Gitwangak Battle Hill

0.60 km
9m gain
1.00 hours
Level 2.0/5
2.0/5
Difficulty
Easy
0.60
Distance
kilometres
9
Elevation Gain
metres
1.00
Est. Time
hours

About This Trail

Discover this charming 0.6 km out-and-back trail near Kitwanga, British Columbia. Considered an easy route, it takes approximately 10 minutes to complete, making it perfect for a quick walk, a relaxing nature break, or an outing with family and friends.


Ideal for walkers of all ages and skill levels, the trail offers a peaceful setting where you can enjoy the surrounding natural beauty at a leisurely pace. Despite its accessibility, you're unlikely to encounter many other visitors, providing a quiet and refreshing outdoor experience.


Whether you're looking for a short stroll, a chance to reconnect with nature, or a peaceful stop during your travels, this scenic trail is a wonderful place to unwind and enjoy the tranquility of British Columbia's wilderness.

Leave No Trace

Please follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out all waste, stay on designated trails, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors.

Interactive Trail Map

Elevation Profile

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Getting There

Directions

The site is located near Kitwanga, approximately 90km northeast of Terrace and approximately 100km west of New Hazelton on Highway 16. From Highway 16, turn north onto Highway 37 at the Kitwanga junction (just after crossing the Skeena River Bridge you may wish to detour right to view the Gitwangak totem poles first). Drive north on Highway 37 for 4.3km and turn left onto Kitwanga North Road. Gitwangak Battle Hill is on the left 1.7km further on. The site is well-signed.

Parking

 A dedicated Parks Canada parking area is located at the viewpoint overlooking Battle Hill, directly at the trailhead. The lot is fully accessible for large recreational vehicles, as no tight turns or backing up are required. Free admission — no fees to park or visit the site. The site is generally accessible during daylight hours year-round as an outdoor historic site with no strict opening or closing times. The nearest services are in Kitwanga village.

Safety & Preparation

The trail involves 110 steps descending and 65 steps ascending wear comfortable, sturdy footwear as the wooden and metal stairs can be slippery when wet or frosty. The ascent to the summit, while short, is a significant stair climb pace yourself and take breaks on the provided benches at the summit. Supervise children carefully on the stairways. The site is adjacent to the Kitwanga River stay on the designated trail and keep children away from the river banks. Respect this living cultural heritage site do not touch or climb on any archaeological features or earthworks. As with all outdoor sites in Northern BC, bears may be present in the surrounding area be aware of your surroundings. The parking area can get busy during summer travel season, particularly with Highway 37 (Cassiar Highway) travelers heading to or from the Yukon.

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