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History
There has been some debate over the years as to the Origin
of the name Telkwa; however it is commonly accepted that Telkwa is a
native term meaning the “meeting of the waters” and describes
the picturesque joining of the Bulkley and Telkwa Rivers in the heart
of the town. The history of Telkwa has also ebbed and flowed with the
dramatic changes of the community with the Telegraph Trail, the rush
of settlers at the turn of the Century, and the arrival of the Grand
Trunk Pacific Railway.
In 1914 Telkwa suffered a major fire and many of the downtown
buildings were destroyed. Although the efforts to rebuild started immediately,
many businesses were expanding and moved to the new G.T.P. town site of
Smithers.
Today a number of buildings remain as a tribute to Telkwa’s heritage
and tell the stories of pioneering in the Bulkley Valley. Located on Highway
16 in downtown Telkwa stands the first pioneer church, St. Stephen’s
Anglican Church, which was built in 1910 and serviced by the “traveling
parson”. The first main Telkwa school house, built in 1920, also
remains and today houses the Telkwa Museum where memories and stories of
the past come together. Many other residential and commercial buildings
also remain as testaments of Telkwa are past and can be toured with a self-guided
walking tour of the downtown core.
Location
Telkwa is located in North Central British Columbia, 7 miles
(11 km) south of Smithers on the Yellowhead Highway 16, halfway between
Prince George and Prince Rupert
Places to See
- Telkwa Museum
For those interested in history, the Telkwa Museum, which
is housed in the original 1920 school building, is an excellent
place to learn about the town’s heritage. Visitors can take a walking
tour through the old pioneer’s general store from 1910 as well as
the Grand Trunk Pacific Railroad Bridge.
- Tyhee Lake Provincial Park
Tyee Lake is situated in a beautiful aspen forest, adjacent
to Telkwa, and is a popular recreation, camping, swimming
and sunbathing spot. Showers and a group campsite are some
of the facilities provided
by the park. The sandy beaches are popular with young
and old alike. Adults can relax on the grassy slopes, play
volleyball and horseshoes, or watch
their children play on the adventure playground. There
are open and covered picnic areas to enjoy.
- Seeley Lake Provincial Park
The Hazelton Mountains form a beautiful backdrop for the
well maintained campsites at Seeley Lake Provincial Park. After
dinner,
fish for cutthroat or rainbow trout or simply canoe through
the marsh. Picnickers will enjoy the lakeside tables and large
variety
of birds.
- Driftwood Canyon Provincial Park
Driftwood Canyon is recognized as one of the world’s most
significant fossil beds and provides park users with a
fascinating opportunity
to understand the evolutionary processes of the areas geology
and biology. Driftwood Canyon Provincial Park is day use only.
- Babine Mountains
Provincial Park
Within the Skeena Mountains eco-system, this area offers
some of the finest hiking opportunities in west-central
British Columbia. Glacier-fed lakes, rugged peaks and extensive
sub-alpine meadows
provide day and overnight hiking opportunities. Area
habitat supports healthy populations of mountain goat, moose,
marmot and many species
of birds. Watch for black and grizzly bears that also
call this area
home.
- Narnia Farms
Narnia Farms is a certified organic herb farm with plantings
of common herbs for harvesting plus herb display gardens.
There is a dye garden, culinary herb garden and a tea garden that displays
medicinal tea herbs and their uses. Some of the products
include; jams, jellies, teas, honey, candles, soaps, mustards, and seasonings.
To get to Narnia Farms: Turn off Highway 16 onto the
Old Babine
Lake Rd just outside of Smithers, drive over a small bridge, then turn
left onto Snake Road. Continue on Snake Road until it
meets the Telkwa High Road. Turn left and drive for 3 kilometers
until you see
the sign on the left for Narnia Farms.
- Twin Falls & Glacier Gulch
Approximately 27 kilometers (17 mi) west of Telkwa follow
the large blue tourist signs marked Twin Falls/Glacier
Gulch to
a magnificent set of waterfalls and spectacular 2 km
wide gorge. From the parking
lot, follow a rocky path to a platform approximately
200 meters away. This platform is a great viewing area where
you
can see and
hear
the force of the waterfalls as they plunge 150 meters
from Kathlyn Glacier into the rocky bed below. For the adventurous,
hike past
the platform to the base of the falls where you will
experience
the force of the pounding white water and the cool, refreshing
spray. The force of the air at the base of the falls will
take your
breath
away, be prepared to get wet, and allow an additional
hour (return time) to hike from the platform to the base of
the falls.
Things To Do
- Fishing
There are 68 major rivers that flow through this vast area,
each offering its own brand of excellent fishing. All the Steelhead
and salmon must pass first through the mighty Skeena. Salmon over
41 kilograms (90 pounds) have been taken in the Skeena! If you prefer
to do lake fishing, the Telkwa area provides tranquil lakes that
are sources of endless pleasures. Nearby lakes provide magnificent
opportunities to catch fish like char, kokanee, cutthroat and rainbow
trout. The Babine Lake offers char that grow up to 20 pounds!
- Golfing
To enjoy a relaxing round of golf, take a short drive from
Telkwa to the Riverside Recreation Center, an 18 hole, Par 3 golf
course with a full service club house, driving range and well-equipped
rental shop. Other features of the Riverside golf course include,
a driving range, a RV Park, nature trails, and river fishing. After
a day in the sun, enjoy a cool drink on the open -air deck overlooking
the Bulkley River and Hudson Bay Mountain.
For those seeking a more challenging golf game, check out the
Smithers Golf and Country Club, just 13 km west of Telkwa. Established
over 65 years ago, this Club is one of the 18-hole championship courses
located between Prince Rupert and Prince George and features a driving
range, full service club house and pro-shop. If you are interesting
in taking golfing lessons link up with a friendly, professional golf
instructor on site.
- Hiking
On and around Tyhee Mountain, just east of the village are
the Tyhee Mountain hiking trails. Over 30 kilometers of
nicely rolling trails through some of the most beautiful
countryside there
is to offer, brings you to the tranquil McDowell Lake.
Take a pleasant walk around quiet, peaceful McDowell Lake.
- Paddling
With over 30 rapids, the Bulkley River Canyon is one of the
most exciting and scenic white water rafting trips in
British Columbia. During this challenging 33 kilometers of river, you will
experience
the thrill of the roller coaster waves of the “Hagwiligit Canyon” and
the thundering roar of “Feather-Bed”.
- Wildlife Viewing and Hunting
The Bulkley Valley and north to the Yukon border support an
abundant and diverse population of wildlife. Certified guides offer
world class wilderness adventures suited to virtually every taste
from; meat and trophy hunting, trail rides, and angling excursions,
to horseback expeditions, wildlife viewing and photo safaris. Moose
inhabit willow-rich river valleys, and sub-boreal timber areas.
Grizzly and black bear are numerous throughout this area. In fall,
they are found feeding in salmon streams. Stone Sheep are common
north of Telkwa in the mountainous terrain of the Stikine and Cassiar
Mountains. Mountain Caribou are also found in the high alpine tundra
and plateau country from Tweedsmuir Park to north of the 56 parallel.
Events
- Winterfest
Celebrate the great wintry outdoors at the Winterfest, with
dogsled races, wagon rides, snow sculptures, cross-country
candlelight skiing, and much more.
- Telkwa Demolition Derby and BBQ
Don't miss the Telkwa Demolition Derby and BBQ over the Labour
Day weekend. A large beef goes onto the pit to feed the crowds
that come for the frog races, the Demolition Derby, the tennis and the
ball tournaments.
Contact Information
Village of Telkwa Office
Box 220 Telkwa B.C., V0J 2X0
1704 Riverside St.
Phone: (250) 846-5212
Fax: (250) 846-9572
info@telkwa.com
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