Sometimes you just need to get away — and wake up to a view that stops you in your tracks.
We’re talking the kind of camping where mountains frame the horizon, the water shimmers in the sunlight, and the night sky is so clear you can pick out constellations without trying.
Lucky for us, Terrace is surrounded by gorgeous campgrounds each with something special that makes it unique. From turquoise lakes to easy access to waterfalls, here’s a roundup of the most beautiful places to pitch your tent.
Furlong Bay Campground at Lakelse Lake Provincial Park
A classic for a reason. Perched on Lakelse Lake, this stunning provincial park boasts a long sandy beach, sparkling water, and mountain silhouettes on the horizon. Spacious campsites are tucked among the cedar and spruce trees, with trails weaving through the campground. (Don’t miss the Twin Spruce Trail! It’s accessible and offers great photo ops)
The park’s visitor centre offers kayak and paddleboard rentals, local art at the visitor centre, fresh coffee in the morning and an ice cream shack making this a summer dream. The swimming area is roped off, the sunsets are unbeatable, the boat launch is perfectly places and on sunny days, the location is unbeatable.
Local tip:
Bring your canoe and paddle out at sunrise. This is when the water is the most still, and the light reflecting off the lake is unbeatable.
Hart Farm Forest Recreation Site
You won’t find this one in a lot of guidebooks. Located up the Kitsukalum Forest Service Road about 21 km, this forest service site sits on the south end of breathtaking Kalum Lake – a turquoise-coloured, glacier-fed lake.
The large sandy communal beach is a stunner on sunny days, and the lake’s glassy surface is perfect for canoeing, paddle boarding, and fishing. Hart Farm offers sweeping mountain views, forested walking trails, and wide-open skies that sparkle with stars at night.
Local tip:
Make sure to pack all your essentials – food, water, some extra firewood and all your gear. Once you reach this spectacular campsite, you won’t want to leave!
Exstew Forest Service Site
Just off Highway 16 mid-way between Terrace and Prince Rupert you’ll find the Exstew Forest Service Site. It greets you with ancient trees, mossy forest floors, and rocky riverbanks framed by towering mountain faces.
The river offers incredible fishing and a picture-perfect place to set up camp. But the showstopper here is the Exstew waterfall. An easy hike gets you to the lower falls, and a short punchy hike further up the trail leads to the extraordinary upper falls. Campsites are simple, but the views? Absolutely massive.
Local tip:
Expect to get a little damp when you hike up to the upper waterfall – the spray from the falls greets you as you crest the hill, pack a light rain jacket to keep dry.
Kleanza Creek Provincial Park
If you are looking for an easy-to-access campsite that feels like a million miles away, Kleanza Creek Provincial Park is located right off highway 16 about 10 km east of Terrace. Kleanza has that misty, rainforest energy that feels straight out of a storybook.
Old-growth trees, rushing canyon waters, and dappled sunlight make this spot irresistible for photographers. Locals love it for weddings and family photos, thanks to the creek and falls that create a breathtaking natural stage. Whether you’re camping overnight or just day-tripping, you’ll this is a great little getaway with several campsites, picnic tables and spectacular surroundings.
Local tip:
There’s an winding, uphill trail that takes you to the top of the canyon and gives you a great view of the falls below. It’s not a long walk upwards, but worth the view for sure.
Ferry Island
Yes, it’s right in town. Yes, it’s beside the highway. But Ferry Island surprises with riverside views and a magical forest trail system dotted with hidden carved faces, whimsical benches, and metal sculptures.
This municipal campsite offers accessible walking trails, a shower facility, both powered campsites for RVs and tent sites for camping off grid. A great spot for families, Ferry Island also boasts a kids’ playground, a pond at the south end where kids love to catch tadpoles and sandy beaches to relax on near the river.
And if you are an angler, the mighty Skeena River, teeming with salmon, is right at your doorstep. It’s a perfect “stay-close” spot that still delivers on beauty — plus, you can grab breakfast in town without breaking camp.
Local tip:
Traveling with your fur babies? You’re in luck – the south end of Ferry Island includes and off-leash area where you can walk the dogs.
In Terrace, the most beautiful campsites aren’t just places to sleep — they’re destinations in themselves. Pack your camera, your favourite hoodie, and a some marshmallows to roast over a campfire There’s a view worth waking up for just around the corner.
Blog by Tourism Terrace
