Hazelton

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