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History
The scenic lakeshore community of Fraser Lake has roots
dating back to the pioneering days of fur trading. In 1806 Simon Fraser
established a fur-trading post near the east end of Fraser Lake and
named it Fort Fraser. During the construction of the Grand Trunk Railway
the town of Fraser Lake was officially established in 1914 and was incorporated
as a village in 1966. This area is renowned for being the first cultivated
land ever recorded in British Columbia, the east end of the Fraser Lake.
The Fraser Lake Sawmill began in the early 1900’s and is known
as one of the worlds most innovative sawmills. The Endako Molybdenum
Mine, close to Fraser Lake, was once the second largest Molybdenum Mine
in the world; it still employs many Fraser Lake residents. Today the
community of Fraser Lake is a popular destination for tourists, who
enjoy the exceptional outdoor recreation and warm northern hospitality.
Location
The Village of Fraser Lake is situated on the Yellowhead
Route (Highway 16), the northern Trans-Provincial Highway. Prince George
is 160 km (99 mi) east of Fraser Lake; Highway 97 connects Vancouver to
Prince George and Northern British Columbia.
Places to See
- Fraser Lake Museum
The Fraser Lake Museum, located at the Visitor Information
Centre, displays some beautiful artifacts of the Carrier Indians and other
antiques of Fraser Lake and the surrounding areas. Spend time here learning
about the rich history of Northern BC.
- White Swan Park
White Swan Park is a day use park with a beach area, playground
and washroom facilities. The area has 170 lakes within a 50-mile radius
of the Village, and is the temporary home to over 1,000 Trumpeter Swans,
making Fraser Lake the Swan Capital of the world.
- Beaumont Provincial Park
Beaumont Provincial Park is situated just off Highway 16,
close to Fraser Lake. This park is excellent for campers with both vehicle
and tent campsites. The park is very scenic with clear views of Fraser
Lake.
- Fort St James
The nearby Fort St James area has a number of excellent
hiking trails, which range from 4 - 6 hours. Mount Pope trail, or the
1/2 hr. Dickinson trail. Other activities available in the area include
a nine-hole golf course, kayaking, horseback riding, and numerous water
activities. The Nation Lakes chain offers excellent canoeing. For more
information on recreation opportunities in the area, contact the Visitor
Centre at 250-996-7023.
- Fort St James National Historic Site
This fully restored Hudson's Bay Company post commemorates
the partnership between the fur traders and First Nations from 1806 to
1952. The site includes the largest group of original wooden buildings
representing the fur trade in Canada. The historic structures are located
on spectacular Stuart Lake, in Fort St. James. Allow several hours to
explore the fort, stop in at the Visitor Reception Centre watch a video
and stroll through the interpretive displays. Meet costumed interpreters
working in the buildings and garden. Visit the gift shop, and relax at
the Old Fort Cafe for lunch. Open 9:00-5:00 pm daily, May long weekend
through to end September.
- First Nations Culture - Saik'uz First Nation
Located just off Highway 16, 25 minutes east of Vanderhoof
at Bednesti Lake Resort is the Cultural Arts Centre. This Centre opens
May 1 and offers unique native crafts such as baskets, beadery, masks,
blankets, wall carvings and plaques. Be sure to look closely at the gallery
as it is a piece of artwork in itself. Surrounded by Totem Poles carved
by local artists and with soaring whitewashed beams that has to be viewed
to be appreciated, also you may want to stop in at the restaurant for
some fine Saik'uz First Nations bannock and tea. For more information
call the Arts Centre at 250-441-3540.
Things To Do
- Wildlife Viewing
Fraser Lake and the surrounding area are abundant with
wildlife. Wildlife enthusiasts can frequently spot moose, black bear,
deer and fox. Other wildlife which is less commonly sighted includes grizzly
bear, wolves, lynx, cougar, the elusive albino moose, caribou, elk, owls,
blue heron and eagles.
- Outdoor Activities
Visitors to the Fraser Lake area can enjoy a vast range
of outdoor activities, both in the summer and the winter. Some
of the many activities include hiking, fishing, swimming, canoeing,
kayaking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and downhill skiing.
- Swan Viewing
Fraser Lake can claim to be the swan capital of the world;
it is the temporary home to over 100 Trumpeter Swans,
the world’s
largest bird. The swans nest on the Nautely River as
well as the area between the Stellako River and Fraser
Lake. Spend
a relaxing afternoon watching these magnificent birds
in the natural habitat.
- Mouse Mountain
Hikers can access Mouse Mountain from the Village of Fraser
Lake. This mountain, which resembles a mouse, has many hiking
trails and cross-country skiing in the winter.
- Red Rock Volcano
The extinct Red Rock Volcano is over 25 million years
old; hikers can climb the old lava beds and the volcanic
cone. Red Rock which is also known as
Table Top Mountain can be accessed from the Stellaq’o Village, for
more information visit the Information Centre in Fraser Lake.
- Canoeing & Kayaking
Paddling enthusiasts enjoy the many lakes and rivers in the Fraser Lake region.
More experienced paddlers enjoy the challenge of the Stellako and Nechako Rivers.
For more information visit the Information Centre in Fraser Lake.
Events
- Mouse Mountain Days Festival
This annual family event takes place during the first week
of July. It involves music, games for kids such as wheel barrel
races, fireworks, barbecue picnic lunches and local baking. This
event is fun for all ages so bring the whole family!
- Rose Prince Pilgrimage
This is an annual event that occurs in July and is located
at the Lejac Site situated between Fort Fraser and
Fraser Lake. For more information contact St. Andrews
Parish
250-699-6593.
Contact Information
Village of Fraser Lake
Box 430
65 Endako Avenue
Fraser Lake, BC
V0J 1S0
Phone: 250-699-6257
Fax: 250-699-6469
E-mail: fraserlk@flk.auracom.com
Website: www.village.fraserlk.bc.ca
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