Explore Fort Saint John, British Columbia
Fort St. John, British Columbia, is in northeastern British Columbia, Canada. It is the largest municipality in the Peace River Regional District, encompassing an area of about 22 km2 and home to 21,465 residents as of the 2021 Census.
Fort St. John has a rich history dating back to 1794, when the North West Company established the first European settlement in mainland British Columbia, Rocky Mountain Fort, along the Peace River. Over the next two centuries, the community moved several times before settling in its present location.
The city experienced significant growth in the 20th century. The construction of the Alaska Highway in the 1940s and the discovery of oil and natural gas deposits in the 1950s attracted many new residents.
Today, Fort St. John is known as the "Energetic City" and is a regional hub for agriculture, forestry, and the oil and gas industry.
The Fort St. John Airport (IATA: YXJ, ICAO: CYXJ) is in the city and offers scheduled passenger service to destinations such as Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton. The airport saw a record 257,295 passengers in 2015.
Fort St. John is a vibrant community with a youthful population. It has seen significant growth in recent decades, expanding by 49% over the past 25 years. The city offers a range of amenities, including a campus of Northern Lights College and the North Peace Cultural Centre.
History of Fort Saint John, British Columbia, Canada
Fort St. John, British Columbia, has a rich history dating back to 1794, when the North West Company established the first European settlement in mainland British Columbia, Rocky Mountain Fort, along the Peace River.
Over the next two centuries, the community was moved several times before settling in its present location.
The original Rocky Mountain Fort was used as a trading post for the Beaver and Sikanni First Nations and as a supply depot for further expeditions into British Columbia.
In 1806, Fort d'Épinette was built by the North West Company and later renamed Fort St. John by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1821.
After a lapse of nearly 40 years, Fort St. John was reopened in 1860 on the south side of the Peace River, directly south of the present community.
It was moved in 1872 to the north side of the river, where it remained until 1925, when it was moved closer to where settlers were establishing homesteads.
The construction of the Alaska Highway in the 1940s brought a significant influx of people to the area. The discovery of oil and natural gas deposits in the 1950s further contributed to the city's growth, making it the oil and gas capital of British Columbia.
Today, Fort St. John is the largest municipality in the Peace River Regional District, encompassing an area of about 22 km2 and home to 21,465 residents as of the 2021 Census.
The city is known as the "Energetic City" and is a regional hub for agriculture, forestry, and the oil and gas industry.
Geography of Fort Saint John, British Columbia, Canada
Fort St. John, British Columbia, is located in northeastern British Columbia, Canada, on the western edge of the Canadian prairies.
The city sits at 690 m (2,260 ft) within a low-lying valley near the eastern foothills of the Muskwa Ranges and Hart Ranges of the Northern Rockies.
Fort St. John is between the Peace and Beatton Rivers, with Charlie Lake nearby. The city is built on relatively flat, rolling hills. Prairies lie to the east and north, while to the west, the Rocky Mountains form a rain shadow.
Fort St. John, along with neighbouring cities of Chetwynd, Tumbler Ridge, and Dawson Creek, are within Peace River Country, a large geographic area of British Columbia and Alberta.
The Peace River valley provides opportunities for farming, in contrast to the rugged mountains to the west.
The city has a total area of about 22 km2 (8.5 sq mi) and is located at Mile 47 of the Alaska Highway, making it one of the largest cities between Dawson Creek, British Columbia, and Delta Junction, Alaska.
Demographics of Fort Saint John, British Columbia, Canada
The demographics of Fort St. John, British Columbia, Canada, reveal a population of 21,465 in 2021, a 5.9% increase from 2016. The city had a population density of 656.9 people per square kilometre in 2021.
In terms of age distribution, Fort St. John has a median age of 32.0 years, with 22.1% of the population under 15 years old, 33.4% between 25 and 44 years old, and 6.7% over 65 years old. The city also has a visible minority population of 3%.
Regarding income, the average total income in 2020 among recipients in Fort St. John was $63,400, with an average after-tax income of $52,850.
The average total income of households in 2020 was $114,900, while the average after-tax income of households was $95,800.
In terms of housing, the average value of dwellings in Fort St. John was $365,200 in 2020, with average monthly shelter costs for owned dwellings at $1,660 and rented dwellings at $1,239.
The city has seen growth in private dwellings, with a 5% increase from 2016 to 2021, totalling 10,004 private dwellings in 2021.
Economy of Fort Saint John, British Columbia, Canada
Fort St. John, British Columbia's economy is primarily driven by the oil and gas industry and other resource sectors like forestry, agriculture, and mining.
As the "Energetic City," Fort St. John serves as a regional hub for the oil and gas industry in northeastern British Columbia. The city is home to the provincial Oil and Gas Commission and many companies operating in the sector.
The discovery of oil and natural gas deposits in the 1950s has significantly driven the city's economic growth over the past several decades.
In addition to oil and gas, Fort St. John has a thriving forestry industry, with a major-oriented strand board plant opening in the city in 2005.
Agriculture is also an important part of the local economy, with the region producing grains, oilseeds, honey, and livestock.
The city's economy is further bolstered by its transportation and industrial hub role, serving nearby hydroelectric facilities like the W.A.C. Bennett Dam and the Site C dam project.
Fort St. John's young, energetic population and high labour participation rate have also contributed to its economic success.
According to data, Fort St. John's unemployment rate is 6.5%, higher than the national average of 5.7%. The average household income is $121,957; the top industries are construction and sales/service. The city ranks 158th out of 439 cities in Canada for its overall economy.
Education in Fort Saint John, British Columbia, Canada
Fort St. John is home to several public schools, including the Energetic Learning Campus (grades 10-12) and Margaret Ma Murray Community School (grades K-6). The city also has a campus of Northern Lights College, a public college first opened in 1975.
Northern Lights College's Fort St. John campus offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs and English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.
The college provides students with hands-on training and education in trades, technology, business, and health care.
Fort St. John has other educational resources and facilities to serve its population besides the public schools and Northern Lights College.
The city is known for its vibrant education system and commitment to providing quality learning opportunities for residents.
Transport System of Fort Saint John, British Columbia, Canada
The transportation system in Fort St. John, British Columbia, Canada, is well-developed and includes various modes of transportation to serve the city and its residents. Here are some key aspects based on the provided sources:
- Bandstra Transportation: Bandstra Transportation provides transportation services in Fort St. John. Their contact information includes a location at 9316 102nd Street, Fort St. John, BC, and a phone number and email for inquiries.
- BC Transit: The City of Fort St. John manages transit services, including bus and handyDART services, through BC Transit. Residents can access information on schedules, routes, and fees on the BC Transit website.
- Rosenau Transport Ltd.: Rosenau Transport offers transportation services from its Fort St. John, British Columbia terminal. Contact and terminal information for the Fort St. John terminal are available for reference.
- City of Fort St. John: The City of Fort St. John oversees transportation within the city. Its official website provides information on transportation services, including transit.
Fort St. John has a comprehensive transportation system that includes private transportation companies like Bandstra Transportation and Rosenau Transport and public transit managed by BC Transit in collaboration with the city authorities.
Residents and visitors can access various transportation options to facilitate travel within the city and the surrounding areas.
Living in Fort Saint John, British Columbia, Canada
Fort St. John, British Columbia, offers residents an attractive lifestyle with a high standard of living, affordable housing, and abundant recreational opportunities.
The city's median household income is $102,000, second highest in British Columbia and seventh highest in Canada.
The average house price is just over $400,000, and a two-bedroom apartment can be rented for less than $1,000 per month. Fort St. John ranked 19th in The Globe and Mail's 2023 list of Canada's Most Livable Cities.
The city provides many amenities, including a 55-bed hospital, family doctors and dentists accepting new patients, twelve public schools, and two post-secondary institutions. The North Peace Cultural Centre is a hub for arts and culture, with a 413-seat theatre and art gallery.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy various activities year-round, from camping and lakeside fun in the summer to sledding, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing in the winter. The city is surrounded by wilderness, with endless opportunities for outdoor pursuits.
Fort St. John has a vibrant economy, with agriculture, forestry, and the natural gas industry as the main drivers. The city promotes itself as the "Energetic City" and is the largest center in British Columbia north of Prince George.
Overall, Fort St. John offers a high quality of life, with a strong sense of community, affordable living, and easy access to nature and recreation.
Healthcare in Fort Saint John, British Columbia, Canada
Fort St. John has a well-developed healthcare system to serve its residents. The city is home to the Fort St. John Hospital, which provides community hospital services and is a key healthcare facility in the region.
In addition to the hospital, Fort St. John has several other healthcare providers and resources available. The city has a family practice clinic, the Fort St. John Family Practice Associates Clinic, which offers family doctor services.
There is also an Amani Travel Health Clinic located in Fort St. John. This clinic provides travel-related healthcare services such as vaccinations, COVID-19 testing, and immigration medical exams. It is open Monday through Saturday, with varying hours.
According to the job postings on Indeed, numerous healthcare job opportunities are available in Fort St. John, indicating a demand for healthcare professionals in the city.
Overall, Fort St. John has a robust healthcare system. A hospital, family practice clinic, and specialized travel health clinic serve the community's medical needs. The city's healthcare infrastructure and services cater to the local population.
Tourist places in Fort Saint John, British Columbia, Canada
Here are some of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Fort St. John, British Columbia, Canada:
Museums and Cultural Attractions
- Fort St. John - North Peace Museum - This museum showcases the region's history, with exhibits on the fur trade, early settlers, and indigenous cultures.
- North Peace Cultural Centre - A hub for arts and culture featuring a 413-seat theatre, art gallery, and various events and performances.
Parks and Nature
- Fish Creek Community Forest - Offers hiking trails and opportunities to see diverse wildlife and flora.
- Charlie Lake Provincial Park - A popular spot for fishing, boating, and camping, located just outside the city.
- Peace Island Park - A riverside park in the nearby town of Taylor, with picnic areas and walking trails.
Outdoor Activities
- Fishing - Anglers can catch walleye and other species in Charlie Lake and the Peace and Beatton Rivers.
- Hiking - The Fish Creek Community Forest has a 5.6km hiking trail, and the surrounding area offers many scenic routes.
- Golfing - Fort St. John has two golf courses: the Fort St. John Links Golf Course and the Lone Wolf Golf Club.
Other popular activities include camping, birdwatching, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ATVing in the beautiful natural surroundings of Fort St. John and the Peace River region.
The city also hosts several annual events, such as the August North Peace Fall Fair and the Winter High on Ice Festival. With its vibrant spirit, rich history, and abundant outdoor recreation, Fort St. John is a great destination for visitors to experience the best of northeastern British Columbia.
Local Food of Fort Saint John, British Columbia, Canada
Fort St. John, British Columbia, offers a diverse culinary scene with various local restaurants serving delicious regional cuisine. Here are some highlights of the local food in Fort St. John:
Authentic Indian Cuisine
Indian Essence Bistro is a popular spot for authentic Indian food in Fort St. John. It serves fresh, flavorful dishes seasoned with aromatic Indian spices. The restaurant offers dine-in, delivery, and takeout options.
Tasty Vietnamese Pho
Pho A Pho Saigon is known for serving delicious Vietnamese pho noodle soup. Their pho, which comes in various flavours, is a customer favorite, along with other Vietnamese specialties.
Mouthwatering Sushi
Mastaro Sushi in downtown Fort St. John brings the traditional cuisine of Japan to the city. They offer a wide assortment of sushi and drinks, with takeout available.
Hearty Italian Fare
Lago Family Restaurant is a family-owned establishment serving authentic Italian food. It is known for its pasta specialties and gourmet-inspired pizza. Customers have rated Lago's 4.9/5.
Tasty Donairs
Olive Tree Mediterranean Grill offers fresh, fast, delicious sandwiches and salads with gluten-free and vegetarian options. It brings the best of Mediterranean cuisine to Fort St. John.
Craft Beer and Cocktails
Browns Crafthouse is a casual restaurant in Fort St. John, Victoria, and Vancouver that serves house-made food, craft beers, cocktails, and wine.
With a mix of international flavours and local favourites, Fort St. John's restaurant scene offers something to satisfy every palate. From authentic ethnic dishes to hearty comfort food, the city's eateries showcase the diversity of Canadian cuisine.
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