The Demonstration Forest is on the northwest corner of town. This intricate network of hiking trails offers users a close look at British Columbia’s beautiful boreal views.

The hiking trails have little elevation gain and are suitable for all ages and skill levels. Hikers can explore four main routes, each titled in the traditional language of the areas First Nations people, the Dene.

The Golotenneh (Moose), Medzihtenneh (Caribou), Nodatenneh (Lynx) and Sahtenneh (Bear), trailheads leave from the parking lot kiosk. You can find most of Canada’s boreal forest trees here, including trembling and large-toothed aspen, cottonwood, white birch, balsam spruce, black spruce, and lodgepole pine.

Wildflower blooms are at their peak in early July, and the chance to see wildlife such as deer or lynx is always possible.

Photo: Google Street View

For those interested in nature and unique ecosystems, the Goguka Creek Protected area is situated in the northern muskeg and showcases a beautiful north bog ecosystem.

Stunted black spruce and water-hardy vegetation comprise this remote protected area, providing ideal habitat for moose and black bears. Upon a glance, rare plants such as the pitcher Plant (Sarracenia purpurea), named after the plants’ unusual leaf shape and capacity to hold water and the wild calla lily (Calla palustris) are found within this rare habitat.

In summer, the area is wet and boggy and thick with mosquitoes. The dense vegetation combined with the high water table makes walking almost impossible and dangerous. These factors, combined with the sensitive vegetation, make this area unattractive for any type of summer recreation. There are also no facilities and no developed trails.

Photo: Google Maps