Dawn Chorus Bed & Breakfast

Moving from greater Vancouver to the Kispiox Valley was a life-changing experience for Todd and Kathy Stockner. It was like entering a different world, and their new world embraced them immediately. "As soon as we moved to the Kispiox Valley from the Lower Mainland we were welcomed and felt included in the community,"says Kathy. That's just how people are here, and the level of comfort and security that it adds to everyday life is priceless. "We know we can always rely on our neighbours for help if we need it," Kathy adds. Equally enriching is the culture and history that surrounds the region. For Kathy, the cultural blend of first nations and settlers living side by side, and the rich cultural history and pride of the Gitxsan people here adds allure and interest to the region.

One of the the Stockners' earliest forays into community life after moving here was to get involved in the Kispiox Valley Music Festival. "It has enriched our lives in a huge way," says Kathy. "It has provided us with a wonderful sense of community, and has provided the opportunity for our son to pursue his craft as a musician, having grown up with the festival right here, with musicians from all over the world at our own campfire. These experiences are priceless and unique, and would never have happened in the city."

Opening a bed and breakfast was a natural progression forward in the Stockners' professional lives. Todd is an angling guide licensed for steelhead guiding on the Kispiox and Skeena rivers. They built their guesthouse to provide accommodation for their out-of-town anglers. The Stockners have met people from all over the world. Many of their guests come from Europe to visit the spectacular Kispiox Valley for a taste of rural living. Says Kathy, "it is very satisfying when our guests tell us that they have had a relaxing, enjoyable time in the peace and quiet of our rural setting, and have enjoyed feeling closer to nature."