Telkwa, British Columbia is a quaint village nestled along the British Columbia Highway 16. Situated approximately 15 kilometres southeast of Smithers and 350 kilometres west of Prince George, this charming village is a hidden gem in northwest British Columbia, Canada.
The history of Telkwa dates back to 1904 when the first settlement was established in a townsite known as Aldermere, located on the hill above Telkwa. Around 1907, settlers began to move downhill to be closer to water supplies and the anticipated route of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway. The name Telkwa is believed to be an Indigenous term for "meeting of the waters," aptly describing the confluence of the Bulkley and Telkwa Rivers in town.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Telkwa had a population of 1,474 living in 562 of its 584 total private dwellings. This represented a change of 11.1% from its 2016 population of 1,327. With a land area of 7.04 km2, Telkwa had a population density of 209.4/km2 in 2021.
Visitors to Telkwa can explore the town's history at the Telkwa Museum and on a tour of the historic former town site of Aldermere. The village hosts an annual barbecue and demolition derby on Labour Day weekend. Eddy Park, located right off the highway by the riverside, is a perfect spot for a picnic while watching the Bulkley River flow by.
Fort Telkwa Riverfront Accommodations & RV Campground, located just south of Telkwa on Highway 16, stretches over a quarter mile along the Bulkley River, a spot world-renowned for its Steelhead fishing. The town also boasts a full-service gas station, a convenience store and restaurant, a building supply store, and a bar with cold wine and beer. A fish truck can be found on the bank of the Bulkley River at the end of Hankin Avenue.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the four trails in the area: The Hunter Basin Road (8 km), Winfield Creek Road Trail (12.5 km), McDowell Lake Trail (10.5 km), and Telkwa Pass Trail (51 km). Tyhee Lake and Campground, located 2.6 kilometers northeast of Telkwa, offers swimming, boating, biking, camping, and excellent trout fishing. Tyhee Lake Provincial Park features 59 campsites, 2 double sites, and 4 tent sites.
Telkwa is easily accessible by train, with Via Rail's Jasper – Prince Rupert train stopping at the Telkwa railway station several times per week.
