Fort St. James National Historic Site of Canada

On Site

Visitor Centre

The Visitor Centre has a Display room, theatre and gift shop. It also contains the administration offices.

Washrooms

Accessible public washrooms are available in the visitor centre.

Parking

Parking at Fort St. James accommodates single vehicles, busses, trailers and motor homes.

Access for persons with disabilities

The visitor centre and washrooms are accessible. The walking trail, boardwalks and historic structures are designed to accommodate wheelchairs.

Viewpoints

The trail from the visitor centre to the historic grounds and structures provides breathtaking views of Stuart Lake Mount Pope and Mount Sidney Williams.

Education

Fort St. James has an extensive school program and special theme tours are also available.

Interpretive Animation Program

Fort St. James is staffed from May until September each year with costumed interpreters. As you wander around the historic grounds and buildings you will meet them and be able to discuss things that interest you about the historic structures, the artefacts, the history of the fur trade or things to see and do in the area. Our interpreters receive two weeks of specialized training each year. In addition they are provided with research time to explore the rich history of the fur trade or to find answers to individual questions for our guests.

Restored buildings and Landscape

The original buildings that make up the Hudson's Bay Post are historic jewels and some remain almost unchanged since the day they were completed. They bare the marks of the past and by themselves can tell an observer very much about history. The cultural landscape and historic view down Stuart Lake create a powerful sense of the past. This National Historic Site as it exists now with its reconstructed and original buildings and landscape is virtually undistinguishable from photographs of that time. It is considered one of the finest restorations in Canada.

Period Demonstrations

Activities take place daily (weather permitting). Gardening in the huge vegetable garden, tending the cattle and chickens, packing and riding horses, hewing and peeling logs, fence painting and cooking. In season there are traditional First Nations Activities at the Fort such as hide tanning and salmon preparation.

Audio/Video Show & Interpretive Exhibits

In the modern visitor centre watch the award winning video A Letter Home, walk through the gift shop and purchase quality items including a large selection of books, old fashioned candy, wild berry preserves, tea, clothing, and souvenirs. The Site's display room houses traveling exhibits from across Canada and occasionally local exhibits of Art and antiques.

Old Fort Café

Just outside the visitor centre is the Old Fort Café featuring deer steak, buffalo burgers deer and salmon sandwiches and bannock along with pies and ice cream.