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History
Located at Mile 300 on the 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. The town
today of just
under 5,000 people was mainly developed as a result of
the construction of the Alaska Highway.
The world famous
2414 km (1500 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.
Fort Nelson is home to the largest processing plant in
Canada as well
as one of BC’s largest wood plants.
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
This museum is mainly composed of post 1945 artifacts related
to local natural resources and the construction of the Alaska
Highway. Pioneer and native artifacts are also displayed throughout
the museum. The original Hudson Bay Store is also featured. Spend
a few hours learning about the local history of this interesting
Northern BC community.
- Fort Nelson-Liard Native Friendship Centre
If you are looking for a place to purchase some souvenirs or
gifts to bring back home, the Native Friendship Centre is a great
stop. Local Native crafts are for sale along side  mukluks, moccasins,
moosehair tufted wall hangings and much more.
- Liard Hot Springs
This area harbours one of the world’s most unique
ecosystems and offers year round swimming. Located 314
km (195 mi) north of Fort Nelson, these delightful hot springs
remain set
in
a natural setting and are a perfect way to spend a
relaxing afternoon. Stroll the boardwalk through warm
water marshes
where moose make regular appearances, and where hundreds
of plant and bird species flourish.
- Wokkpash Valley
The Wokkpash Trail in the
Northern Rocky Mountains Provincial Park is a hiker’s
paradise. One can find dramatic scenery, abundant wildlife,
and pure wilderness on this multi-day trek
(65km/39 mi). The trail follows the Wokkpash Valley where
nature has sculpted a fascinating scene of imposing stone erosion
pillars,
called hoodoos. For those who are seeking a wilderness
adventure, the Wokkpash Valley is an excellent choice.
- Steamboat Mountain
Enjoy the views of the Muskwa River Valley and the Rocky
Mountains from the viewing platform with interpretive signage
at the summit of Steamboat Mountain 1067 metres (3,500 feet),
at Mile 334, named because of its resemblance to a steamship.
- Stone Mountain Provincial Park
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. The BC Parks Summit Lake Campground
with 28 sites is found just inside the park boundary.
Summit
Lake is the highest point on the highway at 1295 meters
(4247 feet).
- Muncho Lake
Marvel at the stunning beauty of this mountain lake,
the showpiece of Muncho Lake Provincial Park. The deep,
cold
lake is tinted jade green by copper oxide leeching out of the lake
bedrock. Muncho Lake is a haven for fishing, hiking and
boating, and is also a key launch point for many of the region’s
vacation activities, including a lake boat tour, white
water rafting and float trips, and fly-in camping, sightseeing, and
remote retreats.
Things to Do
- Golf
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. To book your tee-times call (250) 774-3862.
- Andy Bailey Provincial Recreation Area
Take a summer dip in the lake at Andy Bailey Provincial
Recreation Area, a popular playground for locals all
year round. Vehicle/tent campsites are offered in the park,
accessed by
a 12-km gravel road off the Alaska Highway, 27 km (16.78
mi) south of Fort Nelson.
- 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 ma ny
opportunities for watersport enthusiasts; with numerous
waterways to choose from visit www.northernrockies.org
for
more information.
- Rafting
For even more of a challenge, try one of the full day
rafting trips in the Muncho Lake area or extend your
trip for a
few days to the Tuchodi & Muskwa, Turnagain & Kechika,
Gatage, Nahanni, Wokkpash & Racing Rivers. Contact the
Fort Nelson Visitor Centre for information on local rafting
companies.
Events
- Canadian Open Sled Dog Championship
A championship sled dog race that has been held in Fort
Nelson for 45 years occurs annually. This event even has multi-length
races that attract international competitors. The event
takes
place at Parker Lake. Contact Terry Streeper at 250-774-2991
for more information.
- West Coast Amusement Carnival
The Fort Nelson Recreation Centre fills with excitement when
this spring carnival comes to town. Games, rides, cotton-candy
and more can be found to keep you busy at the fair with fun for
all ages. Contact Colleen Hoglund at 250-774-2088 for more information.
The West Coast Amusement Carnival begins every third weekend
in May.
- Welcome Visitor Program
This popular Welcome Visitor program is a great way to introduce
yourself to Fort Nelson and its people. The program runs from
June until the end of August. Contact the Fort Nelson Visitor
Centre at 250-774-6400 for more information.
- Canada Day Parade
The Fort Nelson Canada Day celebration is an event not to be
missed. Enjoy the traveling parade down 50 Avenue North and then
play some games with the whole family. Elks Lodge parking lot
is open to the community including a concession stand and beer
garden.
Please contact the Fort Nelson Visitor Centre for up to date
event details.
Contact Information
Fort Nelson Visitor Centre (Open mid May - Sept 4)
Bag 399
Highway 97 North - Recreation Centre
Fort Nelson, BC V0C 1R0
Tel: (250) 774-6400
Fax: (250) 774-6794
E-mail: info@fortnelsonchamber.com
Town of Fort Nelson & the Northern Rockies Regional District
Bag 399, Fort Nelson, BC V0C 1RO
Tel : (250) 774-2541
Fax : (250) 774-6794
E-mail: tourism@northernrockies.org
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