British Columbia

Chainsaw Carvings in BC

From Hope — the Chainsaw Carving Capital of Canada — to mountain towns and coastal villages, BC's carving trail is one of the most unique roadside art experiences in the country.

BC's Living Chainsaw Carving Trail

British Columbia has a rich tradition of chainsaw carving that stretches from the Fraser Valley to the northern wilderness. Local artists transform massive cedar and pine logs into breathtaking sculptures of bears, eagles, salmon, wolves, and First Nations figures — celebrating the wildlife and heritage of each community. Many towns host annual carving competitions, and the sculptures become beloved landmarks that draw visitors from across Canada and around the world.

Must-See Destinations

Featured Carving Locations

Featured

Hope, BC

Hope Chainsaw Carving Capital

Hope, BC is widely known as the Chainsaw Carving Capital of Canada. The town hosts the annual Hope Chainsaw Carving Competition and has over 100 carvings displayed throughout the community. Massive sculptures of bears, eagles, salmon, and First Nations figures line the streets and parks, making a stroll through Hope an unforgettable open-air gallery experience.

Highlights

100+ carvings throughout town
Annual carving competition
Memorial Park sculptures
First Nations themed carvings

Official site Stay in Hope

Across British Columbia

All 10 Carving Destinations

Each location has its own story, style, and wildlife themes. Plan a BC road trip and collect them all.

Featured

Hope, BC

Hope Chainsaw Carving Capital

Website Stay nearby Hope guide

Harrison Hot Springs, BC

Harrison Hot Springs Carvings

The lakeside village of Harrison Hot Springs features stunning chainsaw carvings that complement its natural hot springs setting. Carved figures of Sasquatch — the legendary creature said to roam the Harrison area — are a local favourite, along with bears, eagles, and wildlife that reflect the lush Fraser Valley wilderness surrounding the village.

Stay nearby Harrison Hot Springs guide

Revelstoke, BC

Revelstoke Mountain Carvings

Revelstoke's chainsaw carvings are as dramatic as the mountain town itself. Grizzly bears, mountain goats, and Columbia River wildlife are carved in stunning detail and displayed throughout Grizzly Plaza and the downtown heritage district. The carvings honour the wildlife of the Columbia Mountains and Revelstoke National Park.

Stay nearby Revelstoke guide

Golden, BC

Golden Wildlife Carvings

Golden sits at the confluence of the Kicking Horse and Columbia Rivers, and its chainsaw carvings reflect this wild Rocky Mountain setting. Massive grizzly bears, wolves, and mountain wildlife carved from local timber are displayed throughout the downtown core, celebrating the wildlife corridors of Yoho and Kootenay National Parks.

Stay nearby Golden guide

Prince George, BC

Prince George Forest Carvings

Prince George, the capital of Northern BC, celebrates its forestry heritage through impressive chainsaw carvings displayed throughout the city. Towering figures of loggers, black bears, moose, and northern wildlife are carved from massive cedar and pine logs, honouring the boreal forest that defines this region.

Stay nearby Prince George guide

Campbell River, BC

Campbell River Salmon Carvings

Campbell River, the Salmon Capital of the World, honours its fishing heritage with spectacular chainsaw carvings along the Discovery Pier waterfront. Giant salmon, eagles, and First Nations-inspired wildlife figures are carved in breathtaking detail, celebrating the Chinook salmon runs that have defined this Vancouver Island community for generations.

Stay nearby Campbell River guide

Smithers, BC

Smithers Bulkley Valley Carvings

Smithers is a charming alpine village in the Bulkley Valley, and its chainsaw carvings reflect the mountain wilderness that surrounds it. Carved grizzly bears, steelhead salmon, and mountain wildlife are displayed along Main Street and in Centennial Park, celebrating the outdoor adventure culture that makes Smithers one of BC's most beloved small towns.

Stay nearby Smithers guide

Nelson, BC

Nelson Kootenay Carvings

Nelson, BC's most beautiful heritage city, features chainsaw carvings that blend artistic flair with Kootenay wilderness themes. Carved figures of bears, eagles, and Kootenay Lake wildlife are displayed along the famous Baker Street and in Lakeside Park, adding a rustic artistic dimension to Nelson's already vibrant arts and culture scene.

Stay nearby Nelson guide

Plan Your BC Carving Road Trip

Many of BC's best chainsaw carving towns are connected by the Trans-Canada Highway, Highway 97, and the Yellowhead. Stay a night in each community and explore the local restaurants, hidden gems, and natural attractions along the way.

Find Motels Along the Route Explore the Travel Guide