|
Fort Nelson (population: 3,700) and the Northern Rockies provides a gateway to the northernmost reaches of the world-famous Rocky Mountains. Here, the rugged landscape promises incredible scenery and unforgettable encounters – whether the journey takes you 50 feet from the Alaska Highway, or 50 miles into the peaks and valleys of the vast backcountry. The Alaska HighwayThe world-famous 1500-mile Alaska Highway is an adventure in itself. A true feat of engineering, 11,000 US soldiers and 16,000 civilians took only 8 months and 12 days to build 133 bridges and cross 8 mountain ranges. Today, the Alaska Highway takes its place among the most scenic and inspiring heritage travel routes.
History of Fort NelsonFort Nelson sits at historic mile 300 of the Highway. Founded as a fur-trading post almost 200 years ago, Fort Nelson developed mostly as a result of the construction of the Alaska Highway. Today, BC’s northernmost town is home to about 4,000 people, and is the service and transportation centre for the regional economy. The largest gas processing plant in Canada and one of BC’s largest wood products plants are located here.
Wildlife SpottingFor the diversity and abundance of its wildlife, this part of British Columbia has been called the Serengeti of the North. Elk, moose, caribou and bison, the Stone’s sheep that are almost always there to greet visitors near Summit Lake, while the black bear, grizzly and lynx - all these and more make the northern mountains their home.
Nature lovers will be captivated by big animals, fur-bearers, birds, the exquisite beauty of a tenacious alpine flower or a delicate orchid species flourishing near the hot springs.
Area TopographyRibboned with thousands of kilometres of rivers, dotted by hundreds of lakes and crowned by towering mountains, the vast wilderness of the Northern Rockies is becoming known as a world-class destination for backcountry adventure
|