Fort St. John is The Energetic City, located in the heart of majestic Peace River country. With it’s population at 19,000 it is the largest regional service center in northeastern BC. It services 60,000 people in the area and offers residents and visitors year round amenities. It has a resource base of oil, natural gas, forestry and agriculture, which make it a young and vibrant place to call home.
Historically, Fort St. John traces its roots back to the end of the 18th century when Sir Alexander Mackenzie opened a series of forts along the Peace River to service the fur traders.
Fort St. John has undergone five location changes to adapt to its changing needs as a growing community.
At the end of World War I many veterans moved westward to the fertile agricultural lands on both sides of the Peace River, and formed the population base for the then tiny hamlet of Fort St. John. In March 1942 the construction of the Alaska Highway began and in a few short years Fort St. John’s population swelled to 2,000. With the completion of the Alaska Highway, only 8 months later in October 1942, the American troops left and the population dropped to 700.
In 1952 gas and oil was discovered and by 1957 the refinery at Taylor and a Pipeline to the south had been built. On July 1, 1975 incorporation as a city took place and Fort St. John hasn’t looked back.
There is an infectious, energetic rhythm in Fort St. John, a City that has the second youngest population in British Columbia.
The city is rich in natural resources; mainly oil and gas, timber, hydroelectricity and agriculture. More grain, seed and honey is produced here than anywhere else in BC.
Here adventurers, recreational enthusiasts and wildlife share thousands of acres of pristine wilderness playground. The area around Fort St. John is considered to be one of the recreation jewels in British Columbia.
Travel Infocenter is at 9523 100 St. and is open 8am to 7pm Monday – Friday and 9am to 6pm Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays during the summer. It is open 9 -5 Mon. thru Fri. the rest of the year.
Internet access and free Wi-Fi is available at the Infocenter. 250-785-3033 or 1-877-785-6037
A free sanitary dump station can be found at km 73.2 (at 86th St SE). It is maintained by the City of Fort St. John and is on the right when you are northbound on the Alaska Highway.
Quality Inn Northern 9830 - 100 Avenue. Enjoy the indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, fitness centre along with banquet & meeting rooms and free high speed internet. This is a completely smoke free hotel. Restaurant as well as Legends Lounge & Quality Liquor Store. 800-663-8312
Camping
Rotary RV Park Mile 52 Alaska Highway on the shores of Charlie Lake. Open from mid May to early September. Serviced sites, laundry, Wi-Fi, clean washrooms. The Park is close to fishing, boat rentals and boat launch.
Lone Wolf Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course and a driving range in Taylor, about 15 minutes south of the city. A newly renovated restaurant is open to the public. Call for tee times. 250-789-3711
North Peace Museum Journey through Fort St. John’s history from native settlement to the pioneer homesteads and the construction of the Alaska Highway in 1942.
