Recreational Opportunities in the Kitimat Area

The Kitimat Valley area includes rustic campsites, rock climbing and a number of hiking trails that range from easy family walks to difficult routes into alpine areas.  All sites and trailheads are accessible by 2 wheel drive vehicles unless otherwise noted.

Map of Sites & Trails in the Kitimat Area
- 909kb 8.5X11" May 25, 2007

A Guide to Trails & Recreation in the Kitimat Area
- 1,478kb Brochure 2007

Robinson Lake Trail

Access: From the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce building on Highway 37, head east along Forestry Avenue and the South Hirsch Forest Service road for about 1.9 km. Turn right on the Wathl Mainline and head south for about 3.5 km to the trailhead. Parking is available just past the trailhead sign on the left side of the road.
Trail description: A moderate 4 km trail that leads through coastal old growth forest past a series of small lakes to Robinson Lake. A small rustic picnic area is located along the lakeshore. Expect a return trip to take 5-7 hours.
Caution: Trail may be extremely wet over the last 1.5 kmTop

Mount Elizabeth Trail

Access: Drive north from the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce building along Highway 37 for approximately 7.5 km. Turn right just south from where the Hydro transmission lines cross the Highway and follow the North Hirsch Mainline for 13.5 km. Turn left off the North Hirsch Mainline onto a rough, narrow 4WD road, continue up the road for 2.5 km to the trailhead.
Trail description: A difficult 6 km trail to that offers good views of Kitimat and the Douglas Channel. Allow 2 to 2.5 hours to reach the first viewpoint, 3.5 to 4.5 hours to reach Little Elizabeth Peak and 5 to 6 hours to reach the main summit.  The trail to the peak takes 9 to 12 hours return (from trailhead).
Caution: This trail is very difficult beyond the first viewpoint and is only recommended for experienced hikersTop in good weather conditions.

Mount Claque Trail

Access: From the Kitimat Service Centre head north along Enterprise Avenue until you reach the Wedeene Forest Service Road. Continue north along the road for approximately 1 km, then turn left and follow the side road for approximately 2 km to the trailhead.
Trail description: A difficult 6 km trail that leads to alpine on the west side of the Kitimat Valley, with a return time of 8 to 10 hours. A side route takes you to a small cabin maintained by the Kitimat Snowmobile Club. There are excellent views of the Kitimat Valley and Douglas Channel from alpine. The cabin has a registration book that you are welcome to sign.Top

Enso Recreation Site

Access: From the Kitimat Service Centre head north along Enterprise Avenue until you reach the Wedeene Forest Service Road. Continue north along the mainline for approximately 14.5 km. The site is located on the right just before Raley Creek.
Site Description: A small, six unit camp site located near the junction of the Wedeene River and Raley Creek.Top

Onion Lake Cross Country Ski Trails

Access: The trailhead is located 29 km north of Kitimat where the Wedeene Forest Service Road meets Highway 37.
Trail Description: 23 km of cross country ski trails used during the summer for mountain biking and horse back riding. Excellent views of Lakelse Lake and  the valley from viewpoints along the Moose Highway trail. The site is maintained and managed by the Snow Valley Nordic Ski Club. There are 5km of lighted trails for night skiing.
Note: A fee is charged for cross country skiing. Contact the Snow Valley Nordic Ski Club for more details.

Snow Valley Nordic Ski Club PageTop

Clearwater Lakes Trail

Access: The trailhead is located 31 km north of Kitimat on Highway 37 next to Onion Lake.
Trail description: An easy hike along a 6 km trail that begins at Onion Lake. The trail runs through an old growth reserve which encompasses Onion, Big Clearwater and Little Clearwater Lakes. A side trail leads to a viewpoint overlooking Lakelse Lake and the valley to the north. A small day use area is located at Onion Lake.

Map of the Clearwater Lakes TrailTop
- 3,497kb Jun 10, 2008

Onion Lake Recreation Site

Access: Located 31 km north of Kitimat along Highway 37 at the start of the Clearwater Lakes Trail.
Site Description: A small day use site with picnicking facilities and fishing opportunities.Top

Chist Creek Recreation Site

Access: Turn east off of Highway 37 across from the Onion Lake Ski Trails onto the North Kitimat Forest Service Road, 29 km north of Kitimat. Follow the road for approximately 2 km and turn left. Keep to the left at the next intersection and continue along for approximately 1 km. At the next main intersection, turn right and go another .6 km to the site.
Site description: The site features a number of excellent rock climbing and bouldering opportunities. A small site with three camping spots and a day use area is adjacent to the climbing areas. The site is user maintained.Top

West Lake Recreation Site

Access: Turn west off Highway 37 at the Onion Lake Ski Trails 29 km north of Kitimat. Follow the Wedeene Forest Service Road for approximately 5 km. Turn right onto the Lakelse Main Forest Service Road and follow for another 4 km. Turn left and follow the road for 2 km to the site.
Site description: A small rustic site with 2 camping spots next to West Lake.Top

Upper Kitimat Recreation Site

Access: Turn east off of Highway 37 across from the Onion Lake Ski Trails onto the North Kitimat Forest Service Road, 29 km north of Kitimat. Follow the road for approximately 8 km. The site is located on the far side of the Upper Kitimat River bridge.
Site Description: A small, rustic, five unit site next to the Kitimat River.Top

North Cove Trail and Recreation Site

Access: From Kitimat head south past the Alcan Smelter , turn right on the Bish Forest Service Road and drive south for about 8 km.  Directional signs are located about 1 km before the parking area at the trailhead. From the parking area it's another 1 km hike to the recreation site.
Site and Trail Description:  An easy to moderate 1 km trail that starts in a replanted cut block and ends in old growth coastal rain forest on the shores of Douglas Channel.  This small rustic site has 3 tables, firepits and an outhouse.  From the beach, a short walk to a rocky outcrop gives further views of the Douglas Channel and Kitimat area. The site is walk in or boat access only.

Google Earth Placemark of the North Cove Trail and Recreation Site
- 13kb Feb 10, 2009Top

Robinson Ridge Snowmobiling Trail

Access: From the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce office located on Highway 37, head east along Forestry Avenue and the South Hirsch forestry road for approximately 7.5 km. Turn right onto Branch 100 and go another 4 km to the trailhead. Road access from Forestry Avenue to the trailhead is dependent on snow conditions.  Sections of the road are rough and require 4WD.
Trail description: From the end of the road this 3 km trail climbs steeply up the west side of the ridge through heavy timber and into the sub-alpine. The trail continues south along the ridge to a rustic cabin maintained by the Kitimat Snowmobile Club. The trail provides excellent views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The cabin has a registration book that you are welcome to sign.
Caution: This trail is not recommended for beginner or intermediate snowmobilers, because the trail is primarily a winter route, summer hikers will encounter very wet and steep sections.

Map of the Robinson Ridge Trail
- 254kb Jun 4, 2007Top