in Kitimat. There are not many places in the world where you can say the same!
The Douglas Channel is one of the widest and deepest waterways on the west coast and a perfect place for whales to thrive thanks to rich food sources, quiet waters and deep fjords.
Seeing multiple pods of killer whales and/or humpbacks (depending on the season!) when out fishing or on a boat tour is standard in Kitimat. There are not many places in the world where you can say the same!
The wildlife that inhabit the Kitimat area are spectacular and the Douglas Channel is home to marine mammals both large and small. While you’re out whale watching in Kitimat – see if you can also spot harbour porpoises, pacific white-sided dolphins in the water, the Kermode bear or grizzlies on the land from the boat, or majestic bald eagles in the sky!
Kitimat is home to a picturesque 18-hole golf course meandering through the forest, and a clubhouse where you can finish off the day with a frosty pint on the outdoor patio.
Kitimat is home to a picturesque 18-hole golf course meandering through the forest, and a clubhouse where you can finish off the day with a frosty pint on the outdoor patio.
The 18-hole, par 72 golf course is situated against a picturesque background of mountain vistas. The club also has a pro shop, driving range, putting green, lessons, and equipment and cart rentals. The course is open to the public and has a variety of leagues to play in.
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Catering to curlers of all ages and abilities – each of the club’s leagues has seen growth in recent years that are rated amongst the best in Northwest BC. There are 4 sheets of curling ice, and the club hosts a variety of league nights, open times and bonspiels for the public to attend!
Learn MoreKitimat’s wild marine hot springs are natural and sulphur-free. What else could be better than mother nature’s hot tub surrounded by spectacular views?
Kitimat’s wild marine hot springs are natural and sulphur-free. What else could be better than mother nature’s hot tub surrounded by spectacular views?
Hot springs at Bishop Bay come out of the ground from a crevice in the granodiorite bedrock right beside the bath house.
Water temperature at the bath house is about 38.8 degrees Celsius.
Coordinates: N 53° 28’ 11.89”, W 128° 50’ 11.85”
Shearwater Hot Springs are also known as Europa Hot Springs. The hot springs and bath house are located along the north shore of a small bay between Shearwater Point and Europa Point.
Water comes from cracks in the bedrock at the bottom of the hot springs and its temperature at the bathhouse is about 40.6 degrees Celsius.
Coordinates: N 53° 41’ 36.95”, W 128° 47’ 33.06”
These hot springs are only accessible by boat, nestled in a semi-sheltered bay. There is a bath house for soaking.
Water comes out of the ground on the hillside above the bath house and its temperature is about 38.6 degrees Celsius in the bath house.
Coordinates: N 53° 41’ 36.95”, W 128° 47’ 33.06”
As you climb the rugged staircase carved into the hillside, the sound of snowmelt water rushing down the banks leaves you anticipating what's ahead.
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Walk 4 km through the forest that grows alongside Hirsch Creek, or opt for a 400 m one-way shortcut off Forest Avenue to the canyon viewpoint.
The annual Kitimat Fish Derby happens over Labour Day Weekend. It’s hosted by the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce and is both a local favourite and an event folks travel for from far and wide.
The coho weigh-in is followed by an awards ceremony and celebration, held at the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Centre. Thousands of dollars in prizes are available and the best part: you don’t have to fish to catch a prize at this derby.
This year’s Kitimat Fish Derby details can be found here.
The annual Kitimat Fish Derby happens over Labour Day Weekend. It’s hosted by the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce and is both a local favourite and an event folks travel for from far and wide.
The coho weigh-in is followed by an awards ceremony and celebration, held at the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Centre. Thousands of dollars in prizes are available and the best part: you don’t have to fish to catch a prize at this derby.
This year’s Kitimat Fish Derby details can be found here.
Did you know Kitimat will soon be home to a 191-hectare world-class waterfront park situated in a spectacular old-growth coastal rainforest?
The park is currently under development, but when completed, will boast a walkway, picnic amenities including fire pits and toilets, and a causeway complete with a weather shelter, steps to access the water, and a floating dock to launch non-motorized boats.
Minette Bay West Park is recognized by the Stewardship Centre for B.C. as being the first park in the province to incorporate Green Shores planning principles from the outset. Follow Minette Bay’s biologically rich tidal flats and estuary at the end of Douglas Channel to get there!
The 2022 Minette Bay West Park update is available here.
Located on the shores of the Kitimat River floodplain, the remains of a previously registered “largest living Sitka Spruce in B.C.” can be found in the park. The tree measures 11.2 m in circumference (36.7 ft) and once stood 50.32 m tall (165 ft).
Kitimat’s stunning views, surrounded by a breathtaking backdrop of islands and coastal mountains, is truly a photographer’s paradise. These are some of the best places to take it all in:
This is a popular gathering spot in summer months and a great place to check out what’s happening for industry in Kitimat. Located just past Rio Tinto’s BC Works smelter, it is also the original site of Kitimat’s first hospital. Explore seashells and other small sea creatures at low tide.
