Museums

Preserving the past, exploring the future

Northern British Columbia is home to many fine museums, bringing visitors the finest in everything from native crafts and artifacts to virtual explorations of the deep sea.

In Prince George, The Exploration Place Science Centre and Museum is high on the list of things to do and places to see. Situated in beautiful Fort George Park, on the banks of the mighty Fraser River, The Exploration Place is home to the north’s SimEx Theatre. It’s a learning experience combined with high-tech visuals and moving pods, where riders experience simulated adventures. The museum’s History Hall, including one of the most comprehensive photography collections, bring early settlement days back to life, when lumber barons and rugged gold miners brought commerce to Northern B.C.

The Prince George Railway and Forestry Museum is home to one of the province’s largest collections of vintage railway cars and forestry equipment, as well as a mini-train ride called the Cottonwood Express. Beehive burners, a restored station, and a steam-operated crane are some of the other main attractions.

Just north of Prince George on Highway 97 is one of Northern B.C.’s several living museums. Huble Homestead was founded in the early 1900s when paddle wheelers still plied the waters of the Fraser River, opening the north to trade. Tour guides, dressed in authentic period costume, lead visitors through the once bustling homestead grounds and the summer season includes special events and live demonstrations almost every weekend.

Many best-kept secrets

The Hazeltons may be one of Northern B.C.’s several best-kept secrets. Located at the confluence of the Skeena and Bulkley rivers, the Hazeltons is home to ‘Ksan Historical Village and Museum and the ancient village of Gitanmaax. The area is steeped in history and natural beauty. The cultural interpretive museum is dedicated to demonstrating the richness of Gitxsan culture and heritage, with special attention paid to preserving performing arts, architectural and visual arts for the future.

Prince Rupert on the spectacular West Coast is home to The Museum of Northern B.C. Here visitors can learn more about native longhouse architecture and view exhibits that explore Northwest Coast history and culture dating back to the end of the last Ice Age.

The significance of fishing and the canneries to the development of Northern B.C. is explored at the North Pacific Historic Fishing Village, located in beautiful Port Edward, B.C. The national historic site features guided tours, live performances and beautiful scenery in an authentic fishing village setting. The North Pacific Historic Fishing Village is located along scenic Inverness Passage near the mouth the Skeena River. It is approximately 20 kilometres south of Prince Rupert.  Take the Port Edward turnoff on Highway 16 and drive six kilometres past Port Edward on Skeena Drive.

The effects of industry on Northern British Columbia are documented at Kitimat’s Centennial Museum. The area was traditional Haisla Territory, with the town of Kitimat build by aluminum giant Alcan. The late 1950s were booming years for the town, and thousands were employed to construct the dam, tunnel, powerhouse, transmission line, smelter and town.  

Travel the Alaska Highway north to the Fort Nelson Heritage Museum, featuring a treasure trove of heavy-duty road construction equipment used to build the famous highway. The museum’s aboriginal collection as well as a spruce bark canoe are also major attractions.