Fort St. James Guide

Table of Contents Welcome Message ...... 3 Parks...... 10 Getting Here ...... 6 Seasonal Activities...... 11 Getting Around Town...... 7 Remote Wildlife Experiences ...... 14 Unique to Fort St . James...... 8 Trails...... 18 History...... 24

2 Welcome Message

On the scenic shore of beautiful Stuart Lake is a community both historic and resourceful! Fort St. James offers an abundance of year-round recreational activities including hunting, fishing, trails for biking, hiking, motor sports, water sports, marina, and snow and ice sports. Established by Simon Fraser in 1806, the Fort St. James area is rich with historical significance. The geographically close communities of Fort St. James, Nak’azdli, Tl’azt’en and Yekooche First Nations played an integral role in developing the north. Beginning with the fur trade and building strong economies on forestry, mining, energy and tourism; Fort St. James is a resourceful place! It is also independent business friendly, providing resources and supports Fort St. James provides a safe and healthy community for entrepreneurs even being formally for families and gainful employment opportunities. recognized with a provincial “open for A College of New Caledonia campus, accompanied business” award. by three elementary schools and a high school keeps Fort St. James is a service centre for rural our innovative community engaged and educated. communities offering stores, restaurants, In addition to education, health is a priority with banking, accommodations and government our Stuart Lake Hospital and Medical Clinic and offices. Uniquely this town boasts an array of community hall for recreation. volunteer-driven organizations and services Whether you visit for the history or stay for the including a ski hill, golf course, theatre and resources, Fort St. James will leave you with a lasting medical clinic that are run by non-profit memory of your experiences! societies. Our local organizations are very active and host events and fundraisers throughout the year including dances, dinners, theatre and concerts, workshops, tournaments and parades.

Fort St. James: historic and resourceful 3 4 Vibrant. FUN. Original. Diverse. Independent businesses colour our world.

www.lovefortstjames.com

Neighbours. Friends. Volunteers. Community Builders. Meet the independent entrepreneurs building your local economy at www.LoveFortStJames.com. Use our useful search tools to find out more about the businesses you know and love, or to find the hidden gems in your own backyard!

Fort St. James: historic and resourceful 5 Getting Here Quick Facts Population of Fort St. James, Rural area and First Nations reserves is 4,262. By Car Travel Highway 16 west from Prince George for 101 km, or travel Highway 16 east from Burns Lake By Air for 128 km to arrive at Vanderhoof. Turn north onto Prince George is the closest large city (161 km away) Highway 27 and travel 60 km to Fort St. James. with daily Air Canada, Central Mountain Air and West Jet services providing connections to Calgary, Vancouver, Kamloops, Edmonton, Fort St. John, Kelowna, and Smithers.

By Bus Greyhound Bus Service operates weekly in Fort St. James.

Yukon/Alaska

Fort St. James

Fort Fraser

Vanderhoof Jasper/Edmonton Fraser Lake Prince George 16

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E) JOHAN PITKA MEMORIAL n (!F 2 F) TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE (!G IA ÆX (!14 G) FORT ST. JAMES NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE N a k '' a z d ll ii (( N e c o s ll ii e II n d ii a n R e s e rr v e N o .. 1 )) Æý Map Author: K.Klaczek Date: 12/5/2013 Reference No. 2341-01859-0 Map Projection: Albers Datu(!m: NAD 1983 We also have a 7 day/week taxi service. Getting Around Town Business listings can be found on the District’s website at www.fortstjames.ca/directory or in the Fort St. James is easy to walk around with many trails District’s printed Business Directory. (! 89:w connecting common roadways.

Fort St. James: historic and resourceful 7 Unique to Fort St . James

A Talking Rock Fort St. James smiles back! 25 km south of Fort St. James is the Talking Rock, an important landmark for the people of the area. This rock has been painted with messages hundreds of times over the last 28 years to acknowledge special occasions and celebrations of our local residents!

Greensides Carvings Famed chainsaw artist Glenn Greensides has three of his early works prominently displayed in Fort St. James. An RCMP officer is located at the police detachment; a prospector is at the Visitor Information Centre, and a logger stands as a worker’s memorial at the municipal office.

8 Annual Events The entertainment provided within Fort St. James never ceases, whether it be catching a hockey game, an event at the historic park, a night out for live theatre or a festival in the park. January/February Caledonia Classic Dog Sled Races and WinterFest Snowmobile and ATV Club Poker Ride, Ladies Curling Bonspiel February/March Caledonia Classic Dog Sled Races and Winterfest, Slush Cup and Bathtub Races at Murray Ridge June/July/August Sunday teas, chicken races and demonstrations all summer at the National Historic Site June Salmon cook-off and Caledonia Days at National Historic Site, Aboriginal Day Celebrations – National Historic Site and Cottonwood Park July Stuart Lake Fishing Derby, Canada Day Celebration

August Night Market, Music on the Mountain Music Festival September Terry Fox Run, Historic site open house and BBQ October Stuart Lake Hospital Auxiliary Turkey Dart Shoot, Nakazdli Halloween Dance and District Pumpkin Walk, Mt . Pope Annual Adventure Run, Fort St . James Children’s Festival November Remembrance Day Ceremony, Christmas Craft Fair, Santa Claus Parade/ Moonlight Madness downtown shopping event, Festival of Trees

December Heritage Christmas

Fort St. James: historic and resourceful 9 Parks

Cottonwood Park KDL Bike Park The Fort’s flagship park, Cottonwood Park is on the Fort St James KDL Bike Park is an amazing lakeshore, with easy access from downtown. It’s the Skills Park that has fun pump track, technical home of many of the area’s special events, including features area, ﬂowing jump lines, slope style Canada Day, and the Caledonia Classic Dog Sled features and trail, all built into just under 2 acres. Race. This bike park is a must for bikers of all ages, Amenities at Cottonwood Park include: Sandy beach, including beginners. washrooms and change rooms, band stand, covered picnic area, volleyball courts, and playground. For visitors to town there is a small campground, an RV Goodwin Park sani-station and an information kiosk. There is also a replica Junkers bush plane and a restored steam shovel on display. ? Spirit Square Located in the commercial core of the town, overlooking Stuart Lake, Spirit Square is home to public artwork depicting the rich historical and cultural fabric of Fort St. James and area. Benches, picnic tables and extensive landscaping make this scenic park an excellent spot to relax or enjoy a bite to eat. It is also a key stop along the Ripples of the Past Interpretive Trail, and home to a war memorial cenotaph and the Johan Pitka Memorial

10 Seasonal Activities

Winter Murray Ridge Ski Area The Murray Ridge Ski Area features 30 km of major alpine runs geared to provide an experience for all levels of skier and boarder. In addition, we have 20 km of groomed and track set cross country trails adjacent to the ski area complete with a 3.7 km lighted loop. The Murray Ridge Lodge and T-Bar offers lunches, hot beverages, rentals and a licensed bar. Ice Fishing Many ice fishers flocks to the region in Winter to catch their limits of the area’s many lakes including Stuart Lake, Echo Lake, Kloch Lake and Grassham Lake. Dog Sledding

Fort St. James: historic and resourceful 11 Summer Fort St . James Farmers Market The Fort St. James Farmers Market takes place Fridays afternoon from May to September in Spirit Square, in the commercial core of Fort St. James. This popular market includes locally grown produce, meat, honeys, teas, baked goods, syrups, woodworking, arts and crafts. Guided Tours Fort St. James businesses offer visitors and locals Stuart Lake Sailing Club the opportunity to have guided trail and tour Sailing classes, summer camps and drop-in experiences. Find listings of Eco-tourism businesses experiences for adults and children are available with on our online or print directory. the Stuart Lake Sailing Club on picturesque Stuart Lake. Echo Lake Camp Stuart Lake Golf Club A challenging 9 hold course overlooking Stuart Lake. Available for booking golf events, parties and Camp Morice weddings. Ammenities include rental clubs, carts, club house, lunch and licensed alcohol service.

12 Stuart Lake Boating on Stuart Lake is a common summer pastime, with excellent fishing, picnic and swimming options to provide relaxing summer enjoyment. Stuart Lake’s fish offerings include kokanee, lake trout, ling cod, rainbow trout and bull trout. Stuart Lake is home to 6 Provincial Parks which protect significant bays, mountains, rivers and beaches, as well as several BC Forest Service recreation sites. Stuart Lake is also partial home to the endangered Nechako White sturgeon, a species of stugeon genetically unique to the Stuart and Nechako watersheds. Boat access on Stuart Lake can be found at the Cottonwood Municipal Marina, Stuart River Campground, Paarens Beach Provincial Park, Pitka Bay Resort and Sowchea Bay Provincial Park.

Fort St. James: historic and resourceful 13 Remote Wildlife Experiences

Paddling Stuart River from Fort St . A caution to all paddlers in the area: weather changes James to Vanderhoof can be sudden and often unpredictable. Pay attention This one to two day paddle is relatively easy, to dark skies on the horizon, and changing weather and provides a leisurely paddle from Fort St. patterns as well as weather forecasts prior to your James to Vanderhoof. The only rapids located along trip. this route can be round just following the Stuart Lake Campground. Nation Lakes Canoe Trip Nation Lakes Provincial Park offers a renowned Omineca Provincial Park canoe route, across 120 km and 4 beautiful lakes: Omineca Provincial Park and Protected Area Tsayta, Indata, Tchentlo and Chuchi. The lakes are includes 80 km of the Omineca River Valley, the connected by the Nation River, which drains into the Wolverine Range, the mountains northwest of Arctic watershed. Canoeing the entire chain takes Germansen Landing to Nina Lake, and the area to between 5 - 10 days and offers rustic campsites. It the south, including the alpine ridges at the head is suggested that travelers book with a resort/lodge of Evans Creek, Germansen Lake and surrounding to provide a shuttle from their completion point and visible areas. This park is primarily a wilderness offer local advice on the area, as conditions change area providing backcountry opportunities. There seasonally. are six rustic vehicle accessible camping areas. Also, the Nina Lake South area offers a walk-in, pristine Takla Lake/ Stuart Lake Canoe Trip wilderness camping opportunity. A popular multi-day trip for paddlers is to paddle Takla Lake down to Stuart Lake. This trip takes on average 4 - 7 days. The North shore of both lakes offer plentiful recreation sites and wilderness.

14 Fort St. James: historic and resourceful 15 Hunting and Fishing Hunting and fishing are both very popular pastimes in the Fort St. James area, due to the easy access to remote areas available. Be sure to follow all safety and natural resource regulations when participating in hunting or fishing activities, and to use caution when in wilderness areas. A bylaw prohibits the discharge of firearms within municipal boundaries. Information on the open season for hunting in the Omineca area can be found by calling the local BC Government Agent Office at 250-996-7585. Adventure, hunting and fishing lodges are scattered in many remote, amazing locations in the Fort St. James region. Many offer great facilities and food, some offer guiding services and specialized transportation to/from their locations. Consult the District’s Business Directory online or in print format to learn more about local lodges and wilderness camps.

16 Fort St. James: historic and resourceful 17 Trails

Mount Dickinson Trail This is a short and steep hike from the end of Pineridge Way through spruce and fir forests to the slopes of a ridge behind the town of Fort St. James. On the top of this modest mountain, good views over the Stuart River valley can be had in several directions. Hike is moderate in difficulty and can be done in 1 – 2 hours return from the trailhead. Mount Pope Provincial Park The Loop Located just a short drive down Stones Bay Road, Mount Pope is the Stuart Lake area’s classic hiking This walk is about 3.5 km in length and is normally option. This widely graded, well maintained BC started and finished from Cottonwood Park. Short parks trail climbs 700 m of elevation over a 7 km and simple, this walk combines a path along the distance. Hikers will see a series of interesting shore of Stuart Lake, roadsides of Lakeshore Drive, ecological zones including old growth Douglas and additional pathways along Stones Bay Road firs, thick stands of spruce, lodgepole pine and a and Highway 27. En route, you will pass by several subalpine micro-climate unique in the area. Views en historic features of the local community including route are modest, but soon become outstanding once the Russ Baker Memorial and Our Lady of Good the final 1 km of trail is reached before the summit. Hope Catholic Church, both with interpretive signs This is a half to full day hike which requires some to explore. Consider this loop for an after dinner preparation. On a clear day you can see the Omineca stroll or as a convenient loop for an evening run. Mountains in the north, Canadian Rockies to the east, Cariboos to the southeast and Sinkut Mountain to the south. Bring water, food, warm clothes, and be prepared for rapidly changing weather. Most importantly, be sure to bring your camera. Info: www.bcparks.ca

18 Fort St. James: historic and resourceful 19

Mount Pope Mountain Biking Trails Bike trails

Date: 17 June 2014 Projection: NAD83 UTM Zone 10N Prepared by: M. Marriott Duz Cho Trail Nyan Wheti A traditional use trail from McLeod Lake to Carp Nyan Wheti is an ancient Lake, this hiking trail is recommended for skilled land route in northern hikers and it is suggested to contact a qualified guide British Columbia, Canada to access. Great vistas, mountain climbs and cultural from the Dakelh villages on learning avail themselves to trail users, including Fraser Lake (Nadlehbunk’ut) to restoration pit houses and culturally modified trees villages on Stuart Lake (Nak’albun), about 50 which can be accessed on Pinchi Mountain. km to the north. The name in Carrier means “The Way Across.” To access the Nyan Wheti or Duz Cho trail it is recommended to contact the Nak’azdli First Nation The trail was used by the Dakelh people for as a Natural Resource Office at 250-996-0088. major trade, travel and communication line,[3] and its use only increased when European fur trade Pope’s Slope Biking Trails forts were set up on the two lakes, Fort Fraser and Fort St. James respectively. From Stuart Lake, the This series of unofficial trails is ideal for mountain route follows Sowchea Creek south to Nanna (Chus- bikers and involves a series of informal but well worn Kan) Lake, then past Marie (Kwah) Lake, Sutherland paths of varying degrees of difficulty on the southern Lake, and Pitka Mountain, where it passes through slopes of Mount Pope Provincial Park and on several the Porte de l’enfer (Hell’s Gate) Pass, ending finally areas of private lands. These trails offer a wide variety in Nadleh Village on Fraser Lake. From Nadleh, the of great options for bikers and hikers to explore and Cheslatta Trail continues south to Cheslatta Lake. all within a short distance from town. The trailhead in Fort St. James is located at the end Motorized Utility Sports Vehicle Trails (Snow- of Baker Drive, off Sowchea road, between Paarens Beach Provincial Park and Sowchea Bay Provincial mobile/ ATV) Park. It ends near the Nadleh Whut’en First Nation 300+ km of signed and free access snowmobile/ reserve, just off the Yellowhead Highway. It is a class ATV trails provide great access and adventure for 5 trail, and it recommended only for skilled hikers. recreationalists south of Stuart Lake. A map of trails can be found at the Fort St. James Snowmobile Club House at ... (Location)

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Map Author: K.Klaczek Date: 11/26/2013 Reference No. 2341-01859-0 Map Projection: Albers Datum: NAD 1983 Cross Country Ski Trails Free cross country ski trails groomed on Stuart Lake bring trekkers from the National Historic Site to Cottonwood Park, along the shoreline of the lake, past Cliffside pictographs dated from the 19th century, past interesting geologic formations and up to an ice waterfall.

22 Trail User notes in the Fort St James Area Share the Trails: Trails in the Fort St. James region are used by a wide range of people on foot, on bikes and on horseback. Whatever the method, be sure to share the trails and be courteous to others. Is it Getting Windy? Consider altering your plan! Dead standing timbers in densely wooded areas can become hazardous in strong wind conditions. Stuart Lake and the surrounding areas can quickly become windy as storms roll in across the lake. Before departing: check the weather, be alert and if weather deteriorates, consider adjusting your plans accordingly. Make Space for Wildlife. Trail users may encounter a number of different wildlife species in their travels. If this happens to you, give wildlife space, do not harass, feed, or entice them and remain calm during all encounters Encounters with Bears. All trail users should orient themselves with standard bear safe practices when using any trail in the area. Consider exploring the trails in groups, make plenty of noise, carry bear spray and know how to use it.

Fort St. James: historic and resourceful 23 History

Ripples of the Past Interpretive Walk Winding its way through the heart of Fort St. James is a new journey of discovery. Combined with a visit to the Historic Site, taking in a meal or outdoor activity, this fully accessible self-guided walk is a great day out for visitors of all ages and abilities. This project won a 2012 Interpretation Canada Gold Award in the “Non-Personalized Program” category. Russ Baker Memorial Hudsons Bay Cemetery Aviation history buffs head to the Russ Baker Memorial, which was erected in honour of Frank The graveyard is located on Stuart Drive behind Russell “Russ” Baker. He was one of the first bush St. Patrick’s Anglican Church. pilots in the Fort St. James area in the 1930’s. After The Hudson’s Bay cemetery is the World War II Russ Baker started Central BC Airways, oldest remnant of early fur trading in which later became Pacific Western Airlines, which Fort St James. Little is known about later became part of Canadian Airlines International its history and content, or even when Ltd. the first person was buried here. Panels On a secluded bluff with a spectacular view over at the cemetery tell of lives in Fort St. Stuart Lake, this memorial to the legendary pilot James in the 19th Century. Russ Baker is a great place for a peaceful retreat.

24 Our Lady of Good Hope Church Built in 1873, this beautiful historic site is the third oldest church in BC, and was the first permanent Catholic mission north of Williams Lake. From 1885-1904 Father A.G. Morice was the priest, known for his book The History of the Northern Interior of British Columbia. He also created the Carrier Syllabary and printed Carrier Prayer Books. This church was used for service until 1951 and continues to be used during the summer months on Saturday evenings.

Fort St. James: historic and resourceful 25 W34 Junkers Model at Cottonwood Park This 1/3 scale model of a W34 Junkers Plane signifies the historic background of Fort St. James as a float plane base for Pacific Western Airlines (Central BC Airways). Russ Baker, famed bush pilot started Central BC Airways in 1946 and was based out of Fort St. James in the 1940’s. These Junkers planes were built in Germany around and after WW1, were used by Baker’s company and were instrumental in opening up the north for resource development. Tom Creek Steam Shovel at Cottonwood Park Built by the Marion Steam Shovel Company and used in the 1930’s Omineca Gold Rush. This steam shovel is accessible to the public for their enjoyment.

26 Carrier Pictographs and Simon Fraser’s Signature Accessible only by water (summer) or ice (winter), there are pictographs in 21 locations along the north side of Stuart Lake between Fort St. James and Tachie. Simon Fraser’s signature and the year 1806 are also inscribed on the rock in red ochre.

Fort St. James: historic and resourceful 27 Gravesite of Chief Kwah/ Mouth of Stuart River Manson Creek Historical To access the Chief Kwah gravesite it is recommended Society Museum to seek permission and a recommended guide from The Manson Creek Historical the Nak’azdli Band Office, 284 Kwah Rd. W./ Hwy 27. Society operates overnight Chief Kw’eh was a leader of the Dakelh people at accommodations and a museum Stuart Lake in the village of Nak’azdli. During his documenting the gold rush in Northern early life he distinguished himself as a warrior BC. The historic community of Manson Creek within a cycle of warfare between the Dakelh of is located roughly 3 hours north of Fort St. Stuart Lake and the Chilcotin people to the south. James. In 1806, when Simon Fraser and his party arrived in Nak’azdli (Stuart Lake) to establish fur trade Fort St . James National Historic Site posts for the Northwest Company, Chief Kw’eh took 280 Kwah Road on the role as fur trade chief, negotiating the new relationship between his people and the newcomers. Fort St. James National Historic Site is a restored This role continued after 1821 when the Hudson’s Hudson’s Bay Company post on the southern shore Bay Company took control of the Fort. Chief Kw’eh’s of Stuart Lake. It is commemorated as a centre success as an intermediary and diplomat helped of trade and commerce in the 19th Century fur create peaceful relations in the region and resulted trade. The Fort was established in 1806 by Simon in him becoming the key Aboriginal leader of a Fraser and John Stuart, on behalf of the North West wide territory. He is remembered as “dreamer of the Company. The National Historic Site displays the salmon,” and is thought to be still providing for his largest group of original wood buildings representing people by presiding over the salmon fishery from his the fur trade in Canada. It allows visitors to see life burial place at the mouth of the Stuart River. as it was in the 1890’s including interactive exhibits, period dressed staff, Sunday afternoon ‘High Tea’ Johan Pitka Memorial at Spirit Square (available by booking only), an operational bed and breakfast, a fur warehouse, cafe open daily for lunch, Located in Spirit Square, this monument daily chicken races and a live sturgeon aquarium. commemorates Sir Johan Pitka’s time in Fort St. Operations take place from June 1 to mid September James. A national hero of Estonia, Pitka established with a season full of special events and activities. a community in the Fort St. James area in the 1920s. The Society for the Advancement of Estonian Studies in Canada installed the monument in 2009.

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Southside Prince Vanderhoof George, BC

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Southside Prince Vanderhoof George, BC

Fort St. James 27 250-996-8233 Fort Fraser

Vanderhoof Jasper/Edmonton Fraser Lake Prince George www .fortstjames .ca 16 97 Fort St . James Visitor Information Centre 250-996-2127