Heritage Sites

Step back in time

It took the strength and fortitude of this region’s founders to build Northern B.C. into the naturally beautiful and economically vibrant place it is today. One of the best ways to learn about the history is to experience it first-hand, with interpreters dressed in heritage clothing, explaining the way of life in the early 1900s. At the Huble Homestead, about 40 kilometres north of Prince George on Highway 97, visitors are treated to an old-fashioned, down on the farm experience. Two successful businessmen who saw the community as a perfectly situated service centre for the Fraser River’s paddle-wheeler traffic built the homestead. There’s a general store at the homestead, and special festivals are held on the grounds throughout the summer.

For a Northern B.C. adventure you will never forget, explore Haida Gwaii by boat and tour the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, rich in Haida heritage. Beautifully carved totems and the sleek, efficiently designed traditional longhouse are set in lush forests, still standing for visitors to explore. This exquisite heritage site is accessible only by boat or airplane, with visitors required to register at Sandspit (by appointment) or at the Haida Heritage Centre. Haida Gwai Watchmen, located at basecamps outside the reserve, wear traditional woven hats and are trained to provide historical and cultural information to visitors.

For those not venturing into the park, you can still experience Haida culture at the new Haida Heritage Centre at Kaay Llnagaay, where 6 totems tell the stories of all 14 Haida clans.  These totems front traditional style longhouses used for several purposes including a carving area, performing house, eating house, and the canoe house which holds the famous Bill Reid canoe carving of LooTaa.  Take the daily tour from Haida interpreters to learn more about the totem poles outside and those inside the pole gallery and get a personal tour of the museum.

History comes alive at Parks Canada’s Fort St. James National Historic Site. Restored to reflect the year 1868, when Canada’s new frontier in Northern British Columbia was settled by fur traders. The North West Company founded the post in 1806 and was bought by the famous Hudson’s Bay Company, which operated it until 1952. The village includes original wooden buildings which were the hub of the fur trade in Canada’s early days. Visitors learn about the building of relationships between the settlers and the First Nations people. From Prince George, take Highway 16 West, the Yellowhead to Vanderhoof. Turn right on Highway 27 to Fort St James, a 45-minute drive and turn right on Kwah Road. The site is open from Victoria Day in May until September 30.

It’s a beautiful drive from Fort St. James to Moricetown, traditional territory of the Wet’suwet’en First Nations. The community is situated about 30 kilometres west of Smithers, east of the Hazeltons. Waterfalls, lush forest, and impressive cliffs line the Yellowhead Highway, and net fishers are often spotted practicing the traditional method of catching salmon.

Continue along the Yellowhead west to the village of Kitwanga for another unforgettable look at the way things were in B.C. The Gitwangak First Nation settled the area in the Kitwanga River Valley and it is an area rich in history and breathtaking beauty. The totem poles here are especially magnificent, hand-carved masterpieces that are a marvel to visitors. This traditional trading centre was declared a national historic site in the 1970s and is now operated by Parks Canada.