Fort Nelson & the Northern Rockies is your gateway to the northernmost reaches of the world famous Rocky Mountains. Here the rugged landscape promises incredible scenery and unforgettable encounters – whether your journey takes you 50 feet from the Alaska Highway, or 50 miles into the peaks and valleys of the vast backcountry.
The world famous 1500-mile Alaska Highway is an adventure in itself. Travelling this road is travelling with history. A true feat of engineering, 11,000 US soldiers and 16,000 civilians took only 8 months and 12 days to build 133 bridges and cross 8 mountain ranges. Today, the Alaska Highway takes its place among the most scenic and inspiring heritage travel routes in the world.
From Fort Nelson to the Yukon border is truly one of the best segments of the Alaska Highway. With different vistas around every corner and a great escape waiting for you ... the Highway is a journey of discovery, and the Northern Rockies is your destination.
At historic mile 300 of the Highway, sits the bustling town of Fort Nelson. Founded as a fur trading post almost 200 years ago, Fort Nelson developed mostly as a result of the construction of the Alaska Highway. Today, BC’s northernmost town is home to about 5000 people, and is the service and transportation centre for the regional economy. The largest gas processing plant in Canada and one of BC’s largest wood products plants are located here.
For the diversity and abundance of its wildlife, this part of British Columbia has been called the Serengeti of the North. Elk, moose, caribou and bison, the Stone’s sheep that are almost always there to greet you near Summit Lake, the black bear, grizzly and lynx - all these and more make the northern mountains their home.
Nature lovers of all stripes will find their interests fulfilled here, whether you’re captivated by big animals, fur-bearers, birds, the exquisite beauty of a tenacious alpine flower or a delicate orchid species flourishing near the hot springs. You’ll be amazed by the photo opportunities, so be sure to bring your camera and lots of film.
Ribboned with thousands of kilometres of rivers, dotted by hundreds of lakes and crowned by towering mountains, the vast wilderness of the Northern Rockies is becoming known as a world-class destination for backcountry adventure, and this region offers everything you’re looking for.
There’s lots to see and do in the Northern Rockies. Come North ... and do it all!
Must-sees & Must-dos:
Fort Nelson Heritage Museum Poke around in one of the best museums along the whole Alaska Highway. A gold mine of memorabilia, the museum captures the flavour of the early trapping days of Fort Nelson, portrays Fort Nelson’s place in the history of the Highway, and boasts a vintage car collection. For more information, call 250 774 3536.
Poplar Hills Golf & Country Club Our course sits high above the Muskwa Valley, and features terrain and challenging play against a backdrop of dazzling panoramic views of the Northern Rockies. The well maintained 9-hole course offers a driving range, grass greens, pro shop, club and power cart rentals, concession and lounge. To book your tee-times, call 250 774 3862.
“Welcome Visitor” Program Join us for a slide show and conversation as volunteer ambassadors tell you about Fort Nelson and all the region has to offer. You may meet a trapper, one of our local business people, or a local storyteller as your host for the evening. This free program is delivered several evenings a week throughout June and July. For more information, contact the Visitor Info Centre at 250 774 6400.
The Jewels of the Northern Rockies:
Wokkpash Valley The Wokkpash Trail in Northern Rocky Mountains Provincial Park is a hiker’s paradise. Encounter dramatic scenery, abundant wildlife, and pure wilderness on this multi-day trek (65 km / 39 miles). The trail follows the Wokkpash Valley, where nature has sculpted an other-worldly scene of imposing stone erosion pillars, called hoodoos, and on to Forlorn Gorge and excellent fishing in the glacial blue Wokkpash Lake.
Muncho Lake Marvel at the stunning beauty of this mountain lake, the showpiece of Muncho Lake Provincial Park. The deep, cold lake is tinted jade green by copper oxide leeching out of the lake bedrock. Muncho Lake is a haven for fishing, hiking and boating, and is also a key launch point for many of the region’s vacation activities, including a lake boat tour, white water rafting and float trips, and fly-in camping, sightseeing, and remote retreats.
Liard River Hot Springs Relax and rejuvenate. The steamy warmth of the springs is a magnet for visitors year round, and a must-see must-do destination in the Northern Rockies. For a most heavenly experience, soak in the hot pools surrounded by the greenery of this unique ecosystem. Stroll the boardwalk through warm water marshes where moose make regular appearances, and where hundreds of plant and bird species flourish.
Let us help you plan your Northern Rockies getaway.
