Smithers: Trails, Art and the Fall Fair

Smithers offers several attractions for different travel interests: a scenic loop trail, a shorter trail through a wetland, visual arts and an annual four-day exhibition with a fair program. For planning, it is especially useful to compare the two loop trails. Seasonal art activities and the changing dates of the Fall Fair are also worth considering.

Trails in Smithers: Perimeter Trail and Willowvale Wetlands

The Perimeter Trail Network is a scenic, 13-kilometre loop trail in Smithers. It can be used for walking, cycling and other forms of wheeled travel. The trail therefore combines a clearly stated route length with several ways to travel along it. Scenic viewpoints with benches complement the trail network; the Perimeter Trail also passes through local parks with restrooms, picnic tables and opportunities for a variety of recreational activities.

The Willowvale Wetlands Loop Trail offers a different kind of route: it is short, flat and passes through a wetland. The two loops therefore have different features. At 13 kilometres, the Perimeter Trail is the longer of the two routes described and accommodates different forms of travel. Willowvale is characterized as a short, flat loop through a specific landscape.

Wetland and Birdlife at Willowvale Wetlands

The wetland at Willowvale Wetlands is a habitat for waterfowl, songbirds and seasonal migratory birds. A total of 117 bird species have been recorded there; the municipality cites eBird records as the source for this figure. The number of recorded species may change over time. The short, flat Loop Trail passes through this wetland, giving it a clear connection to nature among the trails in Smithers. If you want to focus particularly on the landscape and birdlife during an outing, this trail offers a different focus from the longer Perimeter Trail loop.

Smithers Art Gallery: Art from the Region and Beyond

The Smithers Art Gallery is a community gallery focused on visual arts. It predominantly exhibits works by artists from the region, British Columbia and other parts of Canada. Its mix of exhibitions brings together local and regional perspectives with art from other parts of the province and country. As the specific selection may change, the current exhibition program is the best reference when planning a visit.

The art activities also cater to different groups. The program includes art camps, free summer art activities for children, and workshops for adults, older teens and experienced artists. The summer activities for children are seasonal; workshops are organized for the age and experience groups listed. If art is to be an important part of your trip, you can treat the exhibitions and activities as a distinct focus and check the current program in advance.

Bulkley Valley Exhibition & Fall Fair

The Bulkley Valley Exhibition & Fall Fair is an annual four-day event held at the Smithers Fall Fair Grounds. Its program includes rodeo, live music and entertainment, rides and games, agricultural exhibits, and a parade. The Fall Fair is therefore different from a visit to the Art Gallery or a walk through a park or wetland: it brings together several program elements at a named event venue.

If you want to plan your trip around the Fall Fair, check the dates and program before making plans. The event takes place annually, while individual dates and program items may vary. This distinguishes the event from the trails and gallery described as available year-round, without assuming that a particular activity or program item will be offered on specific travel dates.

Smithers offers several specific options for choosing the focus of an outing: the longer, versatile loop on the Perimeter Trail, the short, flat trail through the Willowvale wetland, visual art at the community gallery, or the annual Fall Fair. Which of these options suits your stay depends on whether you mainly want to spend time outdoors, visit a gallery or plan around an event.

For the broader travel overview: Bulkley-Nechako.