The sound of chainsaws and the smell of fresh cedar will fill the air in Chetwynd this weekend as the community hosts its annual International Chainsaw Carving Championship.
The four-day event, running June 11 to 14, brings together some of the world’s top chainsaw artists for a competition that has become a signature draw for the Peace Region
Organizers say the 2026 event marks a milestone, celebrating 20 years of the championship, which is held every year on the second weekend of June.
Throughout the weekend, invited carvers from Canada, the United States and overseas will transform large western red cedar logs into intricate sculptures, working against the clock over roughly 35 hours of carving time.
The competition is free for the public to attend and features more than just carving. Visitors can expect food vendors, local artisans and sponsor booths from across the Peace Region, making it a family-friendly event for all ages.
The weekend wraps up Sunday with a high-energy “quick carve” competition, where artists have about 90 minutes to complete a piece. Those carvings are then auctioned off to raise funds, followed by the announcement of winners and awards.
Chetwynd’s competition has grown significantly since the first championship in 2005, now attracting international attention and helping turn the small northeastern B.C. community into what many call a chainsaw carving capital.
The legacy of the event can be seen year-round, with more than a hundred carvings displayed throughout the town, drawing visitors from across the region and beyond.
For residents in communities like Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, the annual event is a short drive away and offers a chance to experience a unique piece of northern B.C. culture while supporting tourism and local businesses in the South Peace.