Boating & Sailing
Sailboat (Canadian Tourism Commission photo)
Experience the pristine and uncrowded waterways of Fort St. John by sailboating, jetboating, windsurfing, or paddling.
Explore the varied geography of North Peace Country (encompassing Fort St. John), marked by the Rocky Mountains, boreal forest, and the Mackenzie river system, the longest river system in Canada. Charlie Lake accommodates exhilarating windsurfing and sailing, as well as relaxing kayaking and canoeing. Boating in Northern British Columbia is best enjoyed during the warm summer months, June through September. Boat rentals are available at two local operators in town.
Lake Boating in Fort St. John
Charlie Lake, large enough for all types of boating activity is the closest lake to Fort St. John north along the Alaska Highway. Choose from three main boat launches at Beatton Provincial Park, Charlie Lake Provincial Park, and Rotary Park.
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While boating at Beatton Park, take advantage of the park's small swimming area, picnic site, trails, and a play park. On windy days, windsurf or sail on Charlie Lake, and on calm days, canoe through the nearby bay. Popular motorized boating activities are always an available option.
Drive north along the Alaska Highway to Inga Lake for a quiet canoe or kayak, or head south to Stewart Lake, closer to Dawson Creek.
River Boating in Fort St. John
Float easily down the calm waters of Peace River, from Lynx Creek to the Halfway River, in a canoe or kayak, or take a riverboat ride from the public boat launch at Peace Island Park in Taylor. Lynx Creek is located 80km/50mi west of Fort St. John on Highway 29 to Hudson's Hope. Jet boaters can head up the Peace River, via Pine, Moberly, and Halfway tributaries. The local River Rats club has developed sites along Peace River and Pine Rivers with picnic tables, fire pits and outhouses.
Paddle for the Peace
Participate in the annual Paddle for the Peace event jointly hosted by the West Moberly First Nations and the Peace Valley Environment Association. This event celebrates the Peace River, while organizing citizens dedicated to the future of the Peace River Valley. The paddle launches at the Halfway River and ends at Bear Flat, where dinner is served at Bear Flat campground.
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