Something for all types of history buffs!

First Nation Historic Sites

The grave site of one of the greatest chiefs known to Carrier First Nations is located near the Stuart River, as Chief Kwah requested when he died. To get there, take the first right after the Necoslie River bridge, the first bridge when leaving town.

Indian Pictographs are located on the north shore of Stuart Lake, between Fort St. James and Pinchi Bay, by Honeymoon Island. These Native rock paintings date back to the last century, and depict animals, fish, birds and symbols showing guardian spirits and images received in dreams. Guides and boat rentals can be arranged.

These paintings on the cliffs of Stuart Lake date back to the past century. There are twenty-one sites of Native pictographs, between Stuart Lake and Pinchi Bay. The paintings depict animals, fish and birds as well as symbols depicting guardian spirits and images received in dreams. The paint used for drawing was a vegetable based vermilion which weathers quickly, archaeologists believe the paints date back to early in the last century

Hudson's Bay Cemetery

The Hudson's Bay cemetery is the oldest remnant of the early fur trading in Fort St James. Not much is known about its history and content, or even when the first person was buried here. However it stills tells of a life lived here in Fort St. James. The graveyard is located on Stuart Drive adjacent to the Anglican Church.

Our Lady of Good Hope Church

Built in 1873, is one of the oldest remaining Catholic Churches in British Columbia, located on Lakeshore Drive overlooking Stuart Lake. Situated behind the church is the cabin in which Father Morice printed the Carrier Prayer Books and newspapers.

A Few hundred yards past the church is the graveyard where headstones can be seen written in the Carrier syllabics developed by Father Morice. Visitors are reminded that this graveyard is consecrated ground, still in use, and to please conduct themselves respectfully.

Russ Baker Memorial

Aviation history buffs head to the Russ Baker Memorial, and the one-third model of the German Junkers W34 Float Plane at Cottonwood Park. This plane was very popular in the World War II, and was also used by bush pilots in Fort St. James.

This memorial was erected in honor of Frank Russell “Russ” Baker. He was one of the first bush pilots in the Fort St. James area in the 1930’s. After World War II Russ Baker started Central BC Airways for $25, which became Pacific Western Airlines, and today is known as Canadian Airlines International Ltd.

Tom Creek Steam Shovel

The Tom Creek Steam shovel has been preserved as a tribute to the pioneer families who contributed to the growth and development of our region during the first half of the 20th century. The Tom Creek steam shovel was brought to the area in the mid 1930’s by Thomas A. Kelley. It traveled under its own steam to Fort St. James, then “Grandpa” David Hoy barged it to Takla Landing for it's final 19 miles to Tom Creek.

The first trip to locate and assess the condition of the shovel was carried out with the support of Northern Mountain Helicopter April 23, 1993. After several recovery attempts the shovel successfully arrived complete with police escort to the District works yard at Fort St. James on August 29 1994.