July 01, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Terrace, Historic & Heritage Sites
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May 20, 2000 marks a significant date in the history of the Nisga’a People. On this day, the 113-year struggle to end Indian Act to the Nisga’a people finally went through, and the Nisga’a people were granted full government of their own people and land. This was a rejoicing day for the First Nation people in the Nass Valley as it gave them a sense of ownership and closure to this long, drawn-out battle. Many of the artefacts that had left the land during the 19th and 20th century, have now been returned to their rightful place and are housed in a brand new world-class museum. The Nisga’a Museum is located in the cultural village of Laxgalts’ap (Greenville), about 137km on Highway 113 North-West of Terrace, BC. In fact, the highway was named Highway 113 because the Nisga’a Treaty took 113 years sign.
Walking into the museum, we were greeted with friendly faces and immersed into an empowering wave of culture that radiated off the walls of the museum. Every artefact had its own date, story and memory, which outlined the Nisga’a culture and its rich heritage. The tour was full of interesting facts which Nicolette, our guide, delivered in an enthusiastic manner. The 35min tour opened our eyes to much of the Nisga’a culture which can now be shared with the local people, Canada, and the world through an abundance of displays in the beautiful museum. There is also a gift shop where t-shirts, mugs and artwork can be purchased to accompany the wonderful memories and images you will take back with you after a visit here at the Nisga’a Museum. This new structure in Laxgalts’ap adds an extra touch to an already astonishing and vibrant territory here in the Nass Valley.
August 11, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
New Hazelton, Fishing
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Every year at the end of July, my uncle and auntie come to Hazelton to visit. They usually only get to spend around a week in our small town, but that one week is filled with one thing and one thing only… FISHING!
It is insane how many fishing holes my uncle can make it to throughout the week. The three main rivers connecting to Hazelton are the Skeena River, the Bulkley River and the Kispiox River. There are also various streams and lakes perfect for fishing. Sadly I only got to spend 2 days fishing, but both days were packed with adventure.
We spent the morning boating on Pentz Lake, a small forestry recreation site about 30 km out the Kispiox Valley. With no luck, we moved on to greater waters and began fishing on the Kispiox River, world renowned for its prized Steelhead. When we arrived at Sweetin, another recreation site, we knew we had found what we had been looking for.
The glistening water was home to dozens of large jumping salmon, mostly Chinook that were teasing us as they leapt high above the gorgeous green-blue water. Within only 20 minutes, my uncle had a large Chinook salmon on the end of his line! We were so excited and wish we could have spent all day at the hole. Unfortunately it was dinner time and we had to begin on our journey home. You can only guess what our main course was that evening…
Fishing in the Hazeltons is a great way to spend the day. Any spot along the river is guaranteed to have beautiful scenery, luscious waters, and of course, an abundance of salmon! Come fish in the Hazeltons and see what you can cook up for dinner.
August 10, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
New Hazelton, Beaches & Swimming
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After a day of sunny, 30 degree weather, it is nice to sit outside and enjoy the warm evening breeze. The hot weather also heats up some the lakes in the Hazelton area, including Ross Lake.
The other night, a friend and I spontaneously took a drive to the Provincial Park, hoping that it was not going to be too windy to swim. We threw on our swim suits and ran along the grassy beach until we reached the water. It was a lovely sight. The lake was silent and everyone had gone home for the day. The clear sky up above made a scenic view for taking pictures of both the mountains and the lake.
When we finally got the courage to walk in, we were surprised as to how warm it was! The lake was crystal clear, warm and had not a single wave. It was almost as if we were looking at a massive sheet of glass, 33 hectares in size! The water was smooth as we swam almost half way across the lake. The extended summertime daylight crept into the night, making it possible to think we had hours to swim! When we got out, we were surprised to find out that we had swam for 40 minutes and that the park would be closing soon. Talk about great timing!
A night swim at Ross Lake is the perfect activity for anyone to relax in a peaceful, serene environment.
Editor's note: Learn more about Ross Lake Provincial Park here.