Top 5: Things to See Along the Skeena River in British Columbia

British Columbia’s Skeena River feels wild and remote, but it’s long been an important artery in human history for First Nations people as well as European settlers. Today, visitors can explore ghost towns, former cannery sites and more via tours such as the ones offered through Northern British Columbia’s Continuing Studies Program. These educational adventure courses take you through the area on jetboat and are guided by knowledgeable leaders who can show you the most interesting sights.

North Pacific Cannery

North Pacific Cannery is a wonderfully preserved “museum” consisting of worker housing, a general store and the cannery itself. Explore alone or on a guided tour.

Port Essington

Once one of the most prominent of the canneries on the Skeena, this fascinating site includes a massive collection of cattle bones and old bottles discarded when the town was occupied, as well as an abandoned cemetery.

Osland

Originally settled by Icelanders, the town is still occupied and consists of a few homes along a boardwalk, accessible only by boat.

Kitselas Canyon Interpretive Village

Explore recreations of longhouses and learn about the First Nations of the area.

Frizzell Hot Springs

Tucked away in a spruce forest, the natural hot springs is an enchanting place to take a relaxing soak.