With the weather getting warmer, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about your summer travel plans. Why not keep it local and see what the Nass Valley and Nisga’a indigenous communities have to offer?
Located near Terrace in Northern British Columbia, the Nass Valley has been the traditional home of the Nisga’a people for thousands of years. Rich with indigenous history and culture, the landscape is known for its mountain views, sprawling old-growth forests, and volcanic lava beds. (Yes, the site of Canada’s most recent volcanic eruption is actually here in the Nass Valley!)
With so much to see, we’ve made a list highlighting the top 5 things to do when visiting the Nisga’a communities.
1. The Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Park (Anhluut’ukwsim Laxmihl Angwinga’asanskwhl Nisga’a)
The Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Park is the first provincial park of its kind to be jointly managed by a First Nation and British Columbia. Erupting approximately 263 years ago, this is the site of Canada’s most recent volcanic eruption! Aside from the lava beds, the park also features a lake, caves, waterfalls, lava tubes, and a hot spring. (More on the hot springs discussed below!)
To check it out for yourself, head to the Nisga’a Visitor Centre and pick up a self-guided tour map with 19 stops. You can also contact Nass Valley Tours to book a moderate 3 kilometre guided hiking tour to a great viewpoint of the crater.
And speaking of great hiking trails…
2. Explore the Nass Valley through its stunning hiking trails
The Nass Valley is home to innumerable hiking trails throughout its old-growth forests. And what better way is there to experience the natural beauty that BC has to offer than to see it first-hand?
The Nisga’a Nation recommends the Crater Creek, Beaupre Falls, Vetter Creek, and Fish Wheel trails, but those are just a few of what the area has to offer hiking enthusiasts!
3. Visit the Nisga’a Museum and see indigenous artifacts on display in their place of origin for the first time
The Nisga’a Museum is named Hli Goothl Wilp-Adokshl Nisga’a, which means “The Heart of Nisga’a House Crests”. The museum opened in the community of Laxgalts’ap in 2011 and features a design inspired by traditional Nisga’a longhouses and canoes.
Exhibits include a world-renowned array of Nisga’a artifacts from carved masks, bentwood boxes, headdresses, and soul catchers.
These artifacts were recently returned from museums in Ottawa and Victoria. For the first time in over 100 years, you can see these relics in their place of origin!
4. Relax at the Aiyansh Hot Springs
Open year-round, the Aiyansh Hot Springs are the perfect place to relax. Surrounded by BC’s primeval old-growth forests, they’re also a great place for photos and scenic views.
The hot springs are located 500 metres east of Ansedagen Creek and feature recently renovated ramps and additional change rooms on site.
5. Fan of seafood? Make sure to check out the “Seafood Capital of the Nass”, Gingolx
A small community of some 400 people, Gingolx has nonetheless become a favourite for fishermen and seafood-loving tourists alike. They promise a peaceful atmosphere and the best seafood in the province!
For those interested in fishing, the rivers and lakes of the Nass Valley are teeming with rainbow trout and home to five different species of wild Pacific salmon! Contact the Nisga’a Enforcement Office for regulations and permits.
These were just a few ideas to help kickstart your travel plans to the Nass Valley and Nisga’a Nation. By travelling locally and visiting indigenous communities open to visitors like the Nisga’a, your summer trip can directly support indigenous businesses and sustainable travel.
Check out the official Nisga’a Nation website for more details and information!
