New Hazelton: Art, Trails and Stories

Stories and Art in New Hazelton

A mural, historical stories and art give New Hazelton a distinctive cultural identity. At the corner of Bowser Street and 10th Avenue, the “Welcome to New Hazelton” mural features historical photographs taken in New Hazelton. It was created by local artists Leah Pipe and Michelle Stoney. Those interested in local history will find images from the community here, rather than just a name on a map.

Allen Park is also associated with a specific episode: in 1913, it was the scene of a shootout in which locals fought seven bank robbers. The story adds a historical dimension to today’s park. The District of New Hazelton also holds its Winterfest there, every year on the first Friday in December.

Riversides and Trails Nearby

Nearby Anderson Flats Park provides easy public access to the banks of the Bulkley and Skeena rivers. Recreational fishing is also possible there; day use is noted for the months of June through September. This makes it possible to plan a stay around riverside visits and time outdoors.

Nearby Glen Mountain Trails offer routes for hiking, trail running and mountain biking. Those weighing up these activities while planning a trip will find a range of trail options around New Hazelton. The Eagle Down Trail is a gravel multi-use path connecting New Hazelton, Two Mile, Gitanmaax and the Village of Hazelton. This connection between the communities offers its own perspective on the area; the surface is specifically described as gravel.

The 4.5 km Breakover Trail is also located near the Hazeltons Visitor Centre.

Exhibitions and Getting Your Bearings

The Hazeltons Visitor Centre is in New Hazelton, at the corner of Highway 16 and Highway 62. It features a community exhibit about the region’s stories and history. The centre also serves as the starting point for the self-guided Hands of History driving tour: the tour is divided into two sections, and both begin at the Visitor Centre on Highway 16 in New Hazelton. Those who prefer to explore by car rather than on a trail can consider this tour as a way to get their bearings.

At 3226 Bowser Street, the Misty Rivers Community Arts Council Gallery displays handmade works, paintings, photographs and art cards. The variety of works offers another way to experience the local art scene. Those who want to include both outdoor activities and art and regional stories in their stay can weigh up these interests when choosing a holiday rental and travel dates.

Keep Seasonal Events in Mind

The Hazelton Farmers Market runs from May to October, every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the Visitor Centre grounds. This gives trip planners clear information about the season, day of the week and time. The District of New Hazelton also celebrates Canada Day every year on July 1. Together with Winterfest on the first Friday in December, these are two annual events at different times of year; the market, meanwhile, runs from May to October.

More places to explore: Terrace, Nisga'a, Stewart, Kitimat, Meziadin Junction, Kispiox, Kitimat-Stikine A and Iskut.

For the broader travel overview: Kitimat-Stikine.