Fort Nelson
Fort Nelson, named after Admiral Nelson, was established as a fur trading post in 1805. The community came into more prominence after the Alaska Highway was completed and people realized that the forestry and gas and oil industry was so important. While no longer a fur trading centre, Fort Nelson is still the service centre of the northeastern region of the province with an increasing emphasis on tourism.
The town itself has a lot to offer with a library, community forest, golf course, performing arts theatre and museum as well as sports facilities such as ball field, pool, skating and curing rinks.
Ribboned with thousands of kikometres of rivers, dotted by hundreds of lakes and crowned by the majestic Rocky Mountains, the area surrounding Fort Nelson is an outdoor enthusiasts delight. The area is a world class resource base for cross country skiing, wildlife viewing, photography, backpacking, wilderness canoeing and kayaking, river boating and a myriad of other activities. Fly-in fishing and big game hunting are also popular activities.
The Fort Nelson region has some of the most magnificent scenery and landscapes in British Columbia. Eight provincial parks are located here including Muncho Lake Provincial Park and Liard River Provincial Park where visitors can bask in the hot springs summer or winter, while marvelling at the unique ecosystems evident here.
Population: 6,000
Elevation: 422 metres (1,385)
Access: Fort Nelson is 381 km (236 mi.) north of Fort St. John on Highway 97 (Alaska Highway) and 454 km (281 mi.) north of Dawson Creek. The area is also served by air and bus lines.
Recreation Facilities: golf course, swimming pool, skating and curling rink
Local Attractions: Heritage Museum, North America's Largest Natural Gas Processing Plant, World's Largest Chopstick Manufacturing Plant, Community Forest
July • Canada Day Celebrations
August • Rodeo
September • Fall Fair
December • Dog Sled Races
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