As summer gives way to fall, Kitimat’s trails offer a different way to experience the landscape. Cooler temperatures and changing foliage make it a great time to explore on foot, whether you’re looking for an easy walk along the river or a climb to a viewpoint above town.
North by Northwest highlights Kitimat as part of its guide to hiking across Northwest BC, where trails range from peaceful riverside walks and accessible forest paths to more challenging routes into the surrounding mountains.
Follow the Kitimat River
For an easy fall outing, head to the Kitimat River Trail for a walk alongside one of the community’s defining natural features.
Fall brings an added reason to keep an eye on the river and surrounding trees. Bald eagles gather along the Kitimat River during the season, making the trail a great option for combining a walk with wildlife viewing.
Explore the Forest
Kitimat’s trails make it easy to trade town for forest without travelling far. Maggie’s Point and Hirsch Creek offer accessible forest walks surrounded by the coastal landscape of Northwest BC. For another easy option, Minette Bay West Park sits directly on the shores of the Douglas Channel. The park features a leisurely trail suitable for all ages, along with seating and a covered viewing area looking down the channel.
Climb Higher
For hikers looking for more of a challenge, Kitimat’s surrounding mountains offer opportunities to gain elevation and take in views of the Douglas Channel and Coast Mountains. Fire Mountain, east of the Cablecar Subdivision, is a moderate 3.1-kilometre out-and-back hike that climbs to an elevation of 541 metres. A short scramble near the end leads to views of the surrounding landscape and opportunities for birdwatching.
Explore Fire Mountain and Kitimat’s viewpoints
Discover More Hiking in Northwest BC
Kitimat is part of a much larger network of hiking experiences across Northwest BC. From coastal rainforests and riverside trails to alpine ridgelines and mountain peaks, there are plenty of ways to continue exploring the region. North by Northwest’s hiking guide brings together trails and hiking experiences in Kitimat and communities throughout the region
Explore Where to Hike in Northwest BC: Peaks, Forests and Coastal Trails
WRITTEN BY:
Brandon Wirsz
