While at the Williams Lake Stampede, I met a guy from Smithers and he gave me lots of great ideas for side trips on my roadtrip to Alaska. One of his suggestions was to visit the Nass Valley in northeastern British Columbia for interesting First Nations (Native American) villages, lava flow, and hot springs. I found the Nass Valley to be a great day trip with diverse attractions and plenty to do.
Terrace Visitor Center – Auto Tour Guide
Before setting off on your personal tour to the Nass Valley, I recommend you stop at the Terrace, BC visitor center and pick up the Nisga’a Nation Auto Tour brochure. It points out 19 interesting spots along the way, of which the Nass Valley highlights are detailed below. If you don’t get a chance to pick up a guide, you can find all the points of interest by looking for the blue Auto Tour points of interest signs along Hwy 113.
How to Get to Nass Valley
It’s an easy drive, just a few km west of Terrace on the Yellowhead Highway (Hwy 16) and turn north on Highway 113. Highway 113 goes all the way to the Pacific Coast.
Lava Lake
If visiting on a clear day, you will have views of glacial capped mountains along the drive of Lava Lake. While this lake is a glacial lake, it became larger after the lava flow. On the north end there is a great launching area for SUP and kayaks.
Waterfalls
A little north of the lake is two short walks to see the Beaupre Falls and Vetter Falls. Both are easy walks and beautiful little waterfalls. It’s well worth stopping at both falls.
Lava Flows
The lava flows engulf a large portion of the valley. It’s believed the volcano erupted only around 250 years ago, and as many as 2,000 native people were killed in the eruption. There are a few spots you can hike in the lava flows and even see some casts of trees that caused tubal shapes in the lava.
Nisga’a Villages
There are four First Nations villages in the valley, each with it’s own artwork, totem poles, etc. If you dare, try to cross the suspension bridge in the village of Gitwinksihlkw (Canyon City). Until the auto bridge was built, it was the only way to get to the village.
Hlgu Isgqwit Hot Springs
There is a large cement pool with gravel bottom and two cedar hot tubs at these free natural hot springs. There is also a toilet at the car park and a couple changing rooms at the springs. Warning: these tubs can be very hot! Check the temperature before jumping in. If the pools are too hot, there is a hose with cooler water from the stream you can use to adjust the temperature or to cool off. Bring deet – the mosquitoes like the bathers.
Gingolx
My favorite of the Nass Valley villages was Gingolx, located on the Pacific Ocean. Drive to the end of the road which is the boat docks. Many Bald Eagles hang out there hoping for handouts from fishermen (fish guts and such). Park by the water and take a walk on the waterfront for views of the Nass River and sea.
“U Seefood U Eat it!”
Almost all tourists that travel the Nass Valley make their way to the “seafood” restaurant in Gingolx aptly named “U Seefood U Eat It!” The most popular dish is their halibut fish and chips. Don’t come to this restaurant expecting to eat healthy.
The Infamous “Nass Forest Road”
The next day, I was planning on heading north on the Cassiar Highway. I had already traveled the southernmost section of the Cassiar Highway since I had already made the trip out to Stewart, BC and Hyder, AK. There was a huge shortcut back to the Cassiar on the Nass Forest Road, but even Google wasn’t directing me there, but rather back thru Terrace. I decided to try the first section of the road to the Dragon Lake Campground (see below). Once there, I met a couple in a big RV that had done the remainder of the road and said it wasn’t so bad. So the next morning, I finished driving the entire Nass Forest Road in the pouring rain (at least the rain made it easy to see the potholes). A highlight was following a young male moose run down the gravel road.
Where to Stay in Nass Valley – Dragon Lake Campground
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I spent a very thunder-y and lightning-y night at the free BC Rec Site of Dragon Lake. It was a beautiful Campground, my spot with a picnic table, fire ring, and great view of the lake. Lower in the campsite were two swimming docks. Early in the morning, I could hear a moose call in the distance… really peaceful and magical. It was one of my favorite campgrounds on my drive to Alaska.
If camping isn’t your thing, there are several B&Bs in Nass Valley and plenty of hotels and motels in Terrace (Check Rates and Availability).
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