North to Alaska 2016: British Columbia

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.