Bulkley Valley
Known the world over for sensational outdoor recreation opportunities.
Prairie Village Main Street History Accessibility
Bulkley Valley is about an hour and a half flight from Vancouver, the exquisite, mountain-ringed Bulkley Valley is the place to ski knee-deep world class powder, ride big river waves, hike and mountain bike in raw vast nature, fish the grand legendary wild steelhead, enjoy great shopping and restaurants—and live a superb rural lifestyle.
Pure, bold wilderness in every direction, an irresistible invitation to explore. When people discover the Bulkley Valley, they never want to leave. This world-class location truly has something for everyone.
Prairie Village
Existing Mountain Community.
A one of a kind location, set on Hudson Bay Mountain in the beautiful Bulkley Valley. Mountain Village joins an established and thriving mountain cabin community.
The allure of a mountainside home is not new here. Over the past four decades, drawn by the exceptional skiing and spectacular mountain experience, a community of homes, Prairie Village, nestled among the trees alongside ski runs, has grown from a scattering of cozy cabins to over one hundred mountain dwellings, many of which are striking in their beauty and stature. The community of people who call Prairie Village their mountain home is tight-knit and involved. The good vibe generated by these mountain lifestyle enthusiasts is truly contagious.
Hudson Bay Mountain Village joins and expands on this established and thriving mountain-cabin community providing endless opportunities for generations to come by offering the first fully-serviced, vehicle-accessible sites. Notably, Hudson Bay Mountain is the only ski resort in Northern BC that has on-mountain homes with sought-after ski-in ski-out convenience.
Main Street, Smithers
Funky and delightful Main Street scene, with sophisticated shopping and world-class restaurants.
The Main Street scene reflects the rich and vibrant quality of community life that Smithers enjoys.
With its Alpine theme and lovely red brick sidewalks, you are invited to browse and shop on Main Street. Find imported clothing and goods, a broad selection of outdoor clothing and equipment and very tempting gifts and home decor. Smithers’ merchants welcome you all year round - but create a wonderful downtown festival every June. Main Street becomes a pedestrian zone, with entertainment, food, games and shopping on the street. Over the white winter holiday season, Main Street decks itself out and celebrates the season in style with late night shopping and celebrations. Elves greet you at shop doorways with hot chocolate or spiced cider while inviting you in from the cold.
History
Smithers and the Bulkley Valley has a long and vibrant history and continues to be influenced by its original inhabitants, the Wet’suwet’en as well as the European settlers who started arriving in the mid 1800’s.
The Bulkley Valley was originally populated by the Wet’suwet’en who remain an influential component of contemporary life in Smithers and the valley.
Following the first non-aboriginal settlers who arrived in the mid 1800’s, attracted by the valley’s beauty and rich natural resources, railway expansion in British Columbia was instrumental to the growth of communities throughout Northern BC and the location that became Smithers was central to this expansion. Founded in 1913, Smithers was the regional headquarters for the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway and named after their Board Chairman, Sir Alfred Smithers.
The town grew up around the railway; built in 1919 the Station, notably, is the oldest existing building in Smithers. In 1921 Smithers was designated as the first incorporated village in BC. Steady growth continued with an influx of European immigrants, most notably Dutch and Swiss, after WW II. The community’s character has been largely influenced by its natural setting and Hudson Bay Mountain. Today’s population of 5500 continues the Alpine Village theme that has strongly influenced Smithers’ architecture and community. Many festivals and clubs celebrate this spirit and history.
Accessibility (Getting Here)
Smithers is very accessible, with the airport a short 5 minute drive from the town centre.
YYD Airport is located on the outskirts of Smithers. Smithers Regional Airport is served by Hawkair, Central Mountain Air, and Air Canada jazz with daily flights. Regular daily flights to Vancouver on two different airlines makes getting here easy!
Smithers provides a variety of transportation options, including a convenient rail and bus service.