Living and working in Northern B.C.

Experience all four seasons right in your backyard! Northern B.C. offers incredible recreation opportunities year-round.

Outdoor winter sports focus on skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing and snowmobiling; while in the summer, hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding and some of the best fishing in the world are all on the list of great recreational pursuits.

Northern B.C. has a rich history that shows itself in community events, the arts and a wide variety of festivals. First Nations culture, as well as theatre, dance, music and visual arts with roots from all over the world play a part in the North's thriving arts scene.

Community-minded festivals such as Kitimat's multicultural Canada Day celebrations, the Bulkley Valley Fall Fair in Smithers and the Edge of the World Music Festival on Haida Gwaii, as well as many other festivals throughout the year delight visitors and locals alike.

The active and engaged people in B.C.'s north have likewise built active and engaged communities. Community groups and organizations bring together people passionate about a cause, subject, or activity.

From environmental and social justice groups to co-operatives of craftspeople and artisans, from cultural and ethnic societies and clubs to just about every type of sports league imaginable and from social clubs for seniors and youth groups to community volunteer groups, you'll find northern communities are lively and energetic places that are seldom short of enthusiastic people.

Working in smaller communities often allows you to take on a less specialized role than in larger centers, providing you with opportunities to experience a broader scope within your work.

Future projections for career advancement are excellent. More than a third of our employees are eligible to retire in the next few years, which means skilled, dedicated people will be well-positioned to advance quickly and be active in directing their careers.

While the cost and availability of housing varies widely throughout the province, you'll find that many communities in Northern B.C. have affordable housing, with rents and housing prices far below those of many southern B.C. municipalities.

Depending on the community you choose, you may be able to stretch your dollars farther in terms of housing costs and you may also be able to stretch out in a larger home and yard. Additionally, residents of some communities may qualify for a Revenue Canada northern living allowance.

Small-town life doesn't mean you have to sacrifice urban amenities. Many northern communities are home to cafes, restaurants, theatres, recreation centers and unique shops that rival those in larger communities. And, there's almost always free parking!

With a laid-back approach to life, you can all but forget about traffic jams or road rage in B.C.'s northern communities. Enjoy a shorter commute and a close-knit community where you can spend more time with your family and get to know your neighbours.

100 Mile House is large enough to offer every service you may need, but small enough to offer a friendly, welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. Horseback riding, fishing, and snowmobiling are a way of life.

A small town that provides services to surrounding communities in a region of rolling hills, lakes and farmlands, some of which reach far into the back country, Alexis Creek has a little bit of everything.

Barkerville, a historic gold rush townsite, is a thriving community and popular year-round tourist destination. With the cozy mining town of Wells just a short distance away, this is historic B.C. at its finest.

This community features all types of water sports, year-round fishing, and powder skiing at Mount Timothy. Positioned on the Gold Rush Trail between 100 Mile House and Williams Lake, Lac La Hache is both historic and modern.

With a population of 5,500, Mackenzie is a town proud of its forestry heritage. There are plenty of indoor recreation opportunities at the local recreation center and Morfee Lake offers outdoor watersports and a sandy beach just minutes from downtown.

A community with about 2,500 people, McBride features low-cost real estate, versatile outdoor recreation and residents who work hard and play even harder.

McBride is only 30 kilometers from the Robson Valley Music Festival, a grassroots, multi-genre summer festival that draws close to 1,000 people and features international artists.

Known as B.C.'s northern capital, Prince George is a bustling city with a population of over 70,000. A thriving arts and culture scene, big city community services and amenities, as well as the main University of Northern B.C. campus are just a few of the attractions in Prince George.

Quesnel lays claim to being one of B.C.'s sunniest locations. Housing is considered to be affordable and the town works hard to maintain its sense of history and sustain its environment.

The south-central campus of the University of Northern B.C. is situated here. Quesnel has a town population of 9,900 and a surrounding service area population of over 23,000.

With a population nearing 2,000, the Village of Valemount is an international heli-skiing and snowmobiling destination.

The College of New Caledonia runs its outdoor recreation and ecotourism program here with the Rocky Mountains right at their doorstep.

Home to approximately 14,000 people, Williams Lake is the stampede capital of B.C. with its world-famous Williams Lake Stampede.

A diversified economic base and a unique blend of sophistication and western frontier character help make this the fastest growing community in the Cariboo region. Learn more about Williams Lake (PDF, 572KB).

Small, isolated, and beautiful, Atlin is set on the shores of Atlin Lake, headwater of the Yukon River. Mining and tourism are the backbone of the local economy in Atlin, which has strong ties to the Gold Rush.

Burns Lake has a diverse population of 3,614 residents and serves a surrounding area of approximately 10,000 residents of the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako.

The village is located at the heart of the Lakes District in the center of the province, an area boasting 4,828km/3,000mi of lake shoreline.

A small community located just a few hours south of the Yukon border, Dease Lake is a local service center for people living and traveling in this part of the province. A great place for outdoor recreation lovers, Dease Lake is well situated near some of British Columbia's best wilderness parks.

Year-round, four-season activities and historic sites all complement Fort St. James' established forestry industry. A culturally diverse town with a regional population of 4,700, Fort St. James is on the shores of Stuart Lake and is home to many festivals and events throughout the year.

Houston is a key service and supply center between Prince Rupert and Prince George. Its population of 3,700 lives 'Where the Welcome is Warm and the Wilderness Beckons.'

Superior steelhead fishing has made Houston a popular destination for anglers.

Waterfalls, a concert hall, a great recreation center, a spectacular downhill ski resort and an active regional airport make this town of 6,000 a vibrant place to live. With quick access to the backcountry and a smattering of urban pursuits, Smithers has something for everyone. Learn more about Smithers (PDF, 711KB).

Vanderhoof is one of few B.C. communities located far from any mountains, allowing the population of 4,000 to enjoy a wide expanse of sky.

Vanderhoof's main industries are ranching, agriculture, forestry, and tourism. Golf and horseback riding are just a few of the activities that take place on this plateau located at the geographical center of B.C.

Located in B.C.'s Peace River Country, Chetwynd has a population of approximately 3,100 people. A fantastic recreation complex that includes a wave pool and six ice rinks, plus a wealth of four-season outdoor activities make Chetwynd a great place for living

Dawson Creek is a thriving community of 12,500 with a diverse economy relying on agriculture, oil and gas, forestry, and tourism. Best known as the Alaska Highway Mile '0' site, Dawson Creek has many opportunities for outdoor recreation, including skiing, fishing, and hiking. Learn more about Dawson Creek (PDF, 539KB).

The City of Fort St. John is the center of the oil and gas industry in B.C. A vibrant community of 19,000 people, including many families with young children, Fort St. John has all the amenities that you would expect, including an airport and the University of Northern BC campus.

It has unique geography in B.C. with gently rolling plains that are excellent for year-round outdoor recreation. Learn more about Fort St. John (PDF, 311KB).

Fort Nelson is a welcoming community that takes northern hospitality seriously. The economy is based on lumber and natural gas resources with an increasing emphasis on transportation and tourism.

With a population of almost 5,000, the Fort Nelson area is well known for river sports and wildlife viewing, with great cross-country skiing in winter.

Home of the 'Ksan Historical Village and Museum, the Kispiox Music Festival and other established and well-loved local events, Hazelton is teeming with pioneer history and a rich cultural heritage.

Community facilities include an ice rink and skate-bike park. Rafting, canoeing and other outdoor recreation are easily found in this area.

Kitimat offers a balanced quality of life in this close-knit and multicultural community. Housing is affordable and the town has many amenities you might expect in a larger center.

Catch a show at the Mount Elizabeth Theatre, fish the Douglas Channel, hike Mount Elizabeth or relax at the newly renovated Sam Lindsay Aquatic Centre.

With a population of approximately 13,000, Prince Rupert's excellent sport fishing, exceptional wildlife viewing and extensive outdoor activity options make this seaside community an ideal choice for adventurous lifestyles and more laid-back ones alike.

Economic activity includes a deep seaport, cruise ship terminal and an airport in this multicultural city.

Stewart is a unique border town, situated at the tip of the Alaska Panhandle, supported by the forestry and mining industries.

Tourism and the role of Canada's most northerly ice-free port are also advantages to the Stewart economy. Ocean and freshwater fishing, snowmobiling, the rodeo and hiking are just some of the activities that Stewart has to offer.

Terrace has a moderate climate, affordable housing and diversified healthcare and education options, including a University of Northern B.C. campus.

With a population of 18,500 in the greater area, it's the economic hub for Northwestern B.C. Terrace is surrounded by natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Learn more about Terrace (PDF, 760KB).

Tlell is a small ranching community on Haida Gwaii (previously known as the Queen Charlotte Islands). It's situated on beautiful long stretches of beach that are perfect for long walks and beachcombing. Tlell is also known as the heart of the Islands' arts community.

The Village of Daajing Giids is located between the sea and the mountains of Haida Gwaii (previously known as the Queen Charlotte Islands).

This is a remarkable setting for outdoor life experiences within a unique community of loggers, artists, fishermen and more.