Zorrino Lodge, Smithers

Zorrino

​Lodge

Canada

 The Area - Location and History

​Smithers, which has just celebrated its centenary, lies in the heart of the Bulkley Valley, and is about 600 miles north of Vancouver. At one time it was the divisional H.Q. for the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, the history of which can still be revisited at the Bulkley Valley Museum.

The main industries, besides tourism, are forestry and agriculture. It is literally a town for all seasons, with a ski season running from mid-November to the end of March, offering downhill, cross country and snowmobiling. The fall season is equally popular as it is prime time for fishing (steelhead and coho salmon) and hunting. Spring and Summer offer the opportunity to visit glaciers, national parks and to indulge in other popular sports including hiking, riding, trail walking, canoeing and kayaking. There are also two golf courses on the edge of town.

At the last census in 2001 the population was recorded at just below 4,500. This now stands at about 5,500. Aside from its spectacular setting and wide range of outdoor pursuits it is an extremely friendly town.  The community events throughout the year reflect a wide range of interests - annual carnivals, exhibitions, concerts, tournaments and festivals.

Climate

The mean summer temperature is 21°c, and winter average –5°c. 

Wildlife 

There is abundant wildlife in this part of British Columbia and it is often possible to see coyotes, bald eagles, moose, woodland caribou,elk and various species of deer. Bears, especially black, and moose frequent  the surrounding woods and down by Call Lake.  During the course of construction one of the sub- contractors left an apple pie out one evening. On returning to site the following day he found that the pie and plate had been eaten. You have been warned!

If you are driving along Highway 16, or one of the local roads, it is occasionally possible to spot one of shyer, and less-seen predators, such as wolf, pine marten, lynx, cougar or wolverine.