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Fort St. John

Horseback Riding in Fort St John, Andrew Tylosky photo
Horseback Riding in Fort St John, Andrew Tylosky photo
Fort St. John (population: 17,402), British Columbia's oldest interior community, is a small city with a young population full of fresh ideas. People here are friendly, willing to lend a hand and offer up recommendations for restaurants, accommodations, and exciting things to do. This local hospitality is complemented by the natural beauty of Fort St. John and the surrounding Peace River Valley, which offers endless opportunity for scenic drives, bird watching and wildlife viewing, fishing, hiking, and camping. Fort St. John is also a confirmed Olympic Torch Relay stop (Day 94, January 31st, 2010) for the fast-approaching Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Outdoor Activities in Fort St. John

The mighty Peace River and lush green slopes of the Peace River Valley provide a varied terrain, ideal for numerous seasonal outdoor activities. In summer, fish for Walleye at Charlie Lake, one of the only natural lakes in British Columbia where anglers can keep their Walleye catch. Cast a line from shore or boat into a Peace River tributary, rife with Artic Grayling and Rainbow Trout.  Hike the network of trails at Beatton Provincial Park and Charlie Lake Provincial Park, where overnight campsite stays are always an option. Spend a relaxing day on a scenic drive to Fort St. John Lookout, or spend a day golfing at one of three available courses. In winter, Fort St. John's prairie landscape is great for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Sledders can even trek out to Graham-Laurier Provincial Park and Redfern-Keily Provincial Park to snowmobile designated trails in the Rocky Mountains.

Location and Geography

Fort St John Landscape - City of Fort St JohnFort St. John is unique in British Columbia with its wide expanse of flat, gently rolling plains river-carved valleys covered in aspen, spruce and pine. Wildlife abounds, including elk, moose, deer and bears, which can be often viewed while driving along the Alaska Highway (97) or Highway 29 to Hudson's Hope. Fort St. John is one of the major honey producers in British Columbia, and visitors can find many varieties of local honey, including dandelion, clover, and wildflower.

Industry & Livelihood

Located east of the Rocky Mountains, Fort St. John is the centre of oil and gas development in British Columbia.  The oil and gas industry is the pillar of the local economy, keeping the town bustling and busy in recent years. Northern British Columbia's forestry, agriculture, mining, and energy developments are also main resource industries.

Where to Start

Stop by the Fort St. John Visitor Centre (9522 100 St.) for information, maps, recommendations, and other advice about what to see in town.