Fort Nelson

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History

Located at Mile 300 on the historic Alaska Highway, Fort Nelson is a popular stopover location for travellers leaving British Columbia for the Yukon and Alaska. The original settlement in Fort Nelson was a North West Company fur trading post, established in 1805, and was named for Lord Horatio Nelson. Today, Fort Nelson is home to 4,700 residents, and attracts some 320,000 visitors in the summer months.

The world famous 2,414 km (1,500 mi) Alaska Highway is a sight to see in itself. Travelling on this road is like traveling through history. 11,000 US soldiers and 16,000 civilians took 8 months and 12 days to build 133 bridges and cross 8 mountain ranges. Today, this highway is situated amongst a beautiful scenic and intriguing heritage travel route. 

Location

Fort Nelson is located in the northeast corner of British Columbia at Mile 300 (km 483) on the Alaska Highway 97. The largest town between Fort St. John and the Yukon Territory border, Fort Nelson is an entryway to the northernmost reaches of the Northern Rocky Mountains. Fort Nelson is located 892 km (554 mi) north of Prince George on Highway 97 and 379 km (236 mi) north of Fort St. John.

Places to See

• Fort Nelson Heritage Museum

The Fort Nelson Heritage Museum has a number of collections. The theme of the museum is Transportation because the collection that started it all was an antique car and truck collection. The collections now consist of more than just antique cars and trucks and includes antique heavy equipment primarily used in the building of the Alaska Highway. The museum grounds provide space for historic buildings and artifacts. 

• Steamboat Mountain

Located at Mile 343 is Steamboat Mountain. Enjoy the views of the Muskwa River Valley and the Rocky Mountains from the viewing platform, with interpretive signage at the summit. Steamboat Mountain is 1,067 metres (3,500 ft) high and named because of its resemblance to a steamship.

• Summit Lake & Stone Mountain

At Mile 392, Summit Lake is the highest point on the Alaska Highway at 1,295 metres (4,250 ft) in elevation. Hiking trails lead to alpine meadows. Located on either side of the highway for 14 km (9 mi) is the scenic Stone Mountain Provincial Park with towering mountain peaks, valleys, alpine tundra, hoodoos, waterfalls and lakes. Experienced hikers will enjoy wilderness hiking in this rugged terrain. 

Things to Do

• Golfing

The Poplar Hills Golf & Country Club is a public 9-hole facility located high above the Muskwa Valley. The course terrain offers challenging play against a backdrop of dazzling panoramic views of the Northern Rockies. Facilities include a driving range, grass greens, pro shop, club and power cart rentals, concession and lounge. 

• Wildlife Viewing

Nature lovers of all types will find their interests fulfilled here. Whether you're 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 you will be amazed by the wonderful photo opportunities in this region. For 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, Stones sheep, the black bear, grizzly and lynx - all these and more make the northern mountains their home. Be sure to bring your camera as you never know what may cross your path. 

• Canoeing/Kayaking

Rivers wind and ribbon across the Northern Rockies creating a network of watery roads for those wanting to access the wilderness by watercraft. Fort Nelson provides many rafting opportunities for watersport enthusiasts.

• Hiking/Biking/Skiing
The demonstration forest located minutes from downtown Fort Nelson offers many trails for walking, biking and skiing. This patch of Northern Boreal Forest is a perfect place for an evening stroll or an afternoon hike. 

Nearby Communities

Contact Information

Fort Nelson Visitor Centre
5500 Alaska Hwy
Fort Nelson, BC V0C 1R0
Tel: (250) 774-6400
Fax: (250) 774-2956
E-mail: visitorinfo@fortnelsonchamber.com
Web: www.fortnelsonchamber.com

Fort Nelson Tourism & the Northern Rockies Regional District
5319 50th Ave.
Fort Nelson, BC V0C 1RO
Web: www.tourismnorthernrockies.ca