Self-guided Forestry Tours
Explore the back country with a self-guided tour of the region’s lush forests. Grab a brochure from the information centre to navigate your way through the bush and scout out rest areas. These roads vary in condition so make sure you are well prepared. Self-guided tours are available for the Kluskus and Holy Cross Forest Service roads.
Greer Creek Falls
This easy 3.4-kilometre return trail leads you to a 7-metre waterfall, with a pool at the base ideal for a cool dip on a hot day. Also at the falls is a picnic table and re pit. Just be sure to pack out your garbage. To get there, head out on the Kenney Dam Road, and turn left on the Kluskus Forest Road. The trailhead is at km 37.5 on the Kluskus Forest Road.
Tchentlo Lake Hot Springs – Fort St. James
The springs are approximately 125km northwest of Fort St. James. These are not commercialized hot springs and consist of three pools with temperatures of 80 to 85°F. The springs are only accessible by boat. Caution: Take care where you walk as the ground is very fragile.
Kenney Dam – Vanderhoof
Set a day aside to explore the Kenney Dam. The Kenney Dam (or Kemano 1) is a rock-filled hydroelectric dam on the Nechako River, 96km south of Vanderhoof, built in the early 1950s. At more than 450 metres long and 100+ metres high, it’s a spectacular sight. It took 3,071,140 cubic metres of material to build the dam. It’s also a great spot for camping and fishing. To reach the dam, go south on the Holy Cross Forest Service road, which starts at Lejac (6km east of Fraser Lake). Follow the road for 68km to the dam.
Swan Capital – Fraser Lake
The area boasts 170 lakes within an 80km radius and is the temporary home to more than 1,000 trumpeter swans, making it the world’s Swan Capital. Trumpeters are the largest waterfowl in North America. With up to 35,000 feathers and a thick downy layer, the swans are unbothered by the cold. The wingspan of an adult Trumpeter can reach almost 2.5 meters.
Pictographs – Fort St. James
More than a century ago, First Nations people used vermilion paint to create 21 pictographs on the north shore of Stuart Lake. These paintings illustrate images important to the Carrier people – birds, guardian spirits and images from dreams. Located on the north shore of Stuart Lake, close to Honeymoon Island, and between Fort St. James and Binche Bay, they’re only accessible by water.
Canoeing
Paddlers can enjoy the Stellako, Nechako and Stuart Rivers, suitable for canoeists of any level, or any one of the hundreds of lakes the Stuart/Nechako has to offer. Check out the information centre for details on water routes and remember to take weather conditions into account before setting out.
Golfing
Enjoy a round at the Omineca Golf Course in Vanderhoof, a par-72, 18-hole course, finishing at the 19th Hole Restaurant in the clubhouse. Stuart Lake Golf Course, located near Fort St. James, features nine holes with a spectacular view of Stuart Lake. Molyhills Golf Club in Fraser Lake is an 18-hole course with spectacular views of Francois Lake. All courses are open seasonally from April to September.
Mountain Biking
Jump on a bike and explore the 30km of well-kept trails at Waterlily Lake, located on Sturgeon Point Road north of Vanderhoof off Highway 16. Many different areas around the region offer trails suitable for mountain bike riding. Check with the local Chambers for directions.
Fishing
If it’s rainbow trout or kokanee you’re after, the Stuart-Nechako region is sure to meet your needs. Stay for the day or a few weeks, with numerous lakes and rivers with forest recreation sites to make your visit easy and enjoyable. Remember to ensure your licence is valid before launching.
Tennis – Vanderhoof
Why not spend an afternoon exercising and enjoying the weather at the same time? Visit the tennis court in Vanderhoof and practise your court skills. Located next to the Curling Rink.
Ready, Aim, Fire – Vanderhoof
Enjoy a day at the Vanderhoof shooting range. Improve your marksmanship in this well-facilitated range of targets. Get directions from the information centre in town.
Vanderhoof Farmers’ Market
Check out the home-baked, grown and made goodies at the Vanderhoof Farmers’ Market, then let the kids splash around at the water park or climb on the jungle gym at Ferland Park.
Fraser Lake Farmers’ Market
At the Fraser Lake Arena on Fridays from noon to 4pm from June to September, sample home-made baking, crafts snf more, and visit the on-site museum to explore the local history. Contact Maureen Olson: molson006@gmail.com
Fort St. James Farmers’ Market
Local produce, meat, eggs, crafts, furniture, baking, jams, jellies, tasty treats, plants and more for sale each week in their downtown location across from the Lakeshore Pharmacy and Canada Post Office. For more information call Charlotte at 250-996-7869.
Stellako River – Fraser Lake
Indulge in the beauty of the Stellako River, connecting Francois and Fraser lakes. The Stellako is famous for its flyfishing and challenging, expert-class canoeing (beginning at the mouth of Francois Lake, 9km to the waterfalls). Below the waterfalls, to Fraser Lake, is for beginners with lovely calm waters.
Photography
Start your own collection of beautiful photos. If you enjoy nature’s beauty, the Stuart/Nechako area is rich in a plethora of species and is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast.
Berry Picking
Saskatoons, strawberries, huckleberries, and wild raspberries are just a few of the little delicacies in the great wilderness. Go exploring yourself during mid-summer, a ripe time for luscious berries. Be bear aware though as they are also feasting on these little morsels.
Salmon Run
Experience a survival of the fittest challenge – fish-style. In an impressive attempt to reach their spawning grounds, sockeye salmon struggle to reach their destination point despite the threat of bears looking for an easy catch. This natural wonder can be watched at Stellako River from the Glennanan Bridge every August.
For more visit the Omineca Express and Caledonia Courier
Wild for a West Coast winter