The Nass Valley

If you're planning on heading up to Terrace, and are looking for one of the most unique and scenic landscapes infused with the glow of a rich culture and history, then budget some time to head up north to the Nass Valley.

Heading east out of Terrace on Highway 16 towards Prince Rupert, you take a right hand turn off the Highway and head up Kalum Lake Road (the Nisga'a Highway).  Following this road out of Terrace, you will be promptly greeted by a scenic view of Kalum Lake and some beautiful forests on the opposing side of the road. 

Follow this road further north to the district of Rosswood, about 45 minutes out of Terrace.  Right on the entrance of Rosswood, there is a pull off from the highway featuring the locally infamous sight known as "The Peeing Tree".  It is an old Cottonwood that a local has rigged up a pipe system through the ground to make it appear as though the tree is peeing. The water is some of the coldest and freshest water you will taste!

The Peeing Tree

Following the road through Rosswood and a few kilometers past it, you will find Lava Lake on the left hand side of the road.  This Lake actually used to be a river that followed the highway. The lava flow actually acted as a natural dam to the river and turned into a long lake with a really unique look.  From here, the landscape will transition into the rich forest into the dry lava rock that has come to shape the land both culturally and physically. 

If you choose to, you can even plan a hike up to the volcano cone with Steve Johnson's Nass Valley Tours.  He, or one of his guides, will take you on the scenic (and brisk) hike up to the lava bed cone.  You can contact Nass Valley Tours at www.nassvalleytours.com or call toll free at 1-855-5nvtours(568-8687).

Past this, you will come to several different trails heading out to either Beaupre Falls or Vetter Valls.  Both waterfalls are extremely gorgeous year round, and offer a scenic photo-taking opportunity.

The Flooded Vetter Falls.

There is a bed and breakfast off the highway past Vedder Falls called The Vetter Falls Bed and Breakfast. You can contact them or see their rates at http://www.vetter-falls-lodge.com/en/home.htm or call 1-877-917-1177. 

Continuing on, you will come to an intersection offering a right hand turn to Aiyansh and the Nass Camp, or a left hand turn heading up to Greenville and further, Gingolx.  Both of these stops are completely recommended and offer some really neat sites.  Aiyansh is home to the meeting place of the 4 tribes of the Nisga'a nation, an 8 million dollar governemnt building designed as a modern long house. 

The Nisga'a Nation Government Building

Taking the left will take you to the brand new 15 million dollar museum in Greenville. This is the absolute-must-stop location of the Nass as it holds all the artifacts of the Nisga'a history under one roof.  They are open 9 to 5 all 7 days of the week .

The Nisga'a Musuem in Greenville

Further down this road is Gingolx, a crab/fishing village set right on the ocean.  The drive along the ocean inlet is absolutely gorgeous scene in and of itself, not to mention getting to the quaint village at the end.

For more information or a more personal account of this trip, click here for Darrin's blog on his trip up the Nass!