More than 120 chainsaw carvings now stand in various parts of Chetwynd. The collection may grow or change as works are added or moved. Use a map to stroll through town and explore handcrafted carvings featuring Indigenous animals, local scenes and other subjects for photos. Some works are outdoors, while others are inside local businesses; individual locations may change. Checking the tour map before setting out can help you plan your search.
Wood Carvings, History and the June Competition
Wood art is connected to the town’s cultural history. On December 31, 1990, a meeting of businesses and community groups was convened to discuss commissioning three bears for the “Welcome to Chetwynd” sign. The Little Prairie Heritage Museum shares the history of Chetwynd and the Peace Region. It is a small, community-run local history museum, including the town’s deep-rooted forestry tradition. If you’re planning a museum visit, check its current opening hours separately.
Another highlight is the Chetwynd International Chainsaw Carving Championship Invitational, held every year on the second weekend of June. The four-day competition takes place in June: twelve woodcarvers turn eight-foot western red cedar logs into sculptures in front of an audience. If you’re planning your trip around the event, check the specific dates for that year.
Maps for Exploring Trails and Nature
To explore the natural surroundings, the District of Chetwynd provides an online hiking map showing the community’s trails. The Chetwynd Visitor Centre also offers a Chetwynd Greenspace Trail map and a Chetwynd Chainsaw Carving Tour map as visitor downloads. Since download offerings may be updated, check in advance which maps are currently available.
Pine River and Hiking Trails Near Chetwynd
The Pine River flows through Chetwynd, with numerous rest areas and access points along the river. Individual access points may change. Near Chetwynd, you’ll also find a selection of hiking trails with different layouts for exploring nature. The Centurion Trail is a 4 km unpaved trail. The 700 m Community Forest Interpretive Trail is also unpaved. The Community Forest Interpretive Trail is therefore the shorter of the two; trail conditions can vary depending on the season.
Recreation Options with Varying Conditions
In summer, the outdoor water park behind the Chetwynd Recreation Centre at 4552 North Access Road offers a free, accessible recreation option for families and residents. As it is a seasonal facility, check operating dates and conditions before visiting.
A climbing wall is located in the lobby of the Chetwynd & District Recreation Centre. With belay staff supervision, you can climb to the roof; public climbing times and private rentals are available. If you’re planning to use the climbing wall, confirm public climbing times in advance.
The Chetwynd Leisure Pool was built in 1990 and includes a large hot tub and a wave pool. Check the schedule and operating status before visiting.
Different schedules apply when choosing your dates: the Carving Championship takes place on the second weekend of June, while the outdoor water park is a summer offering with its own operating dates. If both are important to your travel plans, check the event date and seasonal conditions separately.
Discover more destinations: Fort St. John, Pouce Coupe, Dawson Creek, Tumbler Ridge, Taylor, Hudson Hope.
For the broader travel overview: Peace River.
