Recreation

It seems there is never a shortage of things to do in the Fort - if anything, there never seems to be enough
time!

Recreation activities cover the spectrum and the calendar. From curling and badminton, through tennis and mountain biking and canoeing and sailing, and on into speed skating and snowmobiling and hockey, there are enough recreation activities and organizations to keep your busy no matter what the weather is outside!

The town has several excellent recreation facilities, including a curling rink and an arena. The Murray Ridge ski complex offers skiers both alpine and cross country trails. The view from the top is spectacular! The downhill facility has one tow rope and boasts the longest T-bar in North America! The Nordic Ski Club maintains fifteen miles of cross country trails, a portion of which are lit for night skiing. A six kilometre hiking trail will guide you to the top of Mount Pope. From the gazebo at the top of the mountain one gets a panoramic view of the mountains to the north of town. The Fort also boasts one of the most picturesque 9-hole golf courses in the province.

Organized sports in the Fort for both youth and adults include:

If sports and outdoor recreation are not to your liking there are a number of community groups and organizations to keep you busy. You can immerse yourself in Guides and Brownies, the Community Arts Council, the computer club or join the local library. For those more musically inclined the Music Makers Society provides an opportunity to "tread the boards" in their regular productions. The T.V. Society is working to improve the quality and quantity of television programming in the community (9 stations so far, and counting!). And the local volunteer firefighters always welcome new members.

The district also offers excellent hiking and camping opportunities, primarily associated with the lakes. There are two provincial parks close to town, both well used during the summer months.

Recreation facilities are generally better developed in the southern part of the district, becoming fewer and farther between the more north you travel. As you head north into the district you will find several lodges operating, even into the more remote areas. Hunting and fishing are major source of tourism in this district, with activity year-round. Game species include moose, deer, bear, mountain goat and caribou. Trophy-sized steelhead are sought after on the shores of the world class Sustut River, which is a Class A angling river. Several guide outfitters operate within the district, guiding both those equipped with firearms or photography equipment.

It’s usually early April when the first R.V.’s and campers start rolling up the highway into the Fort: that, even more than the rising of the first crocus, signals the beginning of spring. This area hums with tourists, especially during the summer months. The majority of Forest Service recreation sites offer camping and/or picnicking facilities. As most of them are associated with lakes there are often boat launching facilities, usually concrete ramps, and areas to park trailers. And during the summer months they fill up fast! Campers and fishers and hikers and wildlife spotters all vie for the best campsites - those close to the water and with a good breeze to keep the bugs away!

If you are a canoeist (or have always thought you’d like to give it a try!) the district is home to a provincially significant canoe route. The Nation River links Tsayta, Indata, Tchentlo and Chuchi lakes in a 60 kilometre continuous canoe route, offering canoeists an opportunity to enjoy the beauty and the view along the way. Canoeists have their pick of 13 campsites along the route, many of which are accessible only by water. Two lodges are also located along the route. And at Tchentlo Lake canoeists can rest their weary bones in the thermal waters of the natural hot springs.

Visitors from all over the world come to the Fort St. James Forest District to enjoy the world class recreation facilities. Whether your tastes run to snowboarding, wildlife viewing or musical theatre, there is always something to do in the Fort!