October 25, 2008 | Field Reports > Terrace, Historic & Heritage Sites
Find more information about Terrace, Historic & Heritage Sites
Old Hazelton lies 165 km east of Prince Rupert on Highway 16. Old Hazelton was established in 1866 serving as a gateway to British Columbia's north. It was head of navigation for the stern wheelers that plied the waters of the Skeena from Prince Rupert. This frontier town attracted all sorts of character - outlaws, swindlers, eccentrics, and gold seekers.
Old Hazelton retains its frontier atmosphere. A wonderful meal can be obtained from the Trading Post Cafe that is in the old Hudson Bay building. Stepping inside this building takes you back a hundred years with a fine collection of momentos, pictures, and artifacts of Hazelton's early days.
October 25, 2008 | Field Reports > Terrace, Historic & Heritage Sites
Find more information about Terrace, Historic & Heritage Sites
Leaving Prince Rupert you travel 165 km along the Skeena River ( River of Mist) to Ksan. It is truly a mystical river that has given birth to the Gitsan culture that is exemplified in their grand three dimensional art form of totem poles. Fine examples of these can be seen at the Ksan Heritage Village near Hazelton. Here you walk among the recorded stories of a people whose history reaches across thousands of years. A fine museum prerves the treasures of the river people (no pictures allowed in the museum).
This area is awe inspiring as rugged peaks reach to clouds, the Skeena River's life giving waters providing sustanance for the First Peoples.