The tall mountains, lush and large forests, and four fishing rivers within the New Hazelton area offer a limitless number of activities for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
Culture seekers and historians are also attracted to the area for its unique Aboriginal and cultural sites, accessible pioneer past, and authentic festivals and events. The world renowned 'Ksan Historical Village and Museum, an impressive replica of a former Gitxsan village from the 1800s, is located here.
As the Hazeltons consists of various communities, exploring the area on a scenic drive is a great way to experience the region. Every visitor should take a day or two to drive between the Hazeltons' communities and explore each one thoroughly. Not only are the communities worth visiting, the wilderness in between makes for great scenery and wildlife viewing.
Water Activities
The Skeena, Kispiox, Bulkley, and Suskwa Rivers are all part of the Hazeltons. Fish for salmon or steelhead on any of these rivers, all of which are a short drive away from nearby accommodations. Other anglers can go for trout at nearby lakes.
Another way to spend the day on the water is take a boat on one of the rivers or lakes for day. Drift along the Kispiox or Skeena in a river raft, kayak through whitewater, or rent a canoe and paddle around nearby Ross or Seeley Lake.
Land Activities
The trail systems in and around New Hazelton are extensive. As a result, hiking is hugely popular here. Any number of trails can match a variety of skills levels. There's no trail map, but ask at the New Hazelton Visitor Centre on Hwy 16 for suggestions and directions.
These trails are also great for horseback riding, ATVing, and mountain biking in the summer, and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and snowshoeing in the winter. Participants of these sports, however, need to bring their own equipment or know someone in town who is willing to bring them into the wilderness. Note: A few bed and breakfasts in the area, the eco-tourism company Skeena Eco-expeditions, and the Cliffs at Kispiox River do offer tours for some of these outdoor activities.
Heli-Skiing
Based in the Kispiox Valley, just under an hour's drive from New Hazelton and Hwy 16, Skeena Heliskiing has the second largest mountain range territory for heli-skiing in North America. The company's 8,250sq km/3,185sq mi of terrain offers endless opportunities for skiers and snowboarders to access spotless powder. Riders should be intermediate to expert skiers and snowboarders.
Guests usually arrive by flight in Smithers from Vancouver. Skeena Heliskiing then transports them to The Cliffs at the Kispiox River (also called the Bear Claw Lodge). The drive takes about an hour and a half from Smithers. Skeena Heliskiing offers weekly packages with accommodation and food included. The heli-skiing season lasts from January to April.
Cultural Activities
The Hazeltons are marked by fascinating Aboriginal and cultural sites. 'Ksan Historical Village and Museum gets more than 35,000 visitors a year, mostly international, who take tours in English, French, or German.
Similarly, these same travellers will drive around the area to see the many authentic totem poles on display in each community. The Hazeltons is the largest concentrated area of standing poles in Canada.
To see works of local artists, check out the New Hazelton Visitor Centre on Hwy 16 and the Kispiox Cultural/Information Centre. Carvings, paintings, jewellery, and beaded clothing are on display and for sale. Other options are private artists studios such as the Hiding Place Studio and the Bent Box Gallery, both in the Kispiox Valley. Many travellers head this way too, if only to see the impressive Hagwilget Bridge and Canyon.
Festivals and Events
Annual celebrations draw huge crowds to the area. The Kispiox Valley Rodeo and Kispiox Valley Music Festival are family oriented festivals mixed with adult fun. The Music Festival hosts performances from local and international musicians. The rodeo is a true cowboy event with bucking broncos, horse shows, and daring riding competitions.
Where to Begin
The best places to go for information are the New Hazelton Visitor Centre on Hwy 16, the small tourist kiosk on the river in Hazelton Village, and the Kispiox Information and Cultural Centre.
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