Nyan Wheti facts for kids

Nyan Wheti is an old trail in northern British Columbia, Canada. It connects villages of the Dakelh people. These villages were on Fraser Lake and Stuart Lake. The trail is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) long. In the Carrier language, Nyan Wheti means "The Way Across."

What is Nyan Wheti?

Nyan Wheti was a very important route for the Dakelh people. It was part of a huge network of trails. These trails were known as the Grease Trails. People used them for trading goods, traveling, and sharing messages.

A Path for Trade and Travel

The Nyan Wheti trail became even more important when Europeans arrived. They set up fur trade forts near the lakes. These forts were Fort Fraser on Fraser Lake and Fort St. James on Stuart Lake. The trail helped connect these trading posts.

The trail starts near Stuart Lake. It follows Sowchea Creek south. Then it goes past Nanna Lake (called Chus-Kan). It also passes Marie Lake (Kwah), Sutherland Lake, and Pitka Mountain. A famous part of the trail is the Porte de l'enfer (Hell's Gate) Pass. The trail finally ends at Nadleh Village on Fraser Lake. From Nadleh, another trail called the Cheslatta Trail continues south to Cheslatta Lake.

Hiking the Nyan Wheti Trail Today

Today, the Nyan Wheti trail is still there. The start of the trail in Fort St. James is at the end of Baker Drive. This is off Sowchea Road. It's located between Paarens Beach Provincial Park and Sowchea Bay Provincial Park. The trail finishes near the Nadleh Whut'en First Nation reserve. This is just off the Yellowhead Highway.

The Nyan Wheti is considered a class 5 trail. This means it is quite challenging. It is best for hikers who have a lot of experience.