Best attractions and places to see in the Hazelton Mountains include a diverse range of natural landscapes and significant cultural heritage sites in west-central British Columbia, Canada. The region features rugged mountain ranges, prominent peaks, and important rivers like the Skeena and Bulkley. Visitors can explore vast lava plains, ancient Indigenous villages, and numerous totem poles, reflecting a rich history and offering varied outdoor experiences.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
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The park is nestled at the base of the Bornite Mountain, and the forest here is a mix of cedar and hemlock. One of the most unique features is the abandoned gold mining equipment still tucked away in the forest.
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The name "Kleanza" comes from the Gitxsan word for gold, and if you look closely at the creek bed, you might still see a shimmering glint in the water. These canyon walls are made of ancient volcanic rock that has been polished smooth by thousands of years of rushing glacial water.
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Rising above Smithers, Hudson Bay Mountain dominates the skyline and is a constant reference point as you move through the area. The lower slopes are forested, but higher up it opens into subalpine and alpine terrain with wide views across the Bulkley Valley. In winter, it’s home to a local ski area, while in summer the network of trails and access roads are used for hiking and biking. Weather can shift quickly at elevation here, so conditions higher up often differ from town.
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Crater Lake sits in an open alpine basin surrounded by rocky slopes, with no dense tree cover around the shoreline. The water is clear and fed by snowmelt, so even in summer it stays very cold. Early in the season, you’ll often still see snow patches around the lake and in the surrounding meadows. There’s plenty of space along the shoreline to stop, but no facilities or defined access points.
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The Blue Lake Trail stretches 9.7 km out-and-back through hemlock forest and sub-alpine terrain before ending at a small lake in a spectacular basin. There is one stream crossing along the way, but overall, the trail is in good shape.
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Nice view to the mountain and down the canyon, you can even see straight through the bridge so don't look down if you're afraid of heights. There's a path going to the river on the New Hazelton side. Single-lane crossing, I recommend following the cars or walking it across on the sides.
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The viewpoint looks at Skeena River and the old and new bridges of Terrace. There lies the artwork from Steve Rogers of Greag Bear Ironworks, the "Wolf Pack". tribute to the name Terrace Mountain Wolves for the general hiking area of Terrace BC. Created in 2020, the art includes 6 lofe size wolves and some ravens.
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Two waterfalls rush here side by side over the steep wall. From the parking lot a trail leads to a viewing platform with a bank from where you can see the waterfalls.
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The Hazelton Mountains boast several stunning natural features. You can visit Crater Lake, nestled in an open alpine basin, or witness the impressive Twin Falls, where two waterfalls rush side by side. The region is also home to the dramatic Kleanza Creek, known for its ancient volcanic rock walls polished by glacial water, and the expansive Seven Sisters Provincial Park and Protected Area, offering rugged peaks and diverse landscapes.
Absolutely. The Hazelton Mountains are rich in Indigenous history. A must-visit is the 'Ksan Historical Village and Museum, a replica of an ancient Gitxsan village that preserves their traditional lifestyle. You can also explore Old Town Hazelton with its preserved historic buildings, or take a self-guided tour to see the numerous Gitxsan Laxyip totem poles throughout the area, earning it the title of the 'Totem Pole Capital of the World'.
The Hazelton Mountains offer a wide range of outdoor activities. Hiking is very popular, with trails like the Crater Lake Trail and the Blue Lake Trail. You can also enjoy canoeing in parks like Atna River and Morice Lake Provincial Parks, or mountain biking on the Saasak' Hill Trails within Nisg̱a'a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park. Wildlife viewing, especially for grizzly bears, is also a significant draw.
Yes, families can find several enjoyable activities. Kleanza Creek Provincial Park offers a natural setting for exploration. Seeley Lake Provincial Park is easily accessible and features a campground and a good swimming lake. For hiking, consider the family-friendly hikes available in the region, such as the Whiskey Creek Trail or the easy Swimming at Ross Lake loop.
For easier walks, you can explore trails like the Kleanza Creek Trail, which is relatively short and gentle. Other easy options include the Twin Falls loop from Twin Falls Recreation Site, the Bench With a View of Terrace loop, or the Call Lake loop in Call Lake Provincial Park. These trails are perfect for a relaxed outdoor experience.
Nisg̱a'a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park is a truly unique site, featuring vast plains of lava from a volcanic eruption around 1700 that destroyed two Nisg̱a'a villages. Visitors can explore fascinating lava features like tree casts and lava tubes, and observe different types of lava. The park is part of Nisg̱a'a Lands and offers a self-guided Nisg̱a'a Auto Tour, providing insight into both natural history and Indigenous culture.
For breathtaking vistas, consider visiting Hagwilget Canyon Bridge, which offers impressive views of the deep canyon and the Bulkley River below. Another excellent spot is the Wolf Pack Viewpoint (Terrace Mountain), providing panoramic views of the Skeena River and the surrounding landscape, including an artistic wolf sculpture installation.
Yes, the Hazelton Mountains region is excellent for wildlife viewing. The Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary, home to North America's densest grizzly bear population, offers tours. You can also spot grizzly bears catching salmon along the Babine River. Various provincial parks and natural areas provide opportunities to see a diverse range of local fauna.
The best time to visit for most outdoor activities, especially hiking and canoeing, is generally during the warmer months from late spring to early autumn (May to September). During this period, trails are typically clear of snow, and the weather is more favorable. Some areas, like Crater Lake, may still have snow patches early in the season.
The region is defined by its impressive mountain ranges. The Seven Sisters Provincial Park and Protected Area is named for its seven prominent peaks, including Weeskinisht Peak, the tallest in the Hazelton Mountains. Mount Priestly is another prominent peak. You can also see Hudson Bay Mountain, offering stunning views and a challenging ascent.
The Skeena River and Bulkley River are central to the region's geography and history. They have served as ancient trade routes for Indigenous peoples and continue to offer scenic beauty. The Hagwilget Bridge, a local landmark, spans the Bulkley River, providing dramatic views of the canyon it has carved.


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