Ferry Island Campground
Ferry Island is close to town and is easily accessible. Come for the night, or to walk the peaceful trail.
Ferry Island Carving Photo: G.Gourlay
Located at the eastern entrance to Terrace between the two bridges, this island in the Skeena River is home to a municipal campground and parkland that is well used by both visitors and locals. During the winter, if there is enough snow, the locals use the trails for snow-shoeing or cross country skiing. During the rest of the year (or if there is no snow) the trails are used for hiking, biking, jogging, dog-walking, exploration, etc.
The campground has 103 shaded campsites, 25 of those with electrical hook-ups, all with picnic tables and fire pits. There is drinking water, a washroom facility that includes coin-operated showers, two covered picnic shelters and trails leading from the campsites to the rest of the 170 acre island. Caretakers remain onsite overnight to ensure that sites are stocked with firewood. It is open from early May until the end of September and reservations are welcome.
It once served as a landing for sternwheelers and riverboats. Ferries used to operate from both sides of the island; one to Thornhill and the other to Terrace. There is some historical information on the registration board.
A short stroll to one of the best fishing bars in the Northwest. The Skeena River requires the proper fishing licenses and permits so please check with local sporting goods stores.
The walking trails follow the perimeter of the island (2.8 km) or you can cut the hike short at the half-way point and do only 1.6 km. Rick Goyette, a self-taught local artist, has carved unique faces and other characters in the bark of the cottonwood trees. There are rumoured to be over 55 carvings and it is always fun to see how many you can find. Most of the trails are wheelchair accessible.
Close to downtown, Ferry Island is a great place to park you tent and/or RV and explore and shop, if that is your desire. There’s Wal-Mart just across the bridge, Skeena Mall, strip malls and boutiques for shopping, Canadian Tire at the west end of town, Rona Building Supplies, sporting goods stores, a climbing wall, gift shops and so much more.
For reservations or more information please call 250-615-2652.
