North to Alaska 2016: July 2016

Hyder, Alaska

Hyder is the only community in southern Alaska accessible by road. It sits at the head of the Portland Canal (70 mile fjord) which forms part of the US/Canadian border.

In the early 1900’s, Hyder was the only practical access point to the Canadian silver mines. The community became an ocean port and supply point for Canadian mines.

The original townsite was built on pilings, but destroyed by fire in 1948.

Dependent on tourism, Hyder promotes itself as the “Friendliest Ghost Town in Alaska. Spectacular scenery, great fishing, bear viewing at the salmon spawning ground and eagles are the summer tourist attractions.

Just 2 miles across the border from Stewart, BC, the 100 or so residents are dependent on Stewart for groceries, banking services and liquor store.

There is no US customs or immigration upon arriving at Hyder, but the Canadians have a border crossing and passports and must be presented each time anyone crosses back into Canada from Hyder.

Parking 21 rigs at the RV park in Hyder

US Post Office in Hyder, complete with moose antlers and bear.

Cloud coming in over the Portland Canal

Hyder receives an amazing amount of snowfall each year. This is one example of winter travel modes.

The Glacier Inn & winter transportation

There are a couple of small hotels in town, operating two bars, and one restaurant, which was closed because of staff shortage due to a family illness. Shortage of staff seemed to be a problem everywhere in this small town and businesses are closing as owners become elderly and unable to operate the business without staffing.

The bar at the Glacier Inn.

"Hyderized" means that you shoot back whatever spirits the bartender gives you, and after you drink the bartenders concoction, you are told what you have consumed. Needless to say, we are a little smarter than in our youth and passed on being "Hyderized".

This bar in the Glacier Inn says that $95000.00 cover it's walls. They have added panels that now cover some of the older bills, but allow for the tradition to continue.

The most popular place to eat is the Seafood Bus, where many of us enjoyed halibut & chips, smoked salmon dip and halibut cheeks. Dining is primarily outside on the small deck.

At about 7pm, we headed out of town to the bear viewing platform. As we arrived, we heard the Ranger say that a female ber was coming up the creek, and just as we entered the area, there she was.

After one and a half hours, we headed for the parking lot. Just as we left the viewing area, headed to our vehicle, a Mama and her cub crossed the road, just 100' in front of us. Given that she had a cub with her, we stood still and watched for a few seconds. Once she continued across the road, oblivious to us, we struggled to get our cameras out, but alas, we were to slow, and the bears disappeared into the bush.

This is the Hyder Yacht Club

When it was time to head out towards Dease Lake, we departed early and enjoyed coffee and breakfast, gazing out upon the spectacular, but breezy Bear Glacier.

British Columbia

Crossing into British Columbia from Alberta on Highway 16, heading to Prince George.

Canada Hwy 16 is also known as the Yellowhead Hwy. A scenic route spanning half way across Canada, traversing Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.

The scenery in Mount Robson Park was stunning. Mount Robson, located a few miles off Hwy 16

is 12, 972'. Unfortunately, with low cloud and drizzle, we were unable to get a good view.

Wild flowers are prevalent all along the roadside.
Much of the highway parallels the river, railroad or both.

We saw a noticeable increase in RV traffic along this highway.

We overnighted in Beaver View RV Park, McBride, BC, a delightful, quiet stop.

McBride is a small community along hwy 16, with a population of 700 people.

It has 2 gas stations, a small grocery store and 7 churches.

The cloud formations are fascinating and watching them roll up over the mountain top, then tumble down into the valleys is mesmerizing.

Burns Lake

Burns Lake is a First Nations Community along Hwy 16. The Burns Lake Spirit Square and park are on the waterfront and offer RVers and campers a free camp site for a 72 hour stay. There are no services, but it was very picturesque and quiet.

The park and square are sponsored by several government agencies and local business and community service groups. The flowers were colorful.

The park provides a fitness walk and a skateboard park for the youngsters.

The park is a short walk from the grocery store, pharmacy, liquor store and bakery. Locals were friendly and welcoming

Burns Lake to Hazelton

The Village of Hazelton

Situated at the confluence of the Skeena and Bulkley Rivers,

nestled at the foot of Roche de Boule Mountain; the Village of Hazelton remains much like the original settlement, founded in 1866, the centre of navigation for our area.

First by ancient trails in all directions, by canoe, pack train, dog sled, and eventually paddle-wheelers from the Northwest Coast.

The Riverboat Restaurant, a building in the shape of an old paddleboat, also adds a modern frontier town touch.

The Village of Hazelton is referred to as Old Hazelton for a reason. The town's old buildings have been colourfully restored and antique machinery displayed every couple of blocks keeps the pioneer feeling alive here.

The population remains a happy mixture of the original Gitxsan First Nations People and settlers that inhabiting both the Village of Hazelton and the Village of Gitanmaax, which the Village of Hazelton shares its service area.

When you visit the Village of Hazelton you will be met by open friendliness and a warm welcome wherever you go. Every citizen is proud and happy to share our good fortune in living here and to warmly welcome those who come to enjoy. This community always extends an enthusiastic welcome to new-comers looking for opportunity and who are willing to add to the amazing environment of this beautiful and unique community.

Ksan RV Park, Hazelton, BC

Orientation for Spike's Alaska RV Tour #2

It is here in Hazelton that we join our Alaska Caravan. This was orientation, given by tour leader and operator Spike Fortier of RV Alaska Tours.

Group dinner of BBQ fresh salmon........delicious!

Visit to Totem Pole Park and group lecture by tour leader & historian Spike in Kispiox, BC.

Ancient totem poles in Kispiox.

Fresh, warm sausage rolls from the Hazelton Bakery, followed by lemon Danish for Lunch. Beautiful, overlooking the mountains and Skeena River.

Confluence of the Skeena River (on right) and the Bulckley River. Salmon were running and black bears were sighted fishing in the river with it's cubs, just not when we were there. This is part of the Ksan historic village and campground.

'Ksan', is a recreated Gitxsan village from the 1800s. Tour the longhouses on site to understand how the people here once lived.

The Kasan First Nation Historic Village provides a great opportunity to view First Nation art including clothes, tools, jewelery, longhouses, Totem Poles and ceremonial masks. When entering the parking lot there are two large Totem Poles greeting all visitors. Each pole includes the figures and creatures important to the Gitxsan People.

The long houses closest to the river are the Wolf House and the Frog House. The Wolf House is a building for housing feasts. The Frog House is about the lifestyle of the Gitxsan People and depicts the winter home for about 60 people. Photography is only permitted outside of the buildings.

These First Nations people were extremely outgoing, warm & welcoming. They are industrious, entrepreneurial and very proud of their heritage and culture, and it shows. It was a pleasure to meet them and share their culture.

We were privileged to be entertained by these proud peoples, who introduced us with song and dance to a traditional feast in the Wolf House. It was a memorable evening. Once again, we were only able to take photographs outside.

Hazelton, BC to Hyder, AK

This was our first time assembling into the caravan of 21 rigs. It was busy, but went without a hitch (no pun intended). We departed Ksan and headed across the single lane suspension bridge and towards the highway.