Named after the hazel bushes which cover the river-carved terraces, the Hazelton's
are situated amidst a majestic landscape dominated by over 8,000 foot walls of the rugged Roche Deboule Range. Easily accessible along the Yellowhead Highway 16, the Hazelton's are a must see for any tourist traveling between Prince George and Prince Rupert in Northwest British Columbia.
The resource rich area has nurtured vital Northwest Coast Native cultures
for over 8000 years. The Skeena, which translates to `River of Mists', was a trade route which allowed 60-foot cedar canoes to navigate from the Coast, upriver to totem filled villages with magical names like Temlaham, Gitanmaax, and Kispiox.
The frontier spirit of the region can also be experienced in the Village
of Hazelton. `Old Town's restored heritage buildings serve as a reminder of the days when Hazelton was the commercial centre of the wilderness Northwest. From 1886 to 1913 Hazelton was the upriver terminus for a fleet of sternwheelers which plied the wild rapids of the Skeena. People and supplies reaching Hazelton were then dispersed inland to dozens of mines, farms and settlements. Hazelton maintains a friendly pioneer town appearance which hearkens back to the days when riverboat whistles signalled the arrival of supplies, settlers, and adventurers.
But history is not all the Hazelton's have to offer. For those who prefer to take off on their own to enjoy natural settings, the Hazelton's are perfect.
Great fishing, hiking trails, forest service recreation sites, and provincial parks provide access to most of the best opportunities.
New and South Hazelton are on the highway. The original
village is on the north side of the river and accessible by a 7 km/4-mile side road.
History The Hazelton area has
for centuries been the home of the Gitksan and Wet'suwet'en
Indian peoples. Since the 1860's bustling pioneer communities have also arisen around the confluence of the Skeena and Bulkley Rivers. This sharing of an unequalled wilderness setting has made the Hazeltons the historic heartland of Northwest BC.
In 1914 a transcontinental rail line was pushed down the Skeena valley, bringing
thousands of construction workers and homesteaders. New Hazelton and South Hazelton were established as commercial centres on the busy railway. After 1914 the Hazeltons area stabilized into a rural region of 8 small Native and Pioneer communities,all of which have maintained their unique charm.
The Hazelton's Travel Info Center on Hwy 16 Box 340 New Hazelton, BC V0J 2J0, 842-6071. Sani dump, washrooms, Gift shop, Pioneer Museum. Open year-round.
Emergency:Police - 842-5244; Fire - 842-6333; Ambulance - 847-8808
Things To Do 'Ksan Historical Village & Museum, at the confluence of the Skeena and Bulkley Rivers. 250 842-5544, toll free 1-877-842-5518. As you walk past the towering totem poles and longhouses of 'Ksan, you are entering the past. At the same time, you are entering into a culture which is very much alive and growing. 'Ksan is a replica of Indian villages which have stood on this site for centuries.
Totem Tour A circle "Tour of the Totems" gives visitors
a chance to take a self-guided tour of the surrounding country, Battle Hill.
Individual Indian Villages of Kispiox with its forest of totems, or Kitwanga
and historical site have much of interest to offer. Several fine old totems are still standing in nearby villages: Kispiox (people who hid), Kitwanga (place of the rabbit people), Kitwancool (place of reduced numbers).
Pioneer Museum has preserved the pioneer history of the Hazeltons. Located in old Hazelton along the Skeena River it is a must see for any tourist.
The Hazelton's Travel Info Center on Hwy 16 Box 340 New Hazelton, BC V0J 2J0, 842-6071. Sani dump, washrooms, Gift shop, Pioneer Museum. Open year-round.
