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The Hazelton area is comprised of two municipalities (the Village of Hazelton and
District of New Hazelton), three unincorporated settlements (South Hazelton, Two Mile,
and the Kispiox Valley), and four First Nations' Villages (Gitanmaax, Hagwilget, Glen Vowell
and Kispiox).
History
For centuries, the Hazelton area has been home to the Gitxsan and Wet'suwet'en people. Since
the 1860s, bustling pioneer communities have also arisen around the confluence of the Skeena and
Bulkley Rivers. This unique sharing of an unequalled wilderness setting has made the Hazeltons the
historic heartland of Northwest BC.
Named after the hazel bushes that paint river-carved terraces, the Hazeltons are situated in a
majestic setting dominated by the 3000' walls of the rugged Roche de Boule Range. A 'must see'
for those traveling Highway 16 between Prince George and Prince Rupert.
The frontier spirit lives on in Hazelton. "Old Town's" restored heritage buildings serve as a
reminder of the days when Hazelton was the commercial centre of the Northwest wilderness. From
1886 to 1913, Hazelton was the upriver terminus for a fleet of sternwheelers that plied the wild
rapids of the Skeena. People and supplies reaching Hazelton were then dispersed inland to mines,
farms, and far-flung settlements. During this boisterous time, the area was home to heroic outlaws,
mysterious anarchist bank robbers, daring riverboat captains, and a score of legendary wilderness
eccentrics. Hazelton maintains a friendly pioneer town atmosphere, making it easy to imagine the
sound of riverboat whistles blowing, signaling the arrival of supplies, settlers, and long nights
of revelry.
In 1914, a transcontinental rail line was pushed down the Skeena Valley, bringing hundreds of
construction workers and homesteaders. It was at this time that, in anticipation of a boon from
the railroad, New Hazelton and South Hazelton were established.
Location
The Hazeltons are located 290 kilometres (180 miles) of Prince Rupert and 60 kilometres
(45 miles) west of Smithers on the Yellowhead Highway 16. Hazelton, also known as 'Old
Hazelton', is located on the banks of the Skeena River about 7 km off Highway 16. Adjacent
to the town, where the Bulkley and Skeena Rivers meet, is the site of the world famous
'Ksan Historical Village and Museum.
Regular daily flights to and from Vancouver are available at Smithers and Terrace. Passenger
train service on Via Rail is available at New Hazelton, as is the twice-daily Greyhound Bus
service. Connections with the B.C. and Alaska State Ferry systems are made at Prince Rupert.
At Kitwanga, 50 km west of the New Hazelton, the Stewart-Cassiar Highway 37 heads northward to the
Yukon and Alaska. Highway 37 is a newer and shorter route to the northland than Alaska Highway 97.
Places to See
- Hazelton Visitor Info Centre
Located conveniently on Highway 16, the visitor info centre is an essential stop for sorting
through the various local sights.
- Ksan Indian Village and Museum
'Ksan Historical Village and Museum ('Ksan) is located near the ancient village of
Gitanmaax, at the confluence of the Bulkley and Skeena Rivers in the community of
Hazelton, British Columbia.
The 'Ksan village illustrates many features of a Gitxsan village from
the distant past. For example, like its predecessors, 'Ksan's houses form a single line
with each building facing the river. From this position, the large decorated house fronts
and totem poles of the village are visible from the water.
'Ksan's museum collection consists of approximately 600 items. Comprised of both
ceremonial and utilitarian materials, this collection illustrates the great diversity
within the material culture of the Gitxsan. Items include bent boxes, ceremonial masks,
button blankets, shaman's regalia, fishing gear, hunting utensils, and assorted lithic
artifacts housed in a proper museum facility with environmental controls.
- Hazelton Pioneer Museum and Archives
Housed within the Hazelton District Public Library, the Pioneer Museum and Archives tells
Hazelton's history through archival photographs and displays.
- Hagwilget Suspension Bridge
Head down the road from the Visitor Info Centre in New Hazelton to drive or walk over the
Hagwilget suspension bridge, one of the highest suspension bridges in North America. The
bridge looms 81 metres (265 feet) over the scenic waters of the Bulkley River. You can also
hike down to the river's edge for a closer look at the water.
Things to Do
- View Totem Poles!
The Hazelton area contains over 50 standing totem poles located in eight scenic Native
villages.
- Go on a walking tour!
The self-guided Hands of History tour follows a 113-kilometre route that loops between
Hazelton and Kitwanga. Experience the culture and the history of the Northwest wildnerness!
- Fishing!
Designated a trophy river by the province, the Kispiox River is known for its world-class
steelhead trout. The river also contains an abundance of coho salmon, dolly varden, and cutthroat
and rainbow trout.
Just 30 minutes away are the Babine, Bear, Bulkley, and Sceena Rivers.
- Hiking!
The Hazeltons appeal to hikers of all experience levels. Trails range from easy family hikes
to high alpine adventures for more experienced hikers.
Stroll the boardwalk in New Hazelton. Blue Mountain Trail and Sidina Mountain Trail are
longer stretches, reaching into alpine terrain. For a long day's trek, or overnight
backpacking, set out for Moonlit Trail (also called the Kispiox Mountain Trail) on a steady
climb through old-growth forest leading to an alpine ridge. A small campsite is set near the
top of the ridge.
Events
- Kispiox Valley Rodeo
The Kispiox Valley Rodeo is an annually anticipated event that draws spectators and
performers from all across the country for one weekend a year. The rodeo and
campgrounds are located right along the banks of the Kispiox River, with the Rodeo
arena within minutes of the campsite.
There are a variety of events at the rodeo, including: steer wrestling, calf roping,
bull riding, ladies barrel racing, and goat tying.
- Kispiox Valley Music Festival
At the end of July, enjoy three days of dazzling music performed by international
musicians!
- Pioneer Days
Held in Hazelton every August, Pioneer Days is much like a small town street party,
complete with a parade, craft display, food, and dancing.
Notable Comments
- Former anarchist bank robber Oliver Spence has returned to Hazelton, after a decade of living
reclusively in his riverboat on the Skeena River. Readers will undoubtedly recall how Spence was
once the darling of the town after a series of bank robberies in which he stole money from local
officials and gave to the needy. After managing to elude capture for three months
by hiding in the houses of some woodland supporters, he was finally caught while trying to bathe in
the Bulkley River. After one week in prison, he emerged a changed man. No longer an anarchist,
he spent the next five days building his own riverboat. Upon completion, he left Hazelton behind
and lived on the Skeena River in complete isolation. No reasons were ever given for his sudden change.
Spence is now living in a hastily-constructed mansion on Cunningham Road. Visitors say he has dyed his
golden locks purple, and eats only strawberries covered in syrup. When asked about his plans, Spence
remains ambivalent, but says he is interested in running for mayor.
Powell Madeira, in an article for the Dawson Creek Inquirer
- "I like the old Hazel-ton!"
- Delores Clayburn, an enthusiastic five-year old from Kamloops
Contact Information
Village of Hazelton
P.O. Box 40
Hazelton, BC V0J 1Y0
Telephone: 250-842-5991
Fax: 250-842-5152
E-mail: info@village.hazelton.bc.ca
Website: http://www.village.hazelton.bc.ca
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