Fort Nelson is located at the junction of the Muskwa, Prophet, and Sikanni Chief Rivers, which meet to create the Fort Nelson River. Named after Admiral Nelson, the original settlement in Fort Nelson was a North West Company fur trading post, established in 1805.

Fort Nelson's economy was once based on the fur trade, but the modern thriving community of today relies on natural gas as the mainstay of its economy, with an increasing emphasis on transportation and tourism.

It is almost impossible not to observe wildlife as you travel through the Northeast, the so-called Serengeti of North America. The area's spectacular wildlife fauna consists of eight species of ungulates, namely Stone Sheep, mountain goats, bison, moose, elk, caribou, and white-tailed and mule deer; plus at least seven species of medium-sized carnivores including wolves, coyotes, foxes, grizzly bears, black bears, lynx and wolverines.

Deer, moose, bears, and elk frequent clearings alongside roads, foraging for food. In some areas, salt licks have been placed near the road to attract ungulates. Be careful when driving these roads, especially at night; if you were to hit a moose, the chances are good that your vehicle would come out of the encounter in worse shape than the moose. Honest.

Back when the Alaska Highway was still a gravel road, the small roadside stations were the essence of life and travel along this long and lonely highway, and they still remain invaluable to the weary traveller today.

Fort Nelson epitomizes the small town community spirit and legendary hospitality of the North, both from its everyday welcome to you, and through its much appreciated Welcome Visitor program, offered several evenings a week during the summer.

Fort Nelson sits at the gateway to the immense wilderness of the Rocky Mountains, the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Alaska, and is fast becoming known as an eco-adventure destination, offering the true outdoor enthusiast some of the most pristine areas in this part of the province.

Location:

Fort Nelson is located in the northeast corner of the province on the Alaska Highway 97, 242 miles (387 km) northeast of Fort St. John. Located in the lee of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Nelson is surrounded by the Muskwa, Fort Nelson and Prophet rivers. 

Situated at Mile 300 on the Alaska Highway, Fort Nelson is a major town and stopover destination for travellers leaving British Columbia for the Yukon and Alaska beyond.

Elevation...

422 metres (1,385 ft) above sea level.

Population...

Approx 5,000 (Summer) and can double in the winter.

Map...

Google Map

The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Website

Be sure to visit our Library

School district here 81

Some local attractions here