Check out all the opportunities to get outside an play in Fort St. James!
Goodwin park is is a great neighbourhood park located at 500 Birch Street. This park is equipped with:
- Fort St. James Community Splash Park
- Tennis Courts
- Toddler Play structures
- WashroomsImage
Cottonwood Park and the Waterfront area plays host to:
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- Municipal Campground
- Bandstand and picnic Shelter
- Play structures and outdoor classroom
- Beach frontage (no lifeguard on duty)
- Beach Volley Ball
- Public Washrooms
- Free Wifi
Fort St. James has a community center! This facility houses:
- Squash and Raquetball courts.
- Ballroom available for larger events or weddings
- Community Movie Theater and Kitchen
- Conference rooms
If you are a member and would like to reserve a raquetball time, please book your time slot.
The Fort Forum Arena is a busy place during the winter! There are multiple hockey leagues beginning with the little guys (Tykes U-7) to Old-timers. The Fort St. James Minor Hockey Association has produced multiple NHLers! The Arena is home to the Falcons Speed skaters (who have produced Olympic athletes), and the Stuart Lake Figure Skating Club.
During the summer months, pickleball players can book one of the three courts on the arena floor. book your time slot
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The Municipality also hosts family and public skating weekly hosted as fundraisers by local community groups.
Next to the Arena and the Community Centre, sits the Fort St. James Curling Rink. The Curling club hosts multiple Bonspiels each year, and has a licensed bar.
Cottonwood Campground is located on Lakeshore Dr. and is equipped with:
- 50 amp power at each of the 4 waterfront sites and 30 amp at the lakeshore drive sites
- Sani-station Image
The Municipality has a number of walking paths and trails. The Loop is by far the most popular. Walkers and runners typically begin their walk at Cottonwood Park and follow the waterfront along Lakeshore Drive to Resort Hill Rd. Right on Stones Bay Road and Right again on the path that follows Highway 27 North.
Spirit Square is in the center of town. The Square is the location of the Summer Farmer's Market, the Cenotaph, as well as a monument to the Pitka Family - Estonian Pioneers who settled in the area. You will also find a monument to the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Crown Colony of British Columbia.
Many community events are held at Spirit Square each year from the annual Night Market and the Santa Claus Parade generally held the last weekend of November.
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This popular hike starts at the end of Pineridge Road. Follow the trail to the top for the views of the most amazing sunsets!
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Photo Credit: Taylor Ryan
A 6.5 km hiking trail to the peak provides a panoramic view of Stuart Lake and the mountains to the north. The elevation gain is about 790 metres (2400 feet); allow 4 to 6 hours for the return hike. Hikers should carry a supply of drinking water as there is no potable water available on the trail. A gazebo is available at the peak of Kal'al Dzuth - Mount Pope. This is an ideal spot to have a snack and enjoy the 360 degree view.
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If you need a little adrenaline, reach out to the Fort St. James Rock Climbing Group like Cole did...!
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Year Round Events
Community groups organize many events throughout the year. There is always something to do and experience in the Fort.
- Winterfest
- Winter Classic Outdoor Hockey Tournament
- Caledonia Classic Dog Sled races
- Fort St. James Secondary School Christmas Craft Fair
- Love Fort St. James Plaid Weekend/Moonlight Madness
- Annual Santa Claus Parade
- Festival of Trees
- Bonspiels and Hockey Tournaments
- Murray Ridge Slush Cup
- Snowmobile Poker Ride
- Speedskating meets
- Sunday Tea at the National Historic Site
- Chicken Races
- Salmon Cook-off and Caledonia Days
- Aboriginal Day Celebrations
- ATV poker ride
- Binche Keyoh Fishing Derby
- Canada Day Celebrations
- Music on the Mountain Festival
- Terry Fox run
- Stuart Lake Hospital Auxiliary Turkey Dart Shoot
- Pumpkin walk
- Mt. Pope Adventure Run