New Hazelton, British Columbia: History, Things to Do and Travel Guide
New Hazelton is a Highway 16 district municipality in British Columbia’s Northern British Columbia region. It sits in the Hazeltons, where the Skeena and Bulkley rivers, Gitxsan territory, railway history and mountain views shape the visit.
For travellers, New Hazelton is the practical service centre of the Hazeltons. It works for lodging, food, fuel, errands, visitor information and access to Old Hazelton, ‘Ksan, Hagwilget, Upper Skeena trails and the Kispiox Valley.
How New Hazelton Started
New Hazelton is in Gitxsan territory and part of the wider Hazeltons area. Modern growth followed the arrival of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, which changed movement patterns around Old Hazelton and made a newer townsite near the rail line more practical.
District planning material describes New Hazelton’s story as beginning with railway construction and the shift from river-era movement to rail and road access. The community later operated for years as an improvement district before incorporating as a district municipality in December 1980.
Its history is tied closely to Old Hazelton, South Hazelton, Hagwilget and Gitxsan communities. That is why New Hazelton makes the most sense as a service centre within the Hazeltons, not as a place with a separate visitor story.
What New Hazelton Is Like Today
Statistics Canada counted 602 residents in the District Municipality of New Hazelton in 2021. It is small, but it carries a useful service role on Highway 16 and Highway 62.
Visitors find groceries, fuel, food, accommodations, municipal services and road access here. The Hazelton Area Visitor Centre, in the log building at Highways 16 and 62, adds maps, local advice, artisan goods and a 2024 upstairs exhibit about Gitxsan, Wet’suwet’en and settler history.
Mountain views, river routes and nearby cultural sites give New Hazelton more context than its commercial strip first suggests.
Things to Do and Places Nearby
Use New Hazelton as the practical base, then visit Old Hazelton and ‘Ksan Historical Village for deeper history and culture context. The Visitor Centre is the best first stop because it links road logistics with the wider Hazeltons story.
Allen Park gives New Hazelton its easiest local pause. District information notes public washrooms, a gazebo, a scenic bridge, playground space, information boards and annual events including Canada Day and Winterfest.
The Hagwilget Bridge and canyon viewpoints are close by and should be approached with care around traffic and pullouts. The Hazelton Community Guide describes the current bridge as a 1932 span high above the Bulkley River, with marked viewpoints and trails around the canyon.
Roche de Boule and surrounding mountains create the scenic backdrop. Outdoor routes need local condition checks, especially outside summer.
A practical itinerary uses New Hazelton for services first, then gives daylight to cultural sites, river viewpoints and Old Hazelton streets. That balance fits the Hazeltons better than treating the whole area as one highway strip.
Quick Facts
- Province: British Columbia
- Region: Northern British Columbia
- Municipality type: District municipality
- 2021 census population: 602
- Official website: https://newhazelton.ca/
- Main travel areas: Highway 16 services, Hazelton Area Visitor Centre, Allen Park, Old Hazelton access, ‘Ksan, Hagwilget Bridge and mountain scenery
- Key routes: Highway 16, Highway 62, Churchill Street and Hazeltons local roads
Travel Notes
New Hazelton is practical for services; Old Hazelton and ‘Ksan carry more of the visitor story. Plan both if time allows.
Check weather and road conditions before continuing west to Terrace or east toward Smithers in winter. If arriving by highway in the evening, confirm lodging and food before continuing because services are more limited than in larger northern towns.