fort st. james national historic site

I went to this historic site three times duraing the last decade, no more then four days each time. I tried to discovered all aroud the town and the site itselfe but there are so many things to see that I must go back next year. Regarding the historical site, people there are womndferful and very nice. I need to learn history I I never say no to a real place where history happened. Thanks for sahring with me all the place and all the stories . God Bless you

If you're really into history, ramp it up a notch with an overnight in the Fort's B&B. I visited Fort St. James two summers ago and was really disappointed when I realized that we could have stayed onsite - especially given the level of accommodation available in the town (Yikes!). This summer I was back in the north and made a special detour to the fort, just to stay overnight.No disappointment this time. Apparently Fort St. James is the only National Historic Site in Canada with its own B&B. They put you up in the beautiful log house where chief factor AC Murray lived with his family in 1896. I'm talking fully authentic experience right down to no indoor plumbing and the chamber pots are just for show. We had to dash over to the maintenance building for comfort stops. Showers were in the main visitor centre. We thought of the experience as comfortable camping: a bit of a hike to the loo, but far more comfortable than our tent. I slept brilliantly in the absolute silence, snuggled under a real Hudson's Bay blanket.Staff treated us like super VIPs from the moment we checked in, with even more special attention than visitors usually get from the costumed interpreters in the 1890s-era fur trade buildings. We were served dinner in the Old Fort Cafe (ribs - selected in advance by email) overlooking beautiful Stuart Lake. Coffee and cake were available in the dining room where we were invited to use the antique dinnerware. Breakfast was unbelievable, made and served by one of the interpreters who brought us free range organic eggs and the biggest, freshest raspberries I've ever tasted from her own farm. Having full access to the house and park after all the visitors were gone was incredible. My favourite memory is sitting in a vintage rocking chair on the verandah, with a glass of wine, watching a spectacular sunset reflected in the lake behind the old log buildings. The funniest moment was when I walked into the kitchen and got a raucous cock-a-doodle-do from the rooster - defending his ladies in the chicken coop attached to the back of the house, I guess.Dinner and breakfast are included in the price. If you can get past the unusual bathroom arrangements, this is a B&B you've just got to try.

A great side trip even though the 40 minute drive was through from pretty boring territory. Once you get there it is a beautiful spot and the facility is very interesting. The staff were very friendly and well informed. We actually spent almost 3 hours there, which was a surprise. But it was all fun. Took the time to eat at the little cafe as well and the food was plain but very good.I was happy to discover that we could take our dog thru the entire site - she really liked the animals! It is free if you have the National Parks Discovery Pass.

This site was the first European settlement in BC. A Northwest Company trading post opened in 1803 by Simon Fraser - a significant figure in the history of Canadian exploration. The current Historic park consists in several 19th century log buildings of the original trading post, fixed up to look as they would have looked in the 1890's. Friendly, informative guides in period dress. They have their own garden and raise their own chickens (Brahma chickens - a heritage breed). It occurred to someone on staff to have daily "chicken races" which is totally non-historical, but a crowd pleaser. Don't miss the warehouse full of trade furs: muskrat, beaver, lynx, wolf, wolverine, ermine, mink and so on. Beautiful situation on Stewart Lake. Entry fee. Cafe on site.

reconstructed building from the late 1800's with local college kids in period costomes telling the story. Don't miss it at $7.00.

A great day trip from PG. we had a beautiful sunny day with few people and the guides were friendly, knowledgeable and very personable....who made history come alive. A lovely site to buy your lunch or to picnic. So hands on....one can handle the objects. Cost very reasonable. Dogs on leash welcome. Loved the chicken race. Very child friendly . A fun day experience...worth the drive.

I loved visiting the Fort St James fur trading post. It is one of Canada's oldest group of original fur trade buildings and the detail they put into the site is impressive. Each building has a guide that explains the detailed history of the HBC store, the warehouse, the fish cache, the men's house, the Officer's house (aka Murray house), etc.If you are looking for an even better immersive experience then rent the Officer's house for a weekend. You'll sleep within history. The kitchen is fitted with a wood burning oven and antique kitchen gadgets. Each bedroom has its own personality depending on who stayed within that room during 1896. They were able to have it restored to its exact detail because of the written accounts and audio recordings of the memories one of the children who once lived there (Annie Murray).It takes camping to a whole new level - more like "glamping" within history!I wrote a blog post with pictures about my experience here...http://bit.ly/1uL0R9u

This was a 'mini-road trip' from Prince George made with my friend who was visiting from Montreal. Actually staying at the Fort, in the Murray House, was the unique experience we hoped for and made looking at the photos and reading the stories about the characters who had lived there much more interesting. Another review describes the basics. I will add that the food is tasty and abundant, and in addition to meals we were left home made cookies and could make tea before bed. Another touch was the games left out for us...there is no TV or internet! Sitting alone outside watching the sunset...surrounded by quiet...gives you real taste of history.

If you're in the area ... this place is totally worth the drive up! For a very small entrance fee this site can captivate you and your family for hours! The main entrance has a great museum with several different films about the area and it's history. Then the rest of the site has a great number of original buildings and several restored buildings from the 1800's. The park staff are dressed in period clothing and are a real font of information about the site as well as the life and times of the people living in the fort and surroundings. It's not dry, boring history ... but gives you a real feel and flavour of what it was like. There's things for the kids as well as adults ... there are some farm animals to feed, gardens to look at, and numerous buildings to explore. VERY COOL!

Fort St. James National Historic Site of Canada is another great history lesson. Located right on Stewart Lake.The main entrance houses a great museum and make sure to take in the 10 minute movie in the theater. If you have a National Park Pass, the entrance fee is free.The only washrooms on the site are in the main entrance building so make a visit before heading out. Allow about 3 hours give or take.Lots of guides in the different buildings that are very knowledgeable and willing to share information.There is a one room B&B in the Officers building that can be rented.There is also a restaurant with fantastic views of the lake. Unfortunately the food was not very well prepared. Maybe it was an off day. I had a rack of ribs and my wife had salmon. Coffee and pie would have been a better choice.We drove up with our truck and fifth wheel trailer. Roads are good and it is a nice drive. The parking lot could be tight on a busy day, but we had lots of room.Hope that helps.

The Hudson Bay Trading Company site is fascinating in and of itself, but the bed and breakfast experience takes it all to a new level. My husband and I stayed for one night in early June. The staff were very helpful! We checked in as the site closed for the day and were served dinner for two in the cafe overlooking the large lake. We got keys to the house and two other buildings that contain restrooms and the showers. We roamed the officer's house, examined the artifacts, read by the wood stove in the kitchen and listened to the wind blow. Breakfast for two in the morning and we checked out as the site opened at 9:00 am. Unique experience all around. Note: bathrooms are a distance away and no towels are provided for showers. While you are a bit isolated on the site after the park staff leaves, there is a night watchman in case you need something.

Beautiful location and great history. Wish all the staff hadn't been on lunch at the same time while we visited though :)

A very interesting place to visit they cover all aspects of how life was in that era, it is a great insight into how life was, with very well preserved artifacts it is very well set out, the guides are very helpful & eager to answer any questions you might have. We also found a box of outdoor toys which you are allowed to use we had great fun trying to walk on stilts. It well worth a visit even tho' it is not a very large attraction and would not take up a full day, the views of the surrounding lake are stunning and worth a visit just for that.

This was a place I knew nothing of having forgotten my fur trade history. The site is very nice, well presented and in good condition. We were fortunate in having a beautiful day, but t would be good at any time. The buildings were very interesting and the staff, in historical dress @ 1900, very helpful and informative. A 1st nations elder hosted a particularly interesting workshop/demonstration on hide tanning which was excellent. If I have a quibble, it is that the site focusses only on a fairly narrow time window @1896 and missies out on the earlier period when the fort was a major hub for the HBC in Western North America. However, it did make me review my fur trade history after seeing the site. When you are there, it is difficult to picture just how it must have looked when large parties gathered there in its heyday.Stuart lake is beautiful and would be worth a trip in its own right for a fishing / camping holiday. Boat launch facilities are excellent. In all a great day and well worth the trip up from Vanderhoof.

This takes about an hour if you are "used to forts" as we are, or longer if you have kids who are new to this. The volunteer "actors" do a great job of explaining the life and times of the fort and what everything did in its time. They have an extrodinary collection of utensils from the period, and, more impressive, of the PELTS that were trapped and traded.....yes, you are allowed to touch! If you have never felt the pelts of beaver, 3 kinds of fox, badger, black bear, etc., THIS IS THE PLACE! And they have been dead and tanned for a very long time. No ecological issues here (any more).All together, between one and, well, if you or a family member get really into it, maybe 4 hours. And they have special evets, so check their web site (either to enjoy or avoid!).