Come Play with us - What
to see when you are here!
Historical Sites & Attractions
Our
Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church
Fort St. James boasts one of the oldest churches in BC, it was built
here in 1873, by Father George Blanchet. Father Morice was priest here
from 1885 to 1904. Father Morices cabin where he printed out Carrier
Prayer Books and newspapers can still be seen behind the church. The
church was still in use until 1951. Mass is held on Saturday evenings
during the summer months. The church is located on Lakeshore Drive.
A Few hundred yards past
the church is the graveyard where headstones can be seen written in the
Carrier syllabics developed by Father Morice. Visitors are reminded
that this graveyard is consecrated ground, still in use, and to please
conduct themselves respectfully.
Junkers W34 Float
Plane
The German Junker W34 Float Plane was used by bush pilots in the Fort
St. James area from the 1930’s to the 1970’s. The areas the
bush pilots flew into were uncharted and they survived by their wits
and bravery. The Junker plane became known as the workhorse of the
north, the plane was also significant in WWll. Located at Cottonwood
Park is a 1/3 scale model of the German Junkers W34 Float Plane.
Tom Creek Steam
Shovel
The Tom Creek Steam shovel has been preserved as a tribute to the
pioneer families who contributed to the growth and development of our
region during the first half of this century. The Tom Creek steam
shovel was brought to the area in the mid 1930’s by Thomas A.
Kelley. It traveled under its own steam to Fort St. James, then barge
by “Grandpa” David Hoy to Takla Landing, then a short 19
miles to Tom Creek. It was rediscovered in 1991. The first trip to
locate and assess the condition of the shovel was carried out with the
support of Northern Mountain Helicopter April 23, 1993. First rescue
attempt, July 23,24, 25 1993.
Final trip-Not without its challenges this trip was a success and the
team arrived complete with police escort to the District works yard at
Fort St. James on August 29 th 1994.
Russ Baker
Memorial
This memorial was erected in honor of Frank Russell “Russ”
Baker. He was one of the first bush pilots in the Fort St. James area
in the 1930’s. After World War II Russ Baker started Central BC
Airways for $25, which became Pacific Western Airlines, and today is
known as Canadian Airlines International Ltd. Russ Baker was only 48
years old when he died of a heart attack on November 15 th, 1958.
First Nations
Pictographs
These paintings on the cliffs of Stuart Lake date back to the past
century. There are twenty-one sites of Native pictographs, between
Stuart Lake and Pinchi Bay. The paintings depict animals, fish and
birds as well as symbols depicting guardian spirits and images received
in dreams. The paint used for drawing was a vegetable based vermilion
which weathers quickly, archaeologists believe the paints do not date
from much before the last century.
Fort St. James National
Historic Site
Simon Fraser founded North West Company’s Fort in 1806; it was
called the Stuart Lake Post until the name was changed by the
Hudson’s Bay Company to Fort St. James. The fully restored
Hudson’s Bay Company Post commemorates the partnership between
the fur traders and First Nations from 1806 to 1952. Step back in time
into one of the largest group of original wooden buildings representing
the fur trade in Canada, and meet costumed interpreters working in the
gardens and buildings.
The Mountie
The mountie was
carved in 1992 at the Vancouver PNE in August. The mountie represented
an image that people around the world think of when they think of
Canada. Making the sculpture a photo opportunity to visitors.
The Logger
The logger was
carved in 1993 at Grouse Mountain resort, this sculpture depicts the
importance of forestry to nearly every community in British Columbia.
The Prospector
The
prospector was carved in two places in 1994, it started during the
Forestry Expo in Prince George and later moved to Fort St. James where
it was finished in front of the RCMP station. This sculpture represents
the importance of Mining Industry in British Columbia
Hudson's Bay
Cemetery
The Hudson's Bay cemetery is the oldest remnant of the early fur
trading in Fort St. James. Not much is known about its history &
content, or even when the first person was buried here. However it
stills tells of a life lived here in Fort St. James. The graveyard is
on Stuart Drive Beside the Anglican Church.
Stuart Lake Golf Course
Stuart Lake golf course located on Stones Bay Road is a nine hole
course with a magnificent view of the lake. Play a round of golf, then
sit and enjoy the view
Murray Ridge Ski Area
The longest T-bar in North America! Prime downhill skiing, snowboarding
there are 23 trails on the mountain and 20 km of cross country trails,
too. The hill offers professionally groomed runs, Canadian Ski Patrol
system, group and private lessons, complete rental shop, and a licensed
lounge,cafeteria and patio.
Mount Pope Hiking Trail
Mount Pope is a day-use park, 6.5 km hiking trail. Panoramic view of
Stuart Lake and the mountains to the north, 39 climbing routes have
been documented. Natural values of Mount Pope park include rare plants
and animal species associated with limestone rock formations and caves,
as well as valuable winter range for mule deer. Home to a variety of
wildlife and is particularly significant as winter range for mule deer.
Other species found in the area include white-tailed deer,black bear,
moose, lynx, and cougar, as well as a wide range of birds including
jays, the blue grouse, and Clark's nutcracker.
Dickinson Hiking Trail
Located near downtown Fort St. James turn past the hospital onto Pine
Ridge Way Road. After the pavement ends parking is available and it is
a short walk to the trail start. The trip is 2 km and takes about 1/2-1
hour. A hike up Mount Dickinson rewards you with a panoramic view of
Fort St. James, Stuart Lake and surrounding area.
Nation Lakes
The Nation Lakes Chain is a provincially recognized canoe route,
offering canoeists a 110 kilometre challenge through four unique lakes.
Tsayta Lake, your trip starts here, Indata Lake, caribou are often seen
here, Tchentlo Lake there are five recreation sites along this lake,
and the terminus of the route is Chuchi Lake, along this lake you have
your choice of seventeen campsites and a boat launch. The entire Nation
Lakes Chain takes 5 to 10 days, there is no white water, but you will
encounter frequent log jams and sweepers between the lakes. Be sure to
take your camera you wouldn't want to miss any photo opportunities.
Rock
Hounding
Try your hand at rock hounding, for the hounding enthusiast.
Gold Place
Location
RainbowCreek
Sowchea Creek
Dog Creek
Silver Creek
Germansen Landing
Jade
O’Ne-ell Creek
Kwanika Creek
Silver Creek
Ogden Creek
Rhondonite
Quartzite Creek
Stuart Lake (North Arm)
Jasper & Agate
Cunningham Forestry Road
Sowchea Bay Provincial Park
Twenty Mile Creek
Shas Mountain Trail
Found 37 km down the Cunningham Forest Service Road. The trail is 8-9
km long and well groomed. The terrain is varied from steep to flat and
heavily treed at the bottom to almost treeless at the peak. Snow is
found at the peak and in other ares until July.
Accessbile only by boat, and it is advisable to make it an overnight trip.
Pinchi Falls
Travel down the Tachie Road and turn right at the first turn spot after
the bridge. Travel 4 km down the road and turn right again, past the 2
km sign park your vehicle and follow the path to the falls
Tsilcoh Falls
Located on Pinchi Road, 30 km from town, road is accessible by car and
there is a day use area. There is a trail to the falls and from mid to
late August there is rum of Kokanee. The site is user maintained.
