Parks Canada
Fort St. James National Historic Site
In 1806 the Northwest Company choose this location on the banks of Stuart Lake site for their second permanent fur trading post west of the Rockies – then called New Caledonia. And while it may have been number two in the beginning it’s now one of the most spectacular living heritage attractions in Canada with the largest number of wooden buildings representing the Fur Trade in Canada.
Costumed interpreters with the aim of engaging the young as well as the young at heart bring the 146-year history to life. Special events are held most weekends throughout the summer and Sunday afternoon tea is an experience you shouldn’t miss, if at all possible.
Fort St. James NHS is a place of a thousand stories and you can hear many of them as you chat with the interpretive staff in period costume as you wander amongst the historic buildings. The General Warehouse is one such building – piled high with artifacts, furs and reproduction trade goods.
Explore the Men’s House, built in 1884 which originally first served as the clerk’s house and then as the Men’s House providing temporary and permanent accommodations for pack train hands, express men carrying mail and the deck hands that served on the schooners transporting supplies in and out of this rich region.
Every building is a cultural Canadian icon including the Fish Cache, Trade Store & Office and Officers House.
To make the most of your experience try to plan your trip around one of the special events in August and September:
Saturday, August 3rd Salmon Day Cook-off
Local teams from Fort St James and region compete for the best salmon in New Caledonia title: with YOU as the judge!
Sunday, August 4th Heritage Day Rendezvous & Trapper Festival
Trappers, black powder experts and re-enactors from across the central interior of BC are available all weekend for demonstrations.
Monday, August 5th Best Bannock Cook Off
Local teams are invited to make the best bannock in New Caledonia over the fire at Fort St. James. You get to be the judge (again).
Saturday, September 21st Open House & Métis Cultural Celebration
The annual season ending thank-you and a celebration of Métis cultural past at Fort St. James, which includes free entry & beef, dips.
For more info and events visit www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/bc/stjames/index.aspx or just google ‘Fort St. James NHS’