Smithers City Guide

Local food uses regional ingredients like wild game. International options are limited but include Asian and Italian. Vegan and vegetarian options are available but limited. Most places close by 9 or 10 PM.

Nightlife is quiet with a few pubs and restaurants open in the evenings.

A few independent cafes serve good coffee, some third-wave style. Focus on cozy community spots.

Tipping follows Canadian norms: 15-20% in restaurants, 10-15% for taxis, and 15-20% for services.

Buy SIMs at Telus, Bell, or Rogers stores. Good coverage. ID needed for post-paid plans, pre-paid is easier. eSIMs becoming common.

The town is generally clean with regular waste pickup and recycling.

Limited 24/7 services. Some gas stations or convenience stores open late but no 24/7 pharmacies or clinics.

Main supermarkets are Safeway and Buy-Low Foods. Some fresh local markets in summer. Stores mostly open 8 AM to 9 PM daily, shorter hours on holidays.

Most places accept credit and debit cards. A few small shops might prefer cash but it's rare.

Major banks like RBC, CIBC, TD, and Scotiabank have ATMs. Non-bank cards are charged about CAD $2-$3.50 per use.

Local schools teach in English. Notable ones include Smithers Secondary and Walnut Park Elementary. Contact schools directly for enrollment info.

Small nomad presence with limited meetups or co-living. Cafes and libraries support remote work.

Many parks and riverside spaces that are good for walking and running.

Good running routes along the Bulkley River and parks. Generally safe and scenic.

Includes a fitness center, pool, and ice rink. Sports leagues for hockey and soccer exist.

Public tennis courts available, usually first-come first-served with no rentals.

Padel courts are not available.

Yoga studios like The Yoga Loft offer various classes with English-speaking teachers.

Limited dojos but some local clubs offer karate and taekwondo. English-speaking instructors available.

Hudson Bay Mountain Resort nearby with good powder snow. Mixed terrain for all skill levels. Rentals available.

Kayaking and paddleboarding available on local lakes and rivers. Rentals and guided tours are limited and mostly seasonal.

No surfing; Smithers is far from the ocean.

No diving opportunities since Smithers is inland.

Bulkley Valley District Hospital and local clinics offer good basic care with English-speaking staff. Pharmacies like Shoppers Drug Mart offer OTC meds and advice.

Tap water is safe to drink in Smithers.

Parks and playgrounds are common, plus kid-friendly cafes. The community center has a pool and ice rink. Outdoor activities nearby suit families.

Generally accepting with inclusive public spaces and occasional local pride events. Legal protections apply.

Pet-friendly town with vets, some pet-friendly accommodations, and many dog walking trails.