Fort St. James, located 62 kilometres (37 miles) north of Vanderhoof on Highway 27 on the southeast shore of Stuart Lake, was named New Caledonia by the famous explorer Simon Fraser. He sailed there in a birch bark canoe in 1806 on behalf of the Northwest Company, a competitor of the Hudson's Bay Company.
For an inside look at western Canada's pioneering fur trade, visit Fort St. James National Historic Park. Receive a warm welcome at the modern visitor centre, then step back in time at the old Hudson Bay Company Post. You'll meet costumed interpreters and see Carrier people practicing ancient aboriginal arts such as canoe building, hide tanning and drying and smoking of salmon.
The town is also the scenic gateway to a 300-kilometre (180-mile) network of lakes and rivers. Numerous wilderness lake chains and rivers provide unparalleled water adventures for canoe and boat enthusiasts. Arrange to stay at lodges along the way or camp at provincial and private camp sites. Guides, canoe rental and boat charters are available as well as pick-up and drop-off services.
Information: Population: 1,927 Elevation: 673 m (2208 ft.)
