August 11, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
New Hazelton, River Rafting
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On a particularly sweltering July day, my family and I rafted the scenic Kispiox River. We started from an old forestry recreation site and rafted to the Kispiox Valley Rodeo Grounds. Rafting the Kispiox River is a particular favourite of ours because of the easygoing stretches where you can relax and observe the varied wildlife and scenery, while still enjoying the excitement of rapids.
There are several excellent beaches and sandbars to stop along the way. We stopped at one to eat lunch and get in a little fishing. My brother-in-law nearly became submerged in his attempts to catch one of the large salmon jumping within several feet of him. The Kispiox River is world famous for its steelhead fishing which begins in the fall.
Along the way, we saw an array of wildlife. We saw beavers, river otters, a Marten (a small weasel like animal), fox, black bears, deer, and moose. For the birdwatcher, we saw a Golden Eagle, Bald Eagles, Kingfishers, Sandpipers, Blue Jays, Merganser ducks with ducklings, and my personal favourite Cliff Swallows. The Cliff Swallows make their homes in sandy cliffs along the river banks. These cliffs are littered with numerous burrows where the swallows make their homes.
It was another great day on the Kispiox River. The Kispiox River is located approximately 20 kms outside of Hazelton in the Kispiox Valley.
Editor's note: Learn more about boating and rafting in the Kispiox River here.