There’s a historic 19th century village in BC with a forested trail leading to a waterfall

Who’s ready to venture back to the 19th century and beyond? Considered one of the most historic and scenic areas in British Columbia, the Hazeltons are a pair of communities in the Skeena region near Terrace, surrounded by the seven spectacular mountain peaks at Seven Sisters Provincial Park.

Named for the hazel trees that once sprinkled the flats of the Gitksan village of Gitanmaax, Hazelton is known for its rich Indigenous history and meandering ancient trails.

Ancient Village of Gitanmaax

The Village of Hazelton – or “Old Hazelton” is steeped in over 8,000 years of Gitxsan heritage. This all comes together in the ancient village of Gitanmaax, according to the village’s website.

Here, visitors can embark on a self-guided “Hands of History” driving tour past markers of important people, historical events, and landmarks in the Upper Skeena region.

The nearby ‘Ksan Historical Village, Campground and Museum stands as a replicated ancient village, depicting what life was like in a Gitxsan community centuries ago.

Old Hazelton

Established in 1866, the settlement of Old Hazelton continued to flourish as a centre for navigation and trade in the area.

Visitors can take in the beautiful sights and history from the Hagwilget Canyon Bridge, which was first built from wood and fire hundreds of years ago, connecting the inland First Nations with coastal First Nations.

Today, the single-lane suspension bridge is surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas, situated between Hazeltons Old and New.

New Hazelton

Ready to explore the area’s local shops, restaurants, and accommodations? You’ll find it all in The District of New Hazelton – which has become a sort of Mecca for wilderness enthusiasts.

Situated a few kilometres from ‘Ksan and Historic Old Hazelton, New Hazelton also offers visitors the chance to explore a variety of trails, including the short but sweet Lookout/Waterfall Trail. 

Here visitors are led through lush forest to a beautiful waterfall. After 30 minutes, you’ll find a scenic lookout point with views over New Hzelton, Two Mile, and the surrounding mountains.

So there you have it, adventurers! It’s quite the trek if you’re travelling from Vancouver, but where else can you find such well-preserved First Nations history?!

Hazelton

How to get there: Drive 13 and a half hours via Cariboo Highway/BC-97 N hr 45 min and Yellowhead Highway W/BC-16 W, or fly 90 minutes over the Coastal Mountains to Smithers or Terrace, BC.

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