The best family-friendly hikes and walks in the Hazelton Mountains

One of British Columbia's great salmon rivers, the Skeena flows more than 570 kilometres from the Coast Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. From Ferry Island, the broad river channel provides a sense of the scale of this watershed, which supports some of the largest wild salmon runs in North America. Watch for eagles, ravens, and other wildlife that depend on the river throughout the year.

This easy trail winds through mature cottonwood forest and riverside habitat at the heart of Ferry Island. The mostly level route passes beneath a canopy of large trees while offering occasional glimpses of the Skeena River through the vegetation. Interpretive signs along parts of the trail help explain the island's ecology and its connection to the river system.

Located between channels of the Skeena River, Ferry Island Park protects a mix of cottonwood forest, wetlands, and riverside habitat just minutes from downtown Terrace. More than ten kilometres of easy trails crisscross the island, providing opportunities for wildlife watching, birding, and seasonal salmon viewing. The flat terrain and peaceful setting make it one of the most accessible natural areas in the region.

This viewpoint marks the end of the Whiskey Creek Trail. The forest gives way to a wide alpine valley beneath a steep headwall and glacier. Whiskey Creek runs cold and clear below, and the scale of the surrounding rock makes this feel far removed from the quiet lower forest. It’s a natural place to pause before heading back, with open views up toward the ice and rugged terrain that continues into more technical mountaineering routes beyond.

The trailhead for Whiskey Creek Trail sits at an old rock pit just east of Gull Creek, with very limited parking. It can be easy to miss. If driving north, wait until the two lanes merge and watch for a small, uneven gravel pullout on the right just before the bend. There’s a larger pullout about 500 metres farther north on the opposite side of the road, but walking to and from the trail requires caution.

Whiskey Creek Trail covers 7.2 kilometers, starting off on fairly steep ground through a tall mature forest. The first stretch feels steady and straightforward before you reach a crossing at Whiskey Creek. From there, the terrain changes with the trail climbing sharply through mixed woods, gaining elevation toward a dramatic upper valley. At the top, you’re met with a headwall and glacier above the creek, with expansive alpine scenery and access into more technical mountaineering terrain.

The Broken Axe Loop is a forested trail that has steep climbs, rocky terrain, and a surprisingly good viewpoint. The viewpoint is a rocky bluff that opens above the trees with a clear view across the valley.

The Bluff Recreation Site is a small, forested area with great views of the Bulkley Valley. It is centered around “The Bluff” with a network of trails and access to Seymour Lake. This area is popular with both mountain bikers and hikers.