The founder of Terrace, George Little, named the town after the Tshimshian nation’s name for the flat mountain ranges that surround the town like steps – “stairway to heaven”.
Many of the 11,000 or so locals, who call themselves Terracites, are friendly outdoors people, artists or musicians who love the way of life the town has to offer. Tourism is a major economic driver, and your Terrace tour guide will make you feel welcome in no time. There are restaurants and pubs aplenty where one can catch local musicians perform, in addition to shops, outfitters, services and large retailers in the town, drawing visitors and residents from nearby communities alike.
As always in Canada, the long summer days are celebrated to their full with parades, festivals and concerts. 10 day long Riverboat Days held at the beginning of August every year draw crowds from neighboring localities.  Salmon fishing on the Skeena River is popular, as is canoeing and kayaking.  The area is also perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. Winter brings in Fine powder skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing.  The Hot springs though, are open all year round.