August 10, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
New Hazelton, Historic & Heritage Sites
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Jean Jacques Caux, also known as Cataline, is one of BC’s most famous packers and lays to rest in Hazelton! Cataline is buried in an unmarked grave in the Hazelton Pioneer Cemetery.
When Cataline passed away in 1922, he expressed that he wished to be buried in a grave marked only by a rock and a horseshoe overlooking the confluence of the Skeena and Bulkley Rivers. For years, I have curiously wondered about Cataline’s unmarked grave and its location in the Hazelton Pioneer Cemetery.
One afternoon, a co-worker and I decided that we were going to solve the unmarked grave mystery. We prowled the graveyard for some sort of hint, we hoped in the form of a horseshoe, as to Cataline’s final whereabouts. After about a half hour of searching, we had nearly given up when we finally noticed a pile of rocks with the hints of a faint outline of a horseshoe located in a prime confluence viewing location. We had found the spot of Cataline’s final resting place as the grave we found matched the photo in the Cataline brochure we have at Hazelton Area Visitor Centre!
One of my favorite stories about Cataline tells the tale of Cataline’s cure for baldness. Cataline loved cognac and after each drink he would rub a bit on his head. The statue we have of Cataline outside our Visitor Centre depicts him with a huge amount of hair – perhaps his cognac worked!
August 10, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
New Hazelton, Historic & Heritage Sites
One sunny afternoon a couple of friends and I felt that it was a perfect day for a drive. We set out with the Moricetown Canyon as our destination. The Moricetown Canyon is located 35 kilometers from New Hazelton on Highway 16.
Once we arrived at the canyon, not only did we see the Bulkley River tumble through a fifteen meter wide canyon and falls, but we also had the opportunity to watch local Wet’suwet’en First Nations men fish with dip nets. It was fascinating to watch them pull massive salmon out of the turbulent water with apparent ease and grace.
We were also mesmerized by the many salmon relentlessly attempting to jump the falls as they journeyed up the Bulkley River. As you are travelling along Highway 16, be sure to stop by Moricetown Canyon!