Fort Nelson

The regional service centre of the vast (85,808 km2) Northern Rockies Regional Municipality, Fort Nelson is situated at Historic Mile 300 of the Alaska Highway. In a total area comprising of 10% of the province, the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality is home to over 6000 residents, with 4700 residing in Fort Nelson. Fort Nelson has a unique seasonal population with industry attracting approximately an additional 2000 people through the winter, and tourism attracting about 320,000 visitors throughout the warmer months (April to September)

As a point of service to the visitor, Fort Nelson offers a wide range of amenities including: quality accommodation options (hotel/motel, bed & breakfast, camping and RV sites) full assortment of stores and businesses to satisfy your shopping and service needs, recreation facilities (full facility golf course, indoor aquatic centre, bowling alley, racquetball and tennis courts, arena and curling rink), and cultural and event facilities (museum, performing arts / movie theatre, library).

The Northern Rockies is a vibrant and dynamic region full of opportunity for you, your business, and your family. Experience the adventure and splendour of the Northern Rockies. Let us welcome you to where your future lives.

Things to do:

Hiking/Biking/Riding

Demonstration Forest: Far West end of Mountainview Drive, Fort Nelson – Mile 283 (Historical Mile 300) Alaska Highway (Hike, Bike, Ski)

Walk, bike, or ski through this example of the Fort Nelson Lowlands Ecosystem. Variable trail lengths allows visitors to choose their desired level of activity. Being located minutes from downtown, this patch of Northern Boreal Forest, is a perfect place for a quick evening stroll or an afternoon hike. Varying routes offer a selection of lengths and interpretive signs are placed throughout.  View a map of the trails [4.2MB].

Tsimeh Lakes Trails: KM=14 McConachie Creek Road, Fort Nelson (Hike, Ski)

Moderately easy ski trails traveling through a prime example of a lowland black spruce ecosystem. Multiple loops allow you to determine your own trail length and a chain of 3 lakes, with a small shelter on the second one, makes this a memorable trip. 12.5 kms full round trip, 8.5 kms second lake round trip, 6 kms to the shelter.

Boating

Andy Bailey Lake: M=265, KM=427

Nestled in the boreal forest this lake has a campground, day use area, and boat launch and is a good place for bird watching and seeing amazing beaver complexes on each end of the lake. Access lake and campground by following 18 kms of road found directly on Alaska Highway. Long gravel boat launch for non-motorized boats only.  Fees $17 per night including HST.  Day use is free. Map of Andy Bailey Regional Campground [862 KB]

Loon Lake: M=269, KM=433

A small lake found just south of the Spectra Energy Gas Processing Plant, with a gravel launch and parking lot. Motorized watercraft permitted.

Muskwa River Bridge: M=281, KM=452

A very large launch area located just south of Fort Nelson when the Muskwa River is low enough (mid July onwards). Used to access the Prophet River, Tuchodi River and upper Muskwa going up-river, and the Fort Nelson River, Snake River and the Liard River going down-river. For a leisurely paddle, the Muskwa is a very slow class one river that can be accessed from the Muskwa Bridge in Fort Nelson and taken down to the P3 bridge below the Fort Nelson Airport.

Parker Lake: M=293, KM=471

A smaller lake found just west of Fort Nelson accessed by a short gravel road off the Alaska Highway. A nice afternoon paddle with good bird watching opportunities.

Wildlife Viewing

Parker Lake: M=293, KM=471

Great area to view shorebirds, waterfowl, and songbirds. Best at back of lake near seismic line leading to more lakes in an ecological reserve.

Fishing

Borrow Pits: M=233-283, KM=375-456

The Alaska Highway between Prophet River and Fort Nelson is host to a number of former gravel pits now stocked semi-annually for community use as fishing ponds. 11 pits ranging in size scattered east and west of the highway, are identifiable by blue fish-shaped markers with a pit number.
Click HERE for more information including highway locations and stocking years.

Andy Bailey Park: M=265, KM=427

This small regional park can be accessed by following 18 kms of road found directly on Alaska Highway. Lake is for non-motorized boats only and has both jackfish/northern pike fishing.

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ATVing and Snowmobiling

Parker Lake: M=293, KM=471

Groomed runs leave from parking lot, cross the lake onto old seismic lines and go in several directions. Routes are also commonly used by dogsledders. Excellent spot to watch northern lights in the winter months.

Cross-Country Skiing

Groomed trails can be found at the Recreation Forest, the Poplar Hills Golf & Country Club, and the Tismeh Lakes trails.

Demonstration Forest: Far West end of Mountainview Drive, Fort Nelson – Mile 300 Alaska Highway (Hike, Bike, Ski)

Multiple length trails wind through the northern boreal forest. Track set for classic skiing. View a map of the trails [4.2MB].

Poplar Hills Golf & Country Club: Lot 91, Radar Road

2 length trails; groomed for skate skiing.

Tsimeh Lakes Trails: KM=14 McConachie Creek Road, Fort Nelson (Hike, Ski)

Groomed but remote trails leading to multiple lakes and a shelter; short, steep sections.

Golfing

Poplar Hills Golf & Country Club: Lot 91, Radar Road

9 hole golf course offering challenging play in a picturesque setting. The well maintained 9-hole course boasts varying terrain, spectacular views, and full services such as driving range, concession, lounge, pro-shop, and all rentals including power carts.

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Camping and Accommodations

Andy Bailey Campground (Regional) M=266 KM=427

Phone: (250) 774-2541

This campground has 12 un-serviced lots plus 8 sites for tenting along the waterfront, and is located approximately 30 km south of Fort Nelson. Access at Mile 265 of the Alaska Highway and follow a 2x2 road for 8 km. Reservations not available and campground is not recommended for large RVs. Map of Andy Bailey Regional Campground [862 KB]

Fees:  $17 (including HST)

Alaska Highway Bed and Breakfast

Phone: (250) 500-3210

Location: 4205 51st Avenue East

Ardendale Bed & Breakfast

Phone: (250) 774-2433

Location: 7635, Mile 305, Old Alaska Highway

The Blue Bell Inn

Web: The Blue Bell Inn

Email: bluebellinn@northwestel.net

Phone: (250) 774-6961

Location: 4203 50th Avenue South.

Dmitry’s Bed & Breakfast

Phone: (250) 775-0599

Location: 5324-44th Street

Fort Nelson Hotel

Web: Fort Nelson Hotel

Phone: (250) 774-6971 or (800) 663-5225

Location: 5110 50th Avenue North

Kacees Northern Suites

Phone: (250) 233-4800 or (866) 769-6606

Location: 4807 50th Avenue South

Lakeview Inns & Suites

Web: Lakeview Inns & Suites

Phone: (250) 233-5001 or (877) 355-3500

Location: 4507 50th Avenue South

Mini-Price Inn

Phone: (250) 774-2136

Location: 5306 51st Avenue

Pioneer Motel

Web: Pioneer Motel

Email: pioneermotel@northwestel.net

Phone: (250) 774-5800

Location: 5207 50th Avenue South Note: (RV sites available)

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Provincial Motel

Phone: (250) 774-6901

Location: 4107 50th Avenue South

Ramada Ltd

Web: Ramada Ltd

Phone: 250) 774-2844

Location: 5035 51st Avenue

Shannon Motel

Email: shannonmotel@yahoo.ca

Phone: (250) 774-6000

Location: 5423 50th Avenue South

Spirit Wolf Bed and Breakfast

Web: Spirit Wolf Bed and Breakfast

Email: admin@spiritwolf-bb.com

Phone: (250) 774-7335

Location: 7105 Old Alaska Highway

Super 8 Motel

Web: Super 8 Motel

Phone: (250) 233-5025 or (888) 888-5591

Location: 4503 50th Avenue South

Triple G Hideaway

Web: www.tripleghideaway.com

Phone: (250) 774-2340

Fax: (250 774-7903

Location: Mile 300 Alaska Highway Note: (RV sites available)

Woodlands Inn

Web: Woodlands Inn

Email: woodland@pris.bc.ca

Phone: (250) 774-2340

Location: 3995 50th Avenue

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