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Smithers (population 6,000) is a naturally beautiful, welcoming and small, Northern BC town with stunning vistas in all directions. A plethora of summer and winter activities, and everything in between attract locals and visitors alike. People come to Smithers to fish, boat, camp, hike, ski, shop or listen to the local musical talent. Many visit (and have moved to) Smithers for its easy access the outdoors and the local entertainment scene.
Rolling hills and farmland, rivers, creeks, lakes and mountain ranges rich with green forest and wildlife such as bears and moose enclose the town. Smithers' backdrop is snow-peaked Hudson Bay Mountain.
Downtown consists of just a few blocks but each block is full of shops and at least one coffeehouse or café full of chatty and smiling locals.
Smithers calls itself the town of all seasons because each season is unique; summers are warm, winters are snowy – annual snowfall averages 204cm/80in – springs are rainy and falls are cool. There is also an abundance of recreational opportunities.
Smithers was founded in 1913 as the Bulkley Valley's divisional headquarters of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway. It is also BC's first incorporated village, having gained that status in 1921. The culture of the region's First Nations people, the Wet'suwet'en, is another intriguing aspect of the town's history. The Wet'suwet'sen have lived in the Bulkley Valley for thousands of years and are still very much a part of the community, living contemporary lifestyles but also keep up with many traditions.
Smithers is far away from other town hubs – at least a two-hour drive – but that is a part of the town's attraction and charm. The isolation lets outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the Northern BC nature without crowds or pollution, and allows locals to relax and be themselves.
Source: Tourism British Columbia
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