Plan your visit

Park at the viewpoint of Gitwangak Battle Hill National Historic Site and survey the surrounding hills and Kitwanga River valley as the Gitwangak people did in the mid-1700s to early 1800s. Their fortified village once stood on a high mound next to the river and Kitwankul Grease Trail, fuelling trade in oolichan grease, a rich staple.

Take a short walk down a wooden staircase to the grassy mound where five cedar plank longhouses were once surrounded by a palisade, armed with massive spiked logs. Learn about the fort’s famous warrior ‘Nekt, whose exploits are legendary in the northwestern BC regions of Skeena, Kitimat and Nass.

At nearby Gitwangak Village, view a collection of age-old totem poles rich in First Nations history. Examine the totem “Man-Crushing Log”, erected in 1905, depicting stories related to Battle Hill figures and families, including ‘Nekt in fierce grizzly bear armour.