Fort Nelson

Fort Nelson was established first as a Hudson Bay Trading Post in 1805 and named after Admiral Nelson of the British Navy. Fort Nelson remained a small outpost until the US Army arrived in early 1942. They named Fort Nelson, “Zero”, because on their maps Fort Nelson was the beginning of two very important roads: the Alcan leading to Delta Junction, Alaska and the other to Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories (now called the Liard Highway, part of the Deh Cho Route). The Fort Simpson, Mackenzie River Route was an alternate highway built in the event of Japanese attack on the Alaska Highway.
When the troops heading south met the troops heading north, at Contact Creek on September 24, 1942, it marked the completion of the Highway between Dawson Creek and Whitehorse. It was only after the opening of the Highway that Dawson Creek was officially named Mile 0, as it was the Highway’s southernmost point.
Fort Nelson’s economy has always been based on forestry, oil & gas. In 2021 a new Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) plant opened in Fort Nelson, making it the most northern LNG production facility in Canada. North America’s largest gas processing plant and one of the largest deposits of shale gas in North America can also be found here.
Tourism has become a very important part of the local economy as Fort Nelson is a major transportation hub and the largest city in the Northern Rockies Regional District. There are regularly scheduled flights with Central Mountain Air, it is the northern railhead of CN Rail, and the world famous Alaska Highway doubles as Main Street.

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Visitor Info Centre This is one of the nicest Centers on the Highway. Stop by to pick up a  free copy of the Northern Rockies Travel Guide or ask the travel advisors for more information about travel in Northern BC. 5500 Alaska Highway. 250-774-6400
www.tourismnorthernrockies.ca

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Best Places to Stay in Fort Nelson, BC

Kacees Northern Suites

Downtown Fort Nelson, Kacee’s offers kitchenette suites and large rooms. It is a very clean motel. Free Wifi, and all of the other conveniences you would expect.

 

Camping in Fort Nelson, BC

Triple “G” Hideaway

Triple “G” Hideaway RV Park Pull-through sites with full hookups, RV wash, laundry, Wi-fi hotspots, and cable TV in selected sites. They are conveniently located next door to the Fort Nelson Heritage Museum and close to the Visitor Info Center.

 

Dining in Fort Nelson

Triple G Hideaway Restaurant serves excellent food with home-cooked flavors. Prime Rib and steak specials are served on the weekend and daily features during the week. Delicious desserts are a specialty. In the old Saloon at Triple G Hideaway. 

 

Best Things to Do in Fort-Nelson, AK

Fort Nelson Heritage Museum

The theme of the museum is ‘Transportation’. The collection that started it all was an antique car and truck collection started by Marl Brown, since his retirement he has taken on the role of curator of the museum. 

Poplar Hills Golf & Country Club

The Poplar Hills Golf & Country Club is a public 9-hole course in Fort Nelson.  The course terrain offers challenging play against a backdrop of panoramic views of the Northern Rockies.  Facilities include a driving range, grass greens, pro shop, club and power cart rentals, concession, and lounge.

Liard River Hotsprings

Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park is at km 765, 3 hours north of Fort Nelson. 53 campsites, water, toilets, firewood, and a day-use area. Change houses & boardwalks to connect the pools.

Teetering Rock Trail

Teetering Rock is a rugged steep hike to view Teetering Rock, north of Fort Nelson. This route is difficult with many steep sections and is a long day hike or an overnight trip. Impressive views of the surrounding countryside, including Steamboat Mountain, make this trail worth the effort. 

 

Getting to Fort Nelson, BC

BC Bus North

BC Bus North is The province of BC’s new service. it will include two round trips per week between Prince Rupert and Prince George; Prince George and Valemount; and Prince George and Dawson Creek-Fort St. John. It will also offer one round-trip per week from Fort Nelson to Dawson Creek-Fort St. John.

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