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Popular activities include:

• Bird Watching
• Cross-country skiing
• Snowmobiling
• Windsurfing
• Tour of Fort St. John North Peace Museum
• North Peace Fall Fair (each August)
• High on Ice Festival (each winter)

Fort St. John’s Fish Creek Community Forest has a great 5.6km hike. Go fishing and boating in the large network of lakes and waterways. Bird-watch various water birds at Charlie Lake during the spring migration period. Catch walleye fish in Charlie Lake, one of the few natural lakes in BC where fisherman can actually keep the fish they catch. Take a breathtaking drive to Fort St. John Lookout.

Summer Plans In Fort St. John

As the school season is at the near end and summer is soon approaching, many of us are in the process of finding things to do and go for the summer. Fort St. John British Columbia is a perfect trip to do as a family or with your friends this summer. There are plenty of outdoor activities and sightseeing that this beautiful city of Fort St. John can offer you.

During the warm long summer days, it is a great idea to take advantage of the hiking trails that this gorgeous city has available for the public. If you and your family enjoy the outdoors, wildlife and a challenge, then the Peace and Beatton River is the place for you! The Peace and Beatton River offers amazing terrains and the challenges of overcoming the undeveloped steep slopes and the Fort St. John weather . With Fort St. John British Columbia having vast open valley’s and beautiful scenery there is no reason that you shouldn’t visit this city this summer.

The Peace and Beatton River surrounds a breathtaking natural environment. Fort St. John is the only open prairie region.  It is surrounded by Boreal White and Black Spruce Zone, rocky mountains and deep Valley’s. Also, the unique thing about this park is that it is best accessed by boat. There is an old growth of cottonwood with mixed stands of spruce and aspen which can be found in all corners of Peace and Beatton River. There are also a lot of beautiful flowers that surround this piece of land. For example, prairie crocuses, Saskatoon, chokecherries and other flower plants.

In addition, there are numerous birds and wildlife that is always present. Nearby you can find moose, different species of deer and black bears strolling the areas. Since, there is a river nearby you can also find yourself surrounded by ducks and Canadian geese. If you keep a sharp eye you may even find yourself spotting a bald eagle. In addition to this diverse wildlife, one can find a variety of different fish. For instance, arctic grayling brook stickleback, burbot, flathead, white fish and a lot more.

Peace and Beatton River also offers a lot more than just hiking. For instance, there are many opportunities for canoeing and/or kayaking. Also because of the variety of fish species this park is known for its fishing access by paddling down the river. However, anyone that is fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate license. Hiking is also a great option if you are looking for a challenge because the there is no developed trails that are present in the park. If you are a big animal lover horseback riding is allowed and it is a perfect activity to do as a family. Furthermore, this park is open to hunting; however it is important to keep in mind of the British Columbia Hunting Regulations. Moreover, because of the variety of wildlife there is a great opportunity for wildlife viewing. In summary, Peace and Beatton River has something for everyone.

With Peace and Beatton River , there are some important things to keep in mind. For instance, this area has an unmaintained road and is very steep in certain areas. And if the area is wet it can become quite muddy and slippery and you should take extra precaution when accessing the park during wet conditions. Also, it is important when considering hiking to have the proper equipment and preparation done because there are no set trails.

The Peace and Beatton River are also immersed in history. It is the historic site of Fort D’Epinette. It is the oldest non – native settlement in British Columbia as well as being one of the oldest native settlements. The North West Company established the fort of St. John in 1806 and than later changed the name to Fort D’Epinette.

Peace and Beatton River is the place to be this summer. Expose yourself to the only open prairie region in British Columbia and the amazing biodiversity that Fort St. John’s offers you. Take advantage of the Fort St. John weather and the activities that they have available.

Make it a summer trip to remember!

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Home / Blog / What to do in Fort St. John

What to do in Fort St. John

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BC’s “Energetic City” lives up to its name with endless opportunities for recreation, a thriving arts and culture scene, fantastic amenities, and an ideal location for exploring the surrounding and spectacular Peace River region. 

Here’s how to experience all that Fort St. John has to offer.

With an average of 304 days of sunshine a year (rivalling that of Kelowna) and four distinct seasons, it’s easy to take advantage of the great outdoors here. From camping and biking in summer to speed skating and snowmobiling in winter, there’s plenty to do and see in this bustling northern outpost. 

Outdoor Activities in Fort St. John

In summer, stretch your legs on any number of trails. The Community Trail System , located in town, offers 15 kilometres of paved paths that meander throughout the city while just outside the city there are boundless places to hike, stroll, and wander. The Cactus Loop Trails are a popular spot with dog walkers and fitness enthusiasts, offering over eight-kilometres of single-track trails that range from an easy 1.8-kilometre path to a more challenging ascent that takes you to a viewpoint. Prefer to explore by two wheels? Cactus Loop also plays host to a network of mountain bike routes, while nearby, the Fish Creek Community Forest lures beginners with its easy and accessible trails. 

Further afield, the 300-kilometres of well-maintained Stewart Lake trails pull double duty as ATV routes in summer and snowmobile terrain in winter. Fishing is a big draw in Fort St. John and the area’s many lakes and rivers offer plenty of places where you can angle for trout, Northern pike and walleye. Gently paddle down the famed Peace River itself or book a guided jet boat tour and explore the area’s waterways at the hands of a knowledgeable guide. 

Keep watch for wildlife—the Peace Valley’s rolling hills make great vantage points for wildlife viewing.

In town, city parks provide room to roam, just a stone’s throw from shops, restaurants, cafes and events. There are also plenty of provincial parks in the area. Picturesque Beatton Provincial Park and the always-popular Charlie Lake Provincial Park are both a short drive from the city and perfect places for enjoying all that nature has to offer — whether that’s by foot, kayak, boat or bike. A must-visit is the Peace River Valley Lookout, between Fort St. John and Hudson’s Hope, for sunset where you catch the last of the Northern summer sun disappearing behind the horizon.

Want to hit the greens? Fort St. John Links Golf Course , located at the north end of town offers a moderately challenging 9-holes with tree-lined fairways that back onto the Fish Creek Community Forest. Lakepoint Golf & Country Club in Charlie Lake, just 15km from Fort St. John offers beautiful lake views while playing 9- or 18-holes. You won’t want to miss Lone Wolf Golf Club , located in Taylor where you’ll get a taste of what the Peace River valley has to offer. 

Be sure to check out the massive sports and recreation complex, Pomeroy Sports Centre , known for its indoor running track and world-class ice rinks.

Winter in Fort St. John

In Fort St. John, winter is as much a time to be outside as summer.

Downhill skiers and snowboarders can find some of BC’s best powder stashes at the aptly-named Powder King Mountain Resort located in the heart of the Canadian Northern Rockies on Pine Pass. Nearby in Taylor is Big Bam, a volunteer-run hill community ski hill that uses snowcats instead of lifts or tows to get people to the top of its 12-acre terrain.

Not a fan of vertical? Rent cross-country skis or snowshoes and take to the 12-kilometres of groomed trails in Beatton Provincial Park, managed by the Whiskey Jack Nordic Club , which maintains well-tracked beginner-level trails.

Outdoor skating rinks frequently pop up in different locations around the city in winter, offering residents a chance to lace up skates and enjoy the outdoors. Don’t feel like skating outside? There’s an Olympic-size indoor speed skating track, curling rink and three hockey rinks where you can rent skates and drop-in for an afternoon of fun. Into snowmobiling? You’re spoiled for choice, with over 600-kilometres of trails near the city. Most of the sledding around Fort St. John takes place in the lower elevations of the Peace River Valley’s plateau, making it a safe and accessible place for those new to the sport.

Fort St. John’s High on Ice Winter Festival puts the best of winter on display, with ice carving competitions, bob-sled races, giant ice-slides for kids, and more.

Arts and Culture in Fort St. John

Fort St. John locals know the fun doesn’t stop outdoors. The city is a hub of creative energy, best evidenced in the North Peace Cultural Centre , a 413-seat theater where live music and entertainment fills its hall year-round. Also in the same complex is the North Peace Art Gallery, which features a rotating exhibit of local and international artists. At the North Peace Museum , relics of years past tell the story of this rugged region, but the heart of the city is (and always has been) its people. The energy and can-do attitude of Fort St. John comes from a long legacy of locals and you can learn about these characters on the Pioneer Pathway Walking Tour , which starts on the south end of 100 Street and winds through the downtown core.

Where to Eat in Fort St. John

With this much access to outdoor adventure, you’ll need to refuel somehow. Luckily, there’s no shortage of restaurants and watering holes where a good meal can be found. Whole Wheat & Honey is a favourite for homestyle breakfasts and healthy lunches to-go. Need a jolt of caffeine to get you started? Swing by Cool Beans or Cultured Cafe. Brown’s Social House can satiate any number of cravings with their diverse menu of tacos, burgers, ramen, salads and more. Grab sushi from Sushi Heaven, pizza from Soul Sweet Cafe & 250 Pizza , Vietnamese classics from Pho A Pho Saigon or the Chopped Leaf for healthy salads and vegan and vegetarian-friendly dishes. Beer lovers will want to check out the Mighty Peace Brewing Co , which serves a lineup of easy drinking beers along with seasonal brews and sours, as well as the popular Beards Brewing , the first brewery to open its doors in Fort St. John.

Where to Stay in Fort St. John

For those looking to spend a night or two under the stars, Fort St. John has plenty of nearby provincial parks all offering spectacular sites, great scenery and excellent amenities. RV’ers will find serviced lots at Charlie Lake RV & Leisure, on the Alaska Highway, at Corner RV Park and south of the city in Taylor at Fairway RV Park. The Grande Haven, the city’s only bed n’ breakfast offers a taste of home away from home, while there are plenty of beds to be found in the city’s many hotels and motels, most of which are located within easy distance of the downtown core.

How To Get to Fort St. John

Fort St. John is easily accessible, with direct flights connecting from Vancouver and Calgary daily. Vehicle rentals are available from local airports; make sure to reserve in advance.

By road, there are multiple points of entry to Northeast BC. From Vancouver and the Okanagan, expect a two-day drive via Highway 1 and 97. Coming from Edmonton and Grande Prairie? Highway 43 is an easy one-day straight shot; from Calgary, Highways 2 and 22 will connect you to the main artery heading west in a longer but scenic route.

Highway 16 in Northern BC will connect you to Prince George, then onto Highway 97 north.

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Fort St. John

• 1.1 History
• 1.2 Climate
• 2.3.1 Airport
• 2.3.2 Airlines
• 3.1 By public transit
• 3.2 By taxi
• 12.1 Newspaper
• 12.2 Hospital

Fort St. John is in the Peace Country and Northern Rockies and is the second-largest settlement along the Alaska Highway . The city of 20,000 people (2016) is in northeastern British Columbia, approximately 382 km (237 mi) south of Fort Nelson and 75 km (47 mi) north of Dawson Creek . Fort St. John is the oldest European-established settlement in present-day British Columbia.

Fort St. John is a retail, service and industrial centre. The province's oil and gas industry is centred in the city. Forestry has become more important to the city since the opening of an oriented strand board plant in 2005. Much wood of the is exported to the United States. Agriculture has been the mainstay of the economy servicing and providing a market for the upland prairies.

• 56.240471 -120.841841 1 Fort St. John Visitor Centre , 9324 96 St ( inside the Pomeroy Sport Centre ), ☏ +1 250-785-3033 , toll-free: +1-877-785-6037 . Winter (Sept-May): M-F 9AM-8PM, Sa Su 11AM-7PM, Closed Holidays; Summer (May-Sept): M-F 8AM-7PM Sa Su Holidays 9AM-6PM . ( updated Jul 2020 )

Over the years the community has been moved a number of times for varying economic reasons. The present location is thought to be its sixth. The original trading post built in the area was named Rocky Mountain House (not to be confused with the modern Alberta town by that name). It was established one year after Sir Alexander Mackenzie explored the area in 1793. One of a series of forts along the Peace River constructed to service the fur trade, it was southwest of the present site of Fort St. John. The Dunneza and Sikanni First Nations used it as a trading post. It was also used as a supply depot for further expeditions into the territory. The fort closed in 1805. Fort d'Epinette was built in 1806 by the North West Company. It was renamed Fort St. John in 1821 following the purchase of the North West Company by the Hudson's Bay Company. This fort was about 500 m downstream from the mouth of the Beatton River, which at that time was known as the Pine River (d'epinette in French). It was shut down in 1823. The site was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1958.

After a lapse of nearly 40 years, Fort St. John was reopened in 1860 on the south side of the Peace River, directly south of the present community. It was moved in 1872 by Francis Work Beatton directly across the river. This community lasted until 1925 when the river ceased to be the main avenue of transportation and the fort was moved closer to where settlers were establishing homesteads. The new town was constructed at Fish Creek, northwest of the present community, on the new trail to Fort Nelson. It did not shut down until 1975. In 1928, C.M. Finch moved his general store to two quarters of land where he also built a government building to house the land, telegraph and post offices. The present site for the town was firmly established after he donated 5 acres (20,000 m²) for a Roman Catholic Church and additional land for a hospital.

Fort St. John, on the upland prairies north of the Peace River, experiences a cold humid continental climate (close to subarctic), with cold winters and warm summers. Although winters can be frigid, the area has milder winters than much of the rest of Canada (especially considering its relatively northerly latitude) due to the influence of the nearby Rocky Mountains. They tend to block Arctic air masses coming in from the north/northwest, although they can certainly still penetrate the area. Fort St. John uses Mountain Standard Time all year (same as Pacific Daylight Time in summer), and because of its northerly latitude experiences short daylight hours in winter and long daylight hours in summer.

Fort St. John is one of the sunniest places in the province, especially in winter and spring.

• Between Prince George and Fort St. John twice per week with stops in Mackenzie, Chetwynd , Dawson Creek , and Taylor. Travel time to Fort St. John from Dawson Creek is 1 hour and from Prince George is 8 hours. Fare is $48.
• Between Dawson Creek and Fort Nelson once per week with stops in Taylor and Fort St. John. Travel time to Fort St. John from Dawson Creek is 1 hour and from Fort Nelson is 5.25 hours. Fare is $49.
• Cold Shot , ☏ +1 587-557-7719 , [email protected] . Bus service from Monday to Friday between Fort St. John and Grande Prairie with stops in Dawson Creek , Hythe, and Beaverlodge. Travel time to Fort St. John from Dawson Creek is 1 hour and from Grande Prairie is 3 hours. Also offers bus service between Grande Prairie and Edmonton . ( updated Feb 2021 )

Highways serving Fort St John:

• Highway 29 - Terminates just north of Fort St. John after traveling northeast from Chetwynd via Hudson Hope
• Highway 97 ( Alaska Highway ) - Fort St. John can be reached by driving north from Dawson Creek or south from Fort Nelson
• Flights to Fort St. John from Vancouver take 1.75 hours.

Canadian airlines traveling to Fort St. John:

Within the city the streets are laid out in a grid pattern. The main streets are the north-south 100 Street and the east-west 100 Avenue.

By public transit

• Teco Taxi , ☏ +1 250-787-0641 , [email protected] . ( updated Jul 2022 )
• 56.240201 -120.845756 1 Fort St. John North Peace Museum , 9323 100 St , ☏ +1 250-787-0430 , [email protected] . M-Sa 9AM-5PM . Ths museum tells the story of the Fort St. John region including First Nations' settlements, the fur trade, agricultural settlement, the growth of the town, and the Alaska Highway. Adults $6, seniors (65+) $5, students $4, children 5 & under free . ( updated Jun 2018 )
• 56.246107 -120.848108 2 North Peace Cultural Centre , 10015 100 Ave , ☏ +1 877-785-1992 . Gallery: Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM . In the centre of town, it houses the Fort St. John Public Library, a theatre, and the Peace Gallery North Art Gallery. ( updated Jun 2018 )
• High on Ice Winter Carnival ( Centennial Park ). The event features ice sculptors competing at Centennial Park and other special winter-related activities occurring around town. Held annually in January or February. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 56.24129 -120.8455 1 Centennial Park . Includes the Fort St. John North Peace Museum, the North Peace Leisure Pool, the North Peace Arena (home of the Fort St. John Huskies), a separate arena for children, an 8-sheet curling rink, as well as an outdoor water park and speed skating oval. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 56.2665 -120.8369 3 Fish Creek Community Forest ( trails can be accessed just east of Northern Lights College ). Several trails that follow Fish Creek. ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 56.24659 -120.84727 1 Whole Wheat and Honey Cafe , 10003 100 St , ☏ +1 250-787-9866 . M-F 6AM-4PM, Sa 9AM-4PM . Breakfast and lunch. They source locally staples like eggs, honey, and bakery fresh bread, and purchase as much as possible from local butchers and grocers (much of it organic), and local produce seasonally when available. Vegetarian, gluten- and dairy-free options are always available. They serve fair trade organic coffee. ( updated Jun 2018 )
• 56.24666 -120.84552 2 North Bar & Grill , 9830 100th Ave , ☏ +1 250-261-6961 , toll-free: +1-800-663-8312 , [email protected] . Classic and modern dishes and offering wine and draught beer selections. Mains $18-38, sandwiches and burgers $14-18 . ( updated Jun 2018 )
• 56.24626 -120.81122 3 Spicy Fusion , 8151 100 Ave , ☏ +1 250-787-7429 . Tu-Sa 11AM-2PM, 4PM-8:30PM; Su 4PM-8PM . Indian, with vegetarian and vegan choices. Mains $11-15 . ( updated Jun 2018 )
• 56.23763 -120.84211 4 Saigon Noodles , 9600 93 Ave, Suite 1680 , ☏ +1 250-785-1628 . M-Sa 11AM–8PM, Su noon–7PM . Vietnamese and Thai. Good phở. ( updated Jun 2018 )
• 56.23426 -120.84282 1 Blue Belle Motel , 9705 Alaska Rd S ( along Alaska Highway at Mile 47, 400 m east at 100th Street intersection ). 40 rooms, free high speed wireless Internet , fridge & microwave in every room, cable TV, kitchenettes & kitchen suites available, pet rooms available, complimentary in-room coffee & tea, coin laundry & laundry service, BBQs for guest use. From $85 . ( updated Jun 2018 )
• 56.23848 -120.84615 2 Stonebridge Hotel Fort St. John , 9223 100 St , toll-free: +1-855-691-4967 . Fitness centre, free hot breakfast, free Wireless Internet, single/double kitchenette, onsite liquor store, games room, guest laundry facilities. From $99 . ( updated Jun 2018 )
• 56.23086 -120.83249 3 Microtel Inn & Suites , 8407 93rd Street , toll-free: +1-888-293-6798 . Fitness room, free large-vehicle parking, and free hot breakfast. Non-smoking guest rooms are equipped with microwave, mini-refrigerator, HDMI-compatible flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. From $93 . ( updated Jun 2018 )
• 56.24665 -120.84511 4 Ramada by Wyndham Northern Grand Hotel & Conference Centre , 9830 100th Ave , ☏ +1 250-787-0521 , toll-free: +1-800-663-8312 , [email protected] . Full hot breakfast included, fitness room, fibre optic Internet access, coffee machines, pet-friendly (call to reserve), airport shuttle, cold weather hook-ups. From $149 ($134 for seniors and CAA/AAA members) . ( updated Jul 2019 )
• 56.25603 -120.81659 3 Fort St. John Hospital , 8407 112 Ave , ☏ +1 250-262-5200 . Operates an emergency department. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Visit Sikanni Chief Falls Protected Area for a view of this 30 m high falls on the way to Fort Nelson. See listing under Fort Nelson .
• Visit W.A.C. Bennett Dam Visitor Centre, one of the world's largest earth-fill structures on the way to Chetwynd. See listing under Chetwynd .

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Fort St. John North Peace Museum

Exploring the history of fort st. john & the north peace region.

The Fort St. John North Peace Museum tells the story of the Fort St. John region including Indigenous history, the fur trade, agricultural settlement, the growth of the town, the construction of the Alaska Highway, the start of the oil and gas industry, and much more!

Come discover the history of the north peace. explore a tepee, trapper’s cabin, general store, post office, schoolhouse,  newspaper office, jail, and more walk in the footsteps of voyageurs, soldiers working on the alaska highway, and freighters on the fort nelson trail. learn about transportation in the north from dogsleds to steamboats and trains to bush planes. , compare your feet to dinosaur footprints. touch a beaver pelt. search for items in finch’s store. sort mail in our post office. signal with a railway lantern. write a prescription in the doctor’s office. , take a guided tour. paddle like a voyageur or stomp like a dinosaur in an educational program. learn about challenges of a northern life in our cemetery tour. , research the history of fort st. john in our archives. dive into a story of life in the north in our gift shop. , the history of the north peace is yours to discover. .

Permanent Exhibits

Museum Yard Sale

Wild Animals of the North Peace Program

Inside the Restored Allen Homestead

Want a preview of the museum? Check out our brief tour with Bertie the Beaver below! 

Thanks to our corporate members:

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Copyright © 2021 Fort St. John Museum All Rights Reserved

Opening Hours: MONDAY: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm TUESDAY: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm WEDNESDAY: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm THURSDAY: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm FRIDAY: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm SATURDAY: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Heather Sjoblom

Manager/Curator

Phone: (250) 787-0430 Email: [email protected]

9323 100 St. Fort St. John, BC V1J 4N4 

Admission (includes tax):

Adults $8.00

Seniors 65+  7.00

Students  $5.00 (age 6 through post secondary)

Kids five and under Free  (excluding guided tours/programs)

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Located in the heart of the majestic Peace River country , Fort St. John supports a trading area of more than 69,000 people in the City and outlying service region. The population is dynamic, young, and energetic. Fort St. John is British Columbia’s oldest non-aboriginal settlement and its pioneer spirit is alive and well today.

Fort St. John began in 1794 as a trading post, in 1928 it was established as a community and in 1942 the Alaska Highway was built. During the construction of the Alaska Highway, Fort St. John’s population swelled to 2,000. With the completion of the highway, only nine months later in October 1942, the American troops left and the population dropped to 700.

By 1951 high-grade oil had been discovered and in 1955 West Coast Transmission Company Ltd (now Enbridge) began construction of a pipeline to carry natural gas to the United States. Fort St. John became British Columbia’s oil and gas capital when TransCanada Pipelines built a Natural Gas pipeline in 1957. Their NOVA gas system started operations in 1961.

As Fort St. John continues to grow, so does the supply of retail and other businesses. This friendly, small town has lots of big city amenities, creating a fantastic atmosphere for many to call home. There are plenty of unique shops throughout the city as well as a number of large national chain stores.

Fort St. John is a wonderful place to visit on your trip north as it offers a rich concentration of cultural and outdoor activities. Fort St. John is known as “ The Energetic City ” and provides top-notch recreation facilities with hundreds of events taking place every year. Come experience Fort St. John’s vibrant spirit for yourself!

Visitor Info Centre whether it be camping, fishing, golfing, boating or hiking the energetic staff will help you discover all there is to do in and around the City. In the Pomeroy Sports Centre at 9324 – 96 St. Open 9am to 8pm Monday – Friday and 11am to 7pm Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays during the summer.

fortstjohn.ca/tourism

Located in the heart of the majestic Peace River and has a population of 21,000. It serves a trading area of over 60,000. Historically, Fort St. John traces its roots back to the end of the 18th century when Sir Alexander Mackenzie opened a series of forts along the Peace River to service the fur traders.

At the end of World War I many veterans moved westward to the fertile agricultural lands on both sides of the Peace River, and formed the population base for the then tiny hamlet of Fort St. John. In March 1942 the construction of the Alaska Highway began and in a few short years Fort St. John’s population swelled to 2,000. With the completion of the Alaska Highway, only nine months later in October 1942, the American troops left and the population dropped to 700. In 1952 gas and oil was discovered and by 1957 the refinery at Taylor and a pipeline to the south had been built. On July 1, 1975 incorporation as a city took place and Fort St. John hasn’t looked back. The city is rich in natural resources; mainly oil and gas, timber, hydroelectricity and agriculture. More grain, seed and honey is produced here than anywhere else in BC. Adventurers, recreational enthusiasts and wildlife share thousands of acres of pristine wilderness, making Fort St. John one of the recreation jewels of British Columbia.

• Getting Around

Quality Inn Northern

Lakeview inn & suites, rotary rv park, lone wolf golf club, north peace museum, pomeroy sports centre, pioneer pathway walking tour, farmers market, bc bus north, best places to stay in fort st john, bc.

Enjoy the indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, fitness centre along with banquet & meeting rooms and free high speed internet. This is a completely smoke free hotel. Restaurant as well as Legends Lounge & Quality Liquor Store.

Lakeview Inn & Suites

Lakeview Inn & Suites complimentary breakfast, fitness center, free Wi-fi.

Camping in Fort St John, BC

Rotary RV Park at km 81 of the Alaska Highway, on the shores of Charlie Lake. This is a nice, full service RV Park.

Best Things to Do in Fort St John, BC

Fort st. john north peace museum.

Fort St. John North Peace Museum Journey through Fort St. John’s history from native settlement to the pioneer homesteads and the construction of the Alaska Highway in 1942. Interactive exhibits include a tepee, trapper’s cabin, blacksmith shop, police barracks and jail. An excellent selection of local history books is available at the museum gift shop. Open year round.

Pomeroy Sports Centre is a complete recreation complex that features two NHL sized ice rinks, an indoor Olympic sized speed skating oval (1 of only 4 in North America) and a 340 metre walking track. The walking track is open year round and free to the public. All ice surfaces can be removed to make space for major indoor sport and cultural events and tradeshows. 9324 – 96 St.

Pioneer Pathway Walking Tour Start your tour one 100th Street across from Centennial Park. Discover the people and places that shaped Fort St. John’s history. Look for historic panels with photos and stories throughout downtown. The majority of the panels are on 100th St, however, you can pick up a map at the visitor centre.

Farmers Market takes place every Saturday at Centennial Park from 9am – 3pm. It features local vendors selling gifts and fresh food.

Lone Wolf Golf Club is an 18-hole championship course and a driving range in Taylor, about 15 minutes south of the city. A recently renovated restaurant is open to the public. 

Getting Around in Fort St John, BC

BC Bus North is The province of BC’s Bus service. it will include two round-trips per week between Prince Rupert and Prince George ; Prince George and Valemount; and Prince George and Dawson Creek-Fort St. John. It will also offer one round-trip per week from Fort Nelson to Dawson Creek-Fort St. John.

St John, BC FAQs

Where is fort st. john british columbia.

Fort St John is located in the Peace River District of British Columbia, in the far North. It is closer to the Yukon border than the southern BC border with Washington State. It is also very near the Alberta border on the eastern side of BC. The Alaska Highway is the main road access to Forth St. John.

What is Fort St. John famous for?

Fort St. John is famous for being the largest town in the Peace River Regional District in Northeastern British Columbia.  Located at kilometre 75 of the Alaska Highway, it is one of the largest cities between Dawson Creek and Delta Junction .  Originally established by Sir Alexander Mackenzie as a trading post in 1794, it is the oldest European-established settlement in British Columbia.  It is in the First Nation Dane-zaa territory and has long been used as a trading post for furs, but the town also moved several times over the 19th and 20th century due to economic reasons.  The present-day location was established in 1928.

Can I see the northern lights in Fort St. John, BC?

You can see the northern lights from Fort St. John if the conditions are right.  The best time is when on dark clear nights, when there are solar flares or high solar activity, when there is a new moon, and during the spring and fall equinoxes. Try to get out of the city a bit to cut down on the light pollution.  Fort St. John as several trails and parks on Charlie Lake that provide for great aurora watching.

Map of Fort St. John British Columbia

This map of Fort St. John shows the downtown area. The Alaska Highway is the Main road that passes through the city. There are a number of hotels and restaurants located right new the Alaska Highway with large parking areas for large vehicles. Because Fort St. John is a Oil and Gas exporation hub, there are many large service vehicles in and around town, which may make parking more difficult. There is a large parking lot at the Pomeroy Sports Center, which is also where the Visitor Center is located.

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Fort St. John, BC

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Population: 18000

Highlights: Summertime gives ample opportunity for everything from golf, at the exceptional 18-hole Lakepoint Club, to wilderness camping. Fishing and hunting, river rafting and kayaking, canoeing or rock-climbing, Fort St. John offers endless outdoor excitement. In the winter, enjoy snowmobiling on the Red Creek Trail on Charlie Lake, snowshoeing and cross-country ski at Beatton Provincial Park and the Fish Creek Community Forest, or downhill skiing at Powder King in the Pine Pass. If you prefer to stay indoors, there is an excellent museum recalling the area’s fascinating native and pioneering past, and the North Peace Cultural Centre, with its art gallery, library, and 400 seat theatre for music, dance and special events. The city also has wonderful indoor recreation facilities including a wave pool, water slides and a hockey and curling rink.

History: Settlement in the area extends back over 10,000 years, making it the oldest Native settlement in BC. Shortly after the arrival of Alexander McKenzie in 1793, the North West Company began fur trading and in 1861 gold was discovered. Fort St. John boomed after the wartime completion of the Alaska Highway in 1942. In recent times, the area’s vast oil and natural gas reserves, forest resources, and thriving agriculture, pump billions of dollars into the province’s economy each year. With an average age of only 29, Fort St. John is a thriving family oriented city, and is able to provide a high standard of living to its population of 18,000.

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Tap, Know & Go! is an information source that helps visitors to Fort St. John navigate the city and surrounding areas. This project is funded by the City of Fort St. John and produced by Tourism Fort St. John. For more information about Fort St. John visit www.fortstjohn.ca

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Environment Canada www.weatheroffice.gc.ca

BC Road Conditions 250-562-0432 | www.drivebc.ca

BC Parks 1-800-689-9025 | www.env.gov.ca/bcparks

City of Fort St. John Visitor Information Centre

Spring/Summer (May - August) Monday - Friday 8:00am - 7:00pm Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 9:00am - 6:00pm 9324 96 Street  (Inside Pomeroy Sport Centre) 250-785-3033 or 1-877-785-6037

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Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness resums free tours in Flat Rock

Guided tours are again available for the Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness, 1905 Greenville Highway, in Flat Rock. These free, guided tours will be held the first and third Saturdays June-September and every third Saturday March-December. The tour for July 6 begins at 11 a.m. and will last about one hour. 

Tours of the church and churchyard, or cemetery — which contain graves of enslaved people — are sponsored by the St. John Episcopal Church Docents. They start inside the Carriage Door entrance of the church, according to a news statement from the church.

“Once again this year we are pleased to share with our neighbors and visitors the history of this holy place that has seen its share of joys and sorrows," Docent leader E.R. Haire Jr., said in the news release.

"We share our history, even the painful parts, so that as we reflect upon our past we will be better able to be more faithful as we move forward into the future. We are continuing to make and build our history, and we seek to be a welcoming place for all who might wish to add to it.”

The historically significant churchyard contains graves of unnamed 19th century people who were enslaved as well as political figures and local residents.

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Church history

In 1827, Charles Baring, a member of the Baring banking family of England, built a home in Flat Rock. He and his wife, Susan, wanted a summer place to escape the oppressive heat, humidity and malaria of the South Carolina Lowcountry where they lived.

The Barings built a chapel on the property of their newly constructed home. Soon after it was built the small wooden structure burned down in a woods fire. In 1833 work began on a second church built of handmade brick. 

In August of 1836 the Barings deeded their chapel to the Diocese of North Carolina and 20 members of the Flat Rock “summer colony” formed an Episcopal parish. In the 1890s when the Missionary District of Asheville (later Diocese of Western North Carolina) was formed, St. John in the Wilderness transferred its affiliation. It is the oldest parish in the diocese. 

With almost all the church members traveling back to the Lowcountry after the summer season, the church mainly operated during summer months for its first 120 years. So rapid was the growth of the Flat Rock community during the 1830s and 1840s that the parish membership outgrew the capacity of the small chapel. In the early 1850s the decision was made to rebuild the church, essentially doubling its size. With only a few minor modifications the structure was completed in 1852. It is the one that stands today.

The tours are free but advance reservations must be made at stjohnflatrock.org/tours . Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes. There will be no rain dates. For more information call 828-693-9783.

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