erience and cultur enjoy the st theatres tha udios, galle t represent the rich cult Call 1.800.6 ure of this re 63.8843 or g check us ou www.nbcto t o n the web a urism.com/a rt.
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1 Haida Herit
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P.O. Box 152 3, Skidegat e, Haida Gw 250.559.46 aii, BC V0T 1 43 www.h S1 aidaherita Open year-ro g ecentre.co m operationonsea esu.cnomd – daily in the sum mer, check w m nd admis si e from si on iff eb cl fe at site for hours es R Simon More than 1 of 2 ,0 0 0 ye ars at this spec tacular new of history come alive Gwaii (Quee Centre on H ai of Haida civi n Charlotte Islands), th da e liz at io n . Features incl cradle Gwaii Muse ud u audio-visual m, interesting exhibit e Haida s and s, a g if t sh o shed, perfo rming house p, canoe house, carvin g a restauran , artisans’ w t/ for Gwaii Haa café. Information and orkshops and o available at nas National Park Res rientation erve is also the Centre.
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Travel In for m
ation 1.8GALLERIES 00.663.88 43 ARTISTS ‘ STUDIOS
MUSEUMS & HERITAGE SITES THEATRES FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Photo: Museum of Northern BC
Heritag
e Park M Terrace, BC useum 250.635.45 46 www.h eritagepark Summer Hou museum.c rs om Off Season: : May- Aug, 10am- 6 p Sept- Apr, b y appointm m Daily en Heritage Pa t 7 days a w rk eek of over 400 Museum has an imp ressive collec 0 artifacts ex buildings th hibited with tion at the early 19 represent life in the in 8 historic log Terrace area 00’s. in Interpretati ve tours fou and by appo r times a day intment Sep M tember-Apri ay-August l.
northern british columbia hern British Columbia – a world
e landscape inspires creative endeavours and the udly display their culture. Take part in a fascinating d enjoy the studios, galleries and the rich culture of this region. check us out on the web at art.
WELCOME TO
NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA
tage Centre at Qay’llnagaay
Table of Contents 4
Prince Rupert
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Haida Gwaii | Kitimat Masset
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New Aiyansh
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Kitamat
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da Gwaii, BC V0T 1S1 Discover heritagecentre.com100 ia – a world N mrbth 11 luo o C h er the is o f it w r e summer, check website for hoursNew of Hazelton eavours annd Britis hern Bilderness
h whtieve end Nort Discover here the lanFdirscstapeNinatispoirness pcreare. Tarekethpearlat inndascfaascpineatininspg ires e u w o 15 ness story come alive lay their cult ple proudly displa of wilderSmithers | Prince ledispGeorge y their cu eople proudly arningstuedxiopes,rigealnleceriesa and p s n e on Haida io at N t nn.d enjoy th Firs joeay trthees en th d an io e ce g n ds), the cradle st re ie udios, g thatofrethis 17 learninPrince g exper George | McBride ellri1ch culture preebseatnt the rich cu th include Haida t n C se a re p re .800t.6on63th.8e8w lture of this theatres that xhibits and 43 or check or check us ou u s o u .n t on the we 800.663.8843 www b noe house, carving 19 Call 1.Chetwynd | Dawson c to urism.com/a Creek sm.com/art. rt ri . sans’ workshops and ou ct y b a .n a w ag ww
n and orientation rk Reserve is also
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1ritageHCaeidntrae at Qay’lln e H Heritage a aidJohn 1FortHSt. Ce
Simon Ratcliffe from simonsees.com
age Park Museum
ntre at Q
Fort Nelson
geparkmuseum.com am- 6pm Daily intment 7 days a week
n impressive collection ed within 8 historic log n the Terrace area in
s a day May-August ber-April.
.800.663.8843
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V0T 1S1 ida Gwaii, BC , Skidegate, Ha ritagecentre.com 23 15 x Bo . P.O he urs of P. . B46ox4315w2ww.haida summer, check website for ho 250.55O9. 3da , Sk theate, ineg id ily – nd Haida Gwai 25ye0.5 ar-r5ou Open 9d.4ad6m43issiown w fees i, w.haidamhe alive BC V0T 1S1 opOerpatenionyeanarco ritagecen y or st hi ro of u s n tre.com ar d ye – d 00 antilyreinonthHaeidsua oporere athtianon12a,0 M mlemer, check ncudlaardnemwisCesion ad ta cr e ec website for th sp , is fe s) hours of arlotte Island esclude Haida Matoth ueen in es 12Ch Gwreaiith(Qan ur ,0 at 0 Fe 0 n. ye d at ofthHa f hhiisbitotsryanco is sp idaeccivitalizcuatio restarinsgoex camrveinalgive useum,lainrtenewopCe GwaiGwi ai(Qi uMee tree ho onusorHe,ksaiho sh , canno and ft tt n gi Ch a s, ar al lo su w vi s’ e Islatisan , th dapsion of Haiauddiao-civi at le ingnhouse, ar nds)nd mio oreiecrntad perflizorat
northern british columbia
Photo: Museum of Northern BC
Discover northern british columbia – a world of wilderness where the landscape inspires creative endeavours and the first nations people proudly display their culture.
T
ake part in a fascinating learning experience 101and enjoy the studios, galleries and theatres that represent the rich culture of this region. For more information visit: northernbctourism.com.
HAIDA GWAII
VALEMOUNT
www.northernbctourism.com 3
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ive, Work, and Play in Prince Rupert British Columbia – Where Canada’s Wilderness Begins.The City of Prince Rupert remains at the edge of wilderness, secure in a sheltered inner harbour and protected by a rim of islands along the famed Inside Passage. The island community is ideally situated on British Columbia’s beautiful North Coast, only a short distance from the Queen Charlotte Islands and Ketchikan Alaska, and is easily accessible by air, rail, cruise ship, ferry, car, or rv.
Visitors often comment on the rich cosmopolitan culture found in the city and the community is home to a diverse group of people, with varied interests. Superb museums and outstanding attractions defy the small population and remote location, and daily life is enriched by an extraordinary visual and performing arts community. For trip planning information, visitors should contact the Visitor Centre or visit Tourism Prince Rupert’s website at www.tourismprincerupert.com.
Prince Rupert’s Crest Hotel 221 1st Avenue, Prince Rupert BC 1.800.663.8150 or 250.624.6771 www.cresthotel.bc.ca
Overlooking the beautiful Prince Rupert harbour, the Crest Hotel offers one of the most scenic vantage points of Kaien Island from our Waterfront Restaurant, Charley’s Lounge or our Heated Deck all of which feature BC Cuisine and award-winning BC wines. Visit our Gift Shop for a fine array of locally carved masks, jewellery, argillite and more.
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Prince Rupert
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At the end of the road your journey begins Visit the Museum of Northern BC At the Museum of Northern BC in Prince Rupert, experience the centuries old traditions of Tsimshian First Nations society, view world famous art and artifacts, witness ancient songs, mask dancing and storytelling.
Learn about the founding of Prince Rupert and the history of its people. Visit the Museum’s spectacular gift shop, which offers original works by Northwest Coast artists in wood, argillite and other media. Not to be missed is the gift shop’s unique selection of books on the Northwest Coast.
Tours = Performances = Gift Shop For more information on Prince Rupert www.VisitPrinceRupert.com prinfo@citytel.net 250-624-5637
Prince Rupert 5
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Visitors from around the world are drawn to the history and vibrant arts of the Haida.
H
aida Gwaii (the Queen Charlotte Islands) has attracted many creative people who have come to enjoy the natural environment as inspiration for their creativity.
Photo: Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC
Experience a world of breathtaking beauty, ancient temperate rainforests, quaint villages, secluded inlets, and beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see. At the Haida Heritage Centre in Skidegate, visitors can experience the past and the present, and view six monumental totem poles that were designed, carved and raised during the first phase of the heritage centre project. Guided tours of the Centre and poles are a highlight of any visit to these Islands.
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Haida Gwaii
northern british columbia 20 YE ARS Archipelago Management Board
Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site parkscanada.gc.ca
20 AN S Le conseil de gestion de l’archipel
Réserve de parc national, réserve d’aire marine nationale de conservation, et site du patrimoine haïda Gwaii Haanas parcscanada.gc.ca
Honouring the past. Shaping the future. The Gwaii Haanas Legacy Pole Raising
Kuuniisii gan yahguudang. Kungasda tll llgihl. Gwaii Haanas ginaa.ga gyaagang.ngaay dang gyaaxa
Honorer le passé. Façonner l’avenir. Inauguration du mât héraldique commémoratif de Gwaii Haanas
August 2013 Hlk’yah Gawga (Windy Bay) and Skidegate Août 2013 Hlk’yah Gawga (Baie Windy) et Skidegate
1-877-559-8818
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northern british columbia Explore our heritage at the Nisga’a Museum BE MOVED BY THE SPIRIT OF THE NISGA’A! VISIT THE WORLD-CLASS NISGA’A MUSEUM LOCATED IN THE NASS VALLEY, 150 KILOMETERS NORTH OF TERRACE, B C.
H
oused in a modern day longhouse, the museum’s structure and location reflects the rich history and nature of the territory. Opened in 2011, on the 11th anniversary of the Nisga’a final treaty agreement, the museum tells a story rich in cultural, social, and political history of the ‘People of the Nass River’ Two-hundred and fifty year-old ancient lava beds and electrifying blue water engulfing the land around the museum are just two of the attractions you’ll find in this stunning valley. The museum’s newest collection, Ahooya’ahl Ga’angigatgum’, which means ‘ancestors’ collection’, gives prominence to more than 300 Nisga’a cultural treasures. Recently reclaimed by community leaders and Elders during the famous Nisga’a land claim treaties, the collection features spirit masks, shamanic items, rattles, regali, and commonly used artifacts of the past. On the outskirts of Old Hazelton, is the ‘Ksan Historical Villa ge and Museum, a re-created Gitxsan village. Seven longhouses, the first of which was built in 1959, replicate a community that stood on the same riverside site for hundreds, or possibly thousands, of years. www.ksan.org
Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC
Nearby, on Highway 37 west of Hazelton, are the Gitxsan villages of Gitwangak (Kitwanga) and Gitanyow (Kitwancool) home to one of the largest groupings of totem poles in the Pacific Northwest. Between them, the communities are home to many striking poles; many are originals, others replicas. A handful of the poles in each community were immortalized by renowned BC artist Emily Carr in the early 1900s, including the “Hole in the Sky” pole, and several new replicas of ancient works. The self-guided Hand of History Tour (brochures are available at Visitor Centres in Hazelton and Terrace) leads to the roughly 40 new and ancient poles in Gitanyow and six neighbouring villages. Written by Joel McKay
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New Aiyansh
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Simon Ratcliffe from simonsees.com
northern british columbia
10 Kitamat
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If you understand our art you’ll understand our people.” - words that resonate with me. I first heard them in this special place. Returning to Kitselas Canyon on the Skeena River near Terrace BC, I now stand before these magnificent poles. Standing guard in the forrest overlooking the canyon - much like the ancestors have for millennia. Two years ago I stood on this very spot, watching the carvers as they fashioned these epic monuments. Their skills were evident then, but now to see their finished pieces as they were intended, really showcases the talents of these artisans. To be able to bring these creatures out of the wood is such a gift. Struck by the natural beauty, the poles add a feeling of solemnity. I speak softly, there is a calmness about this place. The scent of the forrest, eagles flying through the canyon - what a canvas for these beautiful creations.
Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC
written by Simon Sees
New Hazelton 11
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SMITHERS
CREATE · THERE’S SO MUCH TO SEE · THERE’S SO MUCH TO HEAR
br it i sh c olumbi a , can a d a
ART AT THE SIZE OF LIFE Known for its vibrant cultural scene and beautiful setting, Smithers is home to many talented artists, artisans, and musicians. The arts abound in a town with genuine small town hospitality. SMITHERS ART GALLERY
BV MUSEUM
Centennial Exhibition: 100 Years—100 Artists
Centennial Exhibition: 100 Years of Agriculture in the Valley
1425 Main Street 250-847-3898 www.smithersart.org
1425 Main Street 250-847-5322 www.bvmuseum.com
NIELSEN GALLERY
MUSIC!
Features work of Sherry Nielsen and others. Paintings, fused glass, gifts.
30th Annual Smithers Midsummer Festival July 5 – 7
3827 2nd Ave, Smithers 250-847-0070 www.nielsenart.ca
www.smithersmusicfest.com
CELEBRATE SMITHERS CENTENNIAL HOMECOMING!
LOCAL HISTORY
August 2 – 10, 2013 See details at www.smithers2013.com
THE TELKWA MUSEUM Highway 16, Telkwa BC
THE MORICETOWN INTERPRETIVE CENTRE History of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation. Centre is located above the canyon.
121.800.541.6673 / Fort St. John · 1411 Court Street · www.tourismsmithers.com 12
TOP ARTWORK: SHERRY NIELSEN
Photo: Ricardo Alberto Leiva
northern british columbia
A
s the southern gateway to Northern BC’s rich and diverse culture, Prince George, the region’s largest city offers much for the cultural explorer, the adventurous, and the history buff. Enjoy both classical and modern music performances by the versatile Prince George Symphony Orchestra, or modern art in the Two Rivers Gallery located in magnificent building pictured above incorporating regional symbolism and materials to create a dynamic centre for the visual arts which regularly hosts a variety of exhibits from across Canada. The region’s heritage is present at Exploration Place with its interactive and historic exhibits, First Nations Gallery, and strong representation of natural history. Also not to be missed is the Prince George Railway & Forestry Museum where you will experience and come to understand the unfolding of the region’s economic base and the role the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway played in the developing the region.
Smithers | Prince George 13
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DiSCoVER NoRTH CENTRAl BC’S PREMiER
museums, galleries & cultural attractions.
Valemount Museum Valemount, B.C. Valley Museum & Archives McBride, B.C. Whistle Stop Gallery McBride, B.C. The Exploration Place Science Centre & Museum Prince George, B.C. Two Rivers Gallery Prince George, B.C. Central British Columbia Railway & Forestry Museum Prince George, B.C. Huble Homestead Historic Site Prince George, B.C. Mackenzie & District Museum Mackenzie, B.C. Barkerville Historic Town Barkerville, B.C. Fort St. James National Historic Site Fort St. James, B.C.
A GOLDEN RAVEN EXPERIENCE ARTS | CULTURE | HERITAGE
For money-saving coupons, upcoming events, and more, visit…
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www.goldenraven.ca
2013 house o
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V
isiting McBride in broad surrounding Robson Valley you quickly discover that there are many skilled artists/artisans who have settled here as musicians, painters, woodworkers, and jewelry artists. The Whistle Stop Gallery located in a heritage railway station in McBride is a great place to visit as it showcases over 50 Robson Valley arts and artisans.
History buffs should also visit the Valley Museum which has a large collection of early photographs depicting life in the area. Did you know that in these parts you will find artisans skilled in the making of intricate stringed instruments, such as classical guitars, steel guitars, bouzoukis, and mandolins due to the tonal qualities of the spruce, cedar and other species grown in this region. Who knew?
HOUSE OF JASPER Silver Studio, Arts & Artisans - Robson Valley
Contemporary or abstract, each piece is created with passion by the emerging artists who love nature. Experience small town charm, visit our Studio and see something new; Get inspired!
of jasper_mg.indd 1
Studio Open
June 1 - Sept. 30
Fri. Sat. Sun. 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
141 Dominion Street McBride, B.C. From Highway 16 take 1st Avenue; follow Artisan signs to Dominion St. (1km) 250-569-0431
Prince George | McBride
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Tourism Dawson Creek
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t began as a brutal nine-month build in 1942, backed by a crew of 30,000 US Army engineers and Canadian civilians. Dubbed the Alcan Highway, a.k.a. the Alaska Highway, this 2,451-kilometre (1,523-mile) feat of innovative engineering carved its way through a rugged, unforgiving landscape — a war time effort to connect mainland United States to Alaska. While thoroughly practical in its purpose, today this storied stretch, from Dawson Creek to Fairbanks, Alaska, is favoured by serious road warriors (think RVers and the like), history buffs and those eager for a roadside view of Mother Nature’s best. Dawson Creek marks “Mile 0” for the Alaska Highway; it also offers keen insight into the struggles faced daily by relentless construction crews. See first-hand how the highway’s creation 70 years ago changed the face of local Northern BC communities at Alaska Highway House, or pause for a picture (a rite of passage, if you will) during a walking tour that includes Mile 0 Post and Mile 0 Cairn, the latter marking the highway’s official starting point. Heading north past roadside wildlife of moose, buffalo, bears, caribou and Stone’s sheep you soon find yourself in Fort Nelson where the Fort Nelson Heritage Museum features a transportation theme, with vintage cars and trucks, and Alaska Highway equipment and memorabilia taking you back to what it was like in days past.
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Chetwynd CO M M U N IT Y C AR V E D B Y S UC C E S S
HELD ANNUALLY
INTERNATIONAL CHAINSAW AW CARVING CHAMPIONSHIPP Every June
VISITOR CENTRE
Box 594, Chetwynd BC V0C 1J0 Tel: 250.788.1943 | Fax: 250.788.1846 846 Email: tourist@gochetwynd.com
www.gochetwynd.com nd.com
Discover Dawson Creek
Start Your Alaska Highway Journey Here! Alaska Highway House Historic Walking Tour Art Walk in the Summer Walter Wright Pioneer Village
The Dawson Creek Art Gallery 250-782-9595 www.tourismdawsoncreek.com
and the Grainery Artisan & Gift Shop www.dcartgallery.ca • 250-782-2601
Chetwynd | Dawson Creek
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High on ice in Fort St. John
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xperience the magic of winter at High on Ice, northeastern B.C.’s premier winter festival. Held in Fort St. John in early February, High on Ice is a chance to experience the best of winter in northern Canada. An event for residents and visitors alike, the festival boasts horse-drawn sleigh rides, hockey challenges, ice fishing, snow golf, and yes, plenty of hot chocolate to stay warm during this icy holiday. The festival has a tradition of fusing together art and the natural elements. High on Ice attracts world-class ice carvers who spend days and nights creating life-size ice art and competing for more than $15,000 in prizes.
On the final evening of the competition the ice sculptures are revealed and illuminated for all to enjoy. For festivalgoers who discover their inner ice artist, there’s also a chance to practice this skill of precision and patience in the amateur ice carving and snow sculpting events. The opportunity to experience the creativity of northerners doesn’t stop there! Make sure to visit the Fort St. John Arts Market, which showcases the best of local artists and their creations. Socialize like a true northerner by attending the community dance and auction, or meet new friends over shared tastes at the annual chocolate festival. The festival includes family fun nights, comedy shows and toboggan races. Bundle up the children for four days of winter-packed fun.
Simon Ratcliffe from simonsees.com
Written by Joel McKay
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Fort St. John 19
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Photos: Northern Rockies Regional Municipality
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ake a trip up the Alaska Highway to escape big city life and return to nature in Fort Nelson, nestled in a wilderness oasis. Historically, trails and rivers were the main transportation routes for First Nations in the Fort Nelson area, who hunted, fished, and gathered materials from the abundant wilderness surroundings. Learn about the amazing construction of the Alaska Highway at the Fort Nelson Museum which also houses classic cars that originally traveled the Alaska Highway. Fort Nelson is a friendly community with genuine charm.
20 Fort Nelson
Simon Ratcliffe from simonsees.com
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Fort St. John
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BC
604.521.7887 | 1.888.981.9886 publisher@art-bc.com
Photo: Picture BC
icture Photo: P
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