Smithers ... Bear Spray for Mosquitos!

We have not had great internet service hence the late blog!

We arrived in Smithers Regional campground on June 23rd. Smithers was designated as the first incorporated village in B.C. (1921) and presently has a population of about 5,500. The campground was beautiful, as you will see from the pictures. I love grass and lilacs, and we had both in our background during our stay in Smithers! The campground is situated alongside the 257km long Bulkley River which flows into the Skeena River near Hazelton, (which we had a great day exploring). The Bulkley River is the traditional territory of the Witsuwit’en (roughly translated as “People of the lower hills”) and their presence can be felt throughout Smithers through the numerous displays and exhibits of their rich traditional culture.

It was so much fun just hanging and exploring the campground, watching the deer feeding on the grass along the perimeter of the campground, watching storms come in and going for walks along the river. The river was sooo high and fast!!

Our first adventure was the “Perimeter Trail” which was recommended by our camp host. He indicated it was about 13 km and went around the perimeter of the town. He also said the trail wasn’t marked that great, but it was obvious where to go. Not!! We have discovered that in some towns in the North signs are great to get you started, and then the signs end!! We got you here, now you’re on your own. Perimeter trail was kind of like that!! We looked at the map that said “Perimeter Trail” which started at our campground, so it was perfect! We put the trail into AllTrails. Seemed a bit off…oh well, let’s go I said! We loaded our bear spray for the mosquitos, and we were off! We went first to Driftwood Creek, which was beautiful, then followed the path through the forest for about 3 km (AllTrails indicated we were in the river the whole time!!). Then we come out on the highway and the fun began! Apparently, Perimeter trail is several trails around the town…they don’t all connect!!! Perimeter trail was decades in the making, starting in the 1970s. “Sections” were added over the years.

After a day hanging at home, doing yoga, barbequing a great meal and having more than one glass of wine, we attended the weekend Market and then ventured out on a historical walking tour through the town which was very cool. Construction of the 11 buildings still standing today go back to 1913 and the Indigenous murals throughout the town are incredible. Of course we had to check out the local breweries!!

The next day we wanted to check out the Twin Falls hiking trail. It was short but constantly up!! The payoff was worth it! Check out the pics. The following day we put the kayaks in Lake Kathryn where we could see the upper part of the Twin Falls from the lake. So awesome!! Merlot had a great time kayaking!!

Next day was a storm…let’s wash the RV day!!! Barry takes much pride in Bernie being shiny and of course in most campgrounds you’re not allowed to wash your RV. He couldn’t help it!!...once the downpour started he grabbed his scrub brush with extender and cleaned the front cap!! It was pretty funny! Good job, Husband!!

Our last big day was heading to Witset (formely Moricetown) canyon and to Hazelton! At Moricetown canyon we checked out the Moricetown salmon stock assessment project where dip net activities occur at the top of the canyon. The steelhead hadn’t started running yet, but there were folks down in the canyon getting ready for it! There had been major flooding so there was a lot of cleaning up of deadfall. There was so much to do. I almost went down to help!!

On to Hazelton. There is New Hazelton and Old Hazelton. We first had to cross the Hagwilget bridge which is a single lane bridge, which was reconstructed 4 times! The first time in 1856 by Indigenous population using only knives and axes. It was 150 feet long and swayed 100 feet above the Hagwilget Canyon with a capacity of 500 pounds! It was reenforced in 1866. The second bridge was constructed in 1880, the third in 1913 and the fourth in 1931. Check out the pics. Crazy!!

Old Hazelton was amazing. It was going back in time! Hazelton is the oldest surviving pioneer community in Northwest B.C., and we had to do the walking tour.

Overall, Smithers was great! Smithereens take much pride in their small town. Lots of work being done in downtown. Unfortunately we won’t see the results of their labour, but it will be awesome!! On to Terrace!!