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North Coast, British Columbia

The North Coast is located by the North Pacific Ocean and covers the northern coastal areas of the province. Its easy access to outdoor pursuits, wildlife, relaxed lifestyle, and growing economy enhance the quality of life in this region. Historically, commercial fishing, logging, and mining have been very important to the North Coast economy. The area is home to mills, manufacturing facilities, and hydro projects and has become an emerging hot spot for cultural and ecotourism. It is ideally situated for wind and tidal power generation, and the nutrient-rich waters are an ideal location for shellfish aquaculture.

Prince Rupert Port and Mountain

Regional Advantages

Cargo ship in Prince Rupert.
DEEPEST HARBOUR IN NORTH AMERICA

The 14-mile harbour in Prince Rupert is the deepest harbour in North America and the third-deepest natural ice-free harbour in the world.

Shipping port and transportation
GATEWAY TO ASIA & BEYOND

Well developed rail, road and port infrastructure supports the movement of goods and services from British Columbia to North American and Asian markets.

Mine in BC
MINERAL RESOURCES

The “golden triangle” is home to some of the world’s largest and richest gold, silver and copper mineral deposits.

Skeena Industrial Development Park
AVAILABLE INDUSTRIAL LAND

The Skeena Industrial Development Park comprises 1,187 acres near Terrace’s regional airport to further strengthen the area as a hub for Northwest B.C.

COMMUNITIES

With a population of 59,000 people spread over nearly 20,000 square kilometers, the North Coast region offers space for a wide range of lifestyles. Key cities include Prince Rupert, a gateway for Asia-Pacific trade, and Terrace, a service hub in the region, which provide opportunities that attract industries, tourists, and businesses. Prince Rupert is a welcoming and affordable place, with state-of-the-art transportation, abundant natural resources, and countless business development opportunities related to port development. Terrace is well positioned to take advantage of the major developments in mining, green energy and LNG, making it the location of choice for established businesses and entrepreneurs. Find out more about economic opportunities in this region:

Economic Development Organizations

FIRST NATIONS

Commercial fishing, eco-tourism, forestry, natural gas and mining make up a large part of the regional economy.

Development corporations— owned collectively by aligned First Nations or by individual First Nations— are the primary vehicles by which First Nations pursue and advocate for sustainable economic development.

Economic Development Associations

Educational Institutions

The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is a research-intensive public university with a campus in Terrace.

Coast Mountain College is an accredited post-secondary institution that serves the rich and diverse communities and learners of B.C.’s beautiful Northwest region.

Connect With A Regional Expert

Regional experts can help familiarize you with the amenities, infrastructure, and opportunities in each region. They can introduce you to the economic development offices and industry associations that will support the integration of your business into the province.