Locals in The Great Wilderness

Roy Henry Vickers

First Nations artist Roy Henry Vickers produces colourful prints, carvings, and sculptures from his home studio on the Skeena River, surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks and lush forest. Nearby, ‘Ksan Historical Village reminds him of his storytelling roots, and has remained his creative touchstone for five decades. For Roy, the land is his muse and his works reflect the natural beauty and deep connections he has to this very special part of The Great Wilderness.

The Great Wilderness Travel Questions Answered

Where was this video filmed?
Roy Henry Vickers lives on the territory of the Gitxsan Nation, who have cared for the lands and waters here since time immemorial. His home is in the village of Kispiox along the Skeena River in northwest British Columbia, near the communities of New Hazelton and Smithers. This video was filmed in the Hazelton area of northern BC, part of The Great Wilderness.

How do I visit this area?
Ways to access the communities in northwest BC include the following:

By car: Take the Stewart-Cassiar Highway 37 or Northern BC Route 16. Always check drivebc.ca for road conditions before setting out.
By train: Travel on a scenic journey with VIA Rail between Jasper, Alberta, and Prince Rupert, BC.
By air: Fly into Smithers Regional Airport or Northwest Regional Airport near Terrace, then rent a vehicle to drive north. Chartered floatplane service to some of the more remote areas in northwest BC is also available from larger communities like Prince Rupert.
By water: Take BC Ferries along the west coast of British Columbia to Prince Rupert, then rent a car or RV and drive east along Highway 16. Jetboat charters are also available to more remote parts of northwest BC.

When is the best time to go?
The optimal time to visit The Great Wilderness is between late spring and early fall, when temperatures are more moderate and roads are more likely to be free of snow. The shoulder seasons—before June and after August—offer fewer crowds and easier access to popular parks, campsites, and attractions.

What can I do nearby?
There are plenty of ways to get out into big nature in The Great Wilderness. Fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, and camping, plus paddling and boating on the waterways, are all popular activities here. In the centuries-old town of Gitanmaax, near Hazelton, ‘Ksan Historical Village and Museum shares First Nations history, culture, and art that bring to life the stories of the land and its people.

Where can I stay?
Accommodation options in The Great Wilderness include small hotels, guesthouses, campgrounds, and backcountry lodges. Most accommodations are found in communities such as Smithers, Hazelton, and surrounding areas. More remote wilderness lodges may require additional travel by vehicle, floatplane, or boat.