Fort St. James

District of Fort St. James website

Activities in Fort St. James

The small and bustling community of Fort St. James is located approximately 40 minutes north of Vanderhoof on Highway 27. Situated along the shores of Stuart Lake this friendly, scenic, stress-free town is the perfect place to get away, breathe the fresh air and relax.

Fort St. James was once the capital of BC and was known as New Caledonia. Experience the history firsthand by making a visit to Fort St. James’ National Historic Site, a former Hudson’s Bay Company outpost and established in Fort St. James in 1806. The site has been restored and maintained to its former glory and hosts a variety of excellent family events through the year.

Summertime draws visitors of all kinds to Fort St. James. Outdoor activities include fishing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, ATV riding, paddling, golfing, hunting, and much more. Remote hunting and fishing lodges operating in the spring, summer and fall on some of the most pristine lakes in Norther BC. Paddlers will be eager to access the Nation Lakes chain, a 4-lake canoe/kayak route.

Murray Ridge Ski Area, a hidden gem of Northern BC, boasts 20 runs, including 10 black diamond runs. There are also 20 kilometers of groomed cross-country trails and snowshoeing trails. Ice fishing on nearby lakes and snowmobiling or dog mushing on 300 kilometers of groomed trails makes Fort St. James a popular winter destination.

Come enjoy the road less taken and all the untouched beauty that Fort St. James has to offer!