· CA

Fort St. John

Fort St. John, British Columbia, Canada

Nestled in the beautiful Peace River Valley of northeastern British Columbia, Fort St. John is a vibrant city that offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, rich history, and warm hospitality. Key attractions in Fort …

#Northern British Columbia#Oil and gas industry#Peace River Valley#Outdoor recreation#Dawson Creek

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Fort St. John.

Top Hotels in Fort St. John

Top Flights to Fort St. John

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Fort St. John.

Tours

Charlie Lake Provincial Park

A beautiful spot for picnics, hiking, and wildlife observation, situated on the picturesque Charlie Lake.

North Peace Cultural Centre

A hub for arts and culture in Fort St. John, hosting local performances and exhibitions.

Shopping

Fort St. John Farmers' Market

A vibrant market offering local produce, handmade crafts, and delicious food.

Outdoor

Peace River Wildlife Tours

Experience the stunning wildlife and scenic views along the Peace River. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers.

Fish Creek Community Forest

Explore the diverse trails of this urban forest, perfect for walking and nature exploration.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Fort St. John.

Currency

$ | CAD | Canadian Dollar

Population

20,000

Languages

English, English

Average weather

Fort St. John

Jan

-8°-16°

Feb

-4°-13°

Mar

1°-9°

Apr

10°-2°

May

17°4°

Jun

21°9°

Jul

23°11°

Aug

22°10°

Sep

16°5°

Oct

8°-1°

Nov

-2°-10°

Dec

-8°-15°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Fort St. John.

What people love

Fort St. John, located in British Columbia, Canada, offers a variety of unique attractions and activities for travelers to enjoy. Some of the pros of traveling to Fort St. John include:

Outdoor Recreation: Fort St. John is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including forests, rivers, and lakes, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing in the area.
Peaceful Atmosphere: Fort St. John is known for its peaceful and laid-back atmosphere, making it a great destination for those looking to relax and unwind in a tranquil setting.
Cultural Experiences: The city has a rich history and culture, with opportunities to explore indigenous heritage, local art galleries, and museums that showcase the area's past.
Community Events: Fort St. John hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, including festivals, markets, and concerts, providing visitors with a chance to experience the local culture and meet residents.
Northern Lights: Fort St. John is located in the northern part of British Columbia, making it a prime location for viewing the mesmerizing Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) during certain times of the year.

Overall, traveling to Fort St. John offers a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a great destination for those seeking a unique and authentic Canadian travel experience.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Fort St. John in British Columbia, Canada may include:

Remote location: Fort St. John is located in a more remote area of British Columbia, which may mean limited access to amenities or services compared to larger cities.
Harsh weather conditions: The region experiences cold winters with heavy snowfall and low temperatures, which can impact travel plans and outdoor activities.
Limited public transportation: Fort St. John may have limited public transportation options, making it necessary to have a car for getting around.
Limited entertainment options: As a smaller city, Fort St. John may have fewer entertainment and nightlife options compared to larger urban centers.
Higher cost of living: Due to its remote location, the cost of living in Fort St. John may be higher than in other parts of British Columbia.

It's important to note that these cons may vary depending on individual preferences and travel experiences. It's recommended to research further and consider personal preferences before planning a trip to Fort St. John.

Fort St. John, located in northeastern British Columbia, Canada, is a city with a rich and diverse history. It is situated near the Peace River and is known as the oldest non-Indigenous settlement site in British Columbia.

Early History:

Indigenous Peoples: The area around Fort St. John has been inhabited for thousands of years by Indigenous peoples, including the Dane-zaa (Beaver) people. They established a network of trails and trade routes and relied on the rich natural resources of the region.

European Exploration and Settlement:

1794 - First Trading Post: The first European settlement in the area was established in 1794 by the North West Company, a fur trading enterprise. This trading post was named Rocky Mountain Fort. It was abandoned in 1805.
1821 - Hudson's Bay Company: After the merger of the North West Company with the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1821, a new fort was established, which was later moved to various locations along the Peace River. This reflects the constant search for better trading locations and routes.

Establishment and Development:

1920 - Modern Settlement: The modern community of Fort St. John was officially established in 1920, near the present-day location. It became a focal point for settlers and the development of agriculture in the Peace River District.
1942 - Alaska Highway: The construction of the Alaska Highway during World War II was a pivotal moment in Fort St. John's history. The highway, which passes through Fort St. John, was built to connect the contiguous United States to Alaska and significantly boosted the local economy and population.

Economic Growth:

Oil and Gas Industry: The discovery of oil and natural gas in the 1950s and 1960s transformed Fort St. John into a major center for the energy industry. This led to significant economic growth and an increase in population.

Modern Fort St. John:

Incorporation as a City: Fort St. John was incorporated as a city in 1975. Today, it is known as "The Energetic City," reflecting its role as a hub for the energy sector.

Important Landmarks:

The Pomeroy Sport Centre: A modern recreation facility offering ice rinks, a walking track, and community events.
Fort St. John North Peace Museum: This museum showcases the history of Fort St. John and the surrounding area, with exhibits on Indigenous cultures, the fur trade, and the development of the region.
Peace River Lookout: A scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Peace River Valley and the surrounding landscape.

Fort St. John continues to grow and evolve, balancing its rich history with modern development and its role as a key player in Canada's energy sector.