Get to Know
Terrace
Named for the way the land on which it sits rises from the river, Terrace is the undeniable heart of Northwest BC. A gateway and home to some of the best outdoor adventures in the province and a hub for the region.
12,017
Population (2021 census)
57 km²
Area
512,059
Avg. Housing Price (2024)
Humid Continental
Climate
Terrace, BC
Located on the banks of the majestic Skeena River and nestled amidst towering mountains, Terrace is truly unique. Renowned as one of the rare habitats of the elusive Kermode bear, also known as the Spirit bear, Terrace offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage that is unparalleled.
Terrace experiences significantly lower rainfall compared to other communities in the region, making its climate akin to that of Vancouver. This unique weather pattern adds to the allure of Terrace as a homebase in Northwest BC.
Terrace is on the traditional territory of the Kitselas and Kitsumkalum people, both Tsimshian tribes with deep roots in the region spanning millennia. Their rich cultural heritage is woven into the fabric of Terrace, contributing to its vibrant community and sense of place.
Opportunity
Incorporated in 1927, Terrace has one of the more diverse economies in Northwest BC and serves as the region’s retail and service hub. Would you believe that employers across various industries face challenges finding employees and there’s a need for businesses of all types?
There’s plenty of opportunity for entrepreneurs and trained professionals such as lawyers, accountants, company executives and specialized workers and also for those in the service industry. The community is working to attract families or couples who have a vested interest in the community and the region.
Terrace’s bylaws are welcoming to new businesses and its fibre internet and logistical infrastructure are attractive features to companies looking to set up shop.
This northern hub has a young population and is full of prospects! What are you waiting for?
Lifestyle
Terrace boasts a pretty young population as almost 40 per cent are under 45. Surrounded by mountains and located along the second largest river in the province – skiing, golfing, angling, and mountain biking are regular after-work activities accessible within minutes. Naturally, Terrace has a culture of active living.
In fact! Think North Shore mountain biking is sweet? Terrace’s trails are amazing, thanks to its close-knit community of trail-building volunteers.
The city also has a vibrant cultural scene and amazing public art including beautiful murals that pay homage to the region’s culture and sculptures with several more in the works.
Amenities
Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat (YXT) is the region’s main airport and is located in Terrace. What’s more, the municipality has plans to begin a beautification project to improve downtown sidewalks, awnings and gathering spaces along Main street.
A brand new, state-of-the-art hospital is set to open in Terrace in November 2024, to address current and future patient care needs in Northwest BC. More than double the size of the existing facility, the new hospital will be a centre for trauma services, orthopaedic surgeries, pathology, radiology, and pharmacy services. The hospital will also be a training site for medical students in the Northern Medical Program. Follow the progress of the project here.
Terrace also has the largest farmers market in Northern BC, some awesome local eateries, and both unique boutiques and modern retail businesses. And while many places in B.C. can see mountains in the background in one direction or another – not many craft breweries in the province have direct mountain views from their patio!
Shames Mountain, also located in Terrace, is the region’s hidden gem with its world-class, family-oriented skiing and is surrounded by over 8,700 acres of direct-access backcountry just past the ski area’s boundaries.
Learn more about Terrace here.
I love living in Terrace and can drive anywhere in town in a few minutes. Local ski hill is a half hour drive. I can ride my mountain bike from my driveway to all the best trails in minutes. Terrace has everything I need. Shopping, health care, education, recreation, an excellent airport, fast and reliable internet, and all the lakes, rivers and mountains I could ever want. I moved here over 16 years ago from a busier BC city and I might never leave Terrace!
Sam Harling, Investment Advisor - CBIG (Canadian Benefits Investment & Insurance Group)
Learn More About
Terrace:
Key Industries
- Forestry
- Mining
- Construction
- Healthcare
Key Attractions
- Winter sports
- Fishing
- Shopping
- Mountain biking
Indigenous Territory
- Ts’msyen La̱xyuup (Tsimshian First Nations), specifically the Kitselas and Kitsumkalum Bands
Key Geography
- Habitat of the Kermode Bear (Spirit Bear)
