Fort St. James
Sunset on Stuart Lake, Fort St James Chamber of Commerce photo
Fort St. James (population: 4,757, including surrounding First Nations and rural communities) is a tight knit community that offers an abundance of outdoor activities mostly focused around Stuart Lake. The area has hundreds of lakes and rivers suited to various water activities, and a vast amount of rolling hills and forests to hike and mountain bike.
Outdoor Activities
Summer invites jet skiing or waterskiing across Stuart Lake, freshwater fishing excursions, ATVing and mountain biking escapades, and refreshing hikes. The nearby provincially recognized Nation Lakes Canoe Route is another popular destination. Winters consist of snowboarding, downhill skiing, and cross-county skiing at Murray Ridge just north of town, as well as ice fishing, snowmobiling, dogsledding, and even snow kiting (for those with a more adventurous spirit).
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About Town
Fort St. James has a slower, laid back vibe mixed with a rugged frontier town feeling. The population here is hard working and culturally diverse. Numerous First Nations villages and reserves also surround the town. Residents are mainly employed by the forestry industry. However, Fort St. James is moving forward with alternate economic opportunities.
Downtown, which overlooks Stuart Lake, is central and has required amenities for a daytrip or weeklong stay – accommodations, restaurants, a grocery store, and gas stations. Yet, one has the sense that locals here could take care of themselves for weeks or months, no matter what happened.
Summers and winters are full of festivals and community events, including a large music festival held in Cottonwood Park on the waterfront every summer, and winter events such as dogsled races. The July fishing derby, with thousands of dollars in prizes for the heaviest rainbow trout, is another notable event. It hosts a parade and fireworks.
Culture and History
In addition to accessible pristine wilderness, the nationally and regionally significant history of the area draws visitors to town. Fort St. James was one of the first fur trading posts in western Canada. Built in 1806, the fur-trading fort eventually became a Hudson Bay Company trading post and a centre for commerce and activity. Today, during the summer, visitors can tour this historic site and learn about the fur trade from costumed interpreters.
Where to Begin?
For more information on Fort St. James and things to do there, stop by the Visitor Centre on the way to town at the corner of Kwah Road and Hwy 27. Pick up various pamphlets on attractions in the community, as well as an easy to read visitor guide.
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