Fort George Canyon Park

Highlights in this park

This small 178 hectare park consists of two parcels on either side of the Fraser River south of the city of Prince George. Public recreation opportunities and trail access is available on the west side of the river. The park is day-use only.

Up until 1914 the Fraser River was the highway in and out of this part of British Columbia and Fort George Canyon was one of the obstacles that sternwheelers had to navigate. Rapid and dangerous, this canyon abounds in whirlpools and massive, jagged rocks close to the surface.

The park protects the historic winch site used by paddle-wheeled boats in the early 1900s and related portage, a native fishing site and popular hiking trail.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park. Drinking out of any streams or lakes is not recommended unless the water has been filtered or treated.
Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.

Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.

Visit responsibly

Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:

Maps and location

Park Map [PDF]

Getting there

There is no access to the park from Red Rock Road East. Only access the Park from Hwy 16 West via Blackwater Road.

A 4.8 km trail provides access to the west side of the river. The trailhead is located off West Lake Road, 24.5 km from Prince George via Highway 16 west and Blackwater Road. The trailhead and first part of the trail remain under Ministry of Forests jurisdiction. From the edge of the plateau down to the river, the trail is in the park. The park is not road or trail accessible from the east side.

Directions from Prince George: take Highway 16 west to the Blackwater Road. Turn left onto the Blackwater Road and follow it for 11.3 km and turn left onto the West Lake Road. Follow the West Lake Road for 9.7 km and turn left onto an unnamed road. Follow this road for approximately 3 km to a parking lot. The hiking trail is approximately 4.8 km to Fort George Canyon.

Things to do

Hiking

A 4.8 km trail provides access to the west side of the river. Along the trail there are interpretive signs outlining key features of the ecosystem in this area. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.

Fishing

Please read the BC Freshwater Fishing Synopsis for site specific information.

Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

Wildlife viewing

There is no viewing platform but from the plateau, you can view the canyon with rapids. You may also have an opportunity to see wildlife in this park.

Cycling

Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Fort George Canyon Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.

Hunting

The park is open to hunting. All hunters to the area should refer to the current BC Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis.

Winter recreation

There are cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities along the trails in the park. Keep in the mind the trails are not maintained or trackset.

Facilities

Picnic areas

This park has a day-use and picnic area located at the trailhead parking lot.

Pit or flush toilets

This park only has pit toilets located at the trailhead parking lot. There are no flush toilets.

About this park

Cultural Heritage

This area is a native fishing site. The canyon was a major impediment to sternwheelers, and this natural feature had a significant effect on the development of the region, particularly during railway construction.

History

The Fraser River is designated as a Canadian Heritage River and Provincial Heritage River. As the largest river in British Columbia, and the most productive salmon fishery in the world, the Fraser River has played a major role in supporting human life along its length. Locally, Fort George Canyon was an important fishing site for First Nations peoples. The river was an important route for early explorers.

In more recent years, the river was used as a route for transportation of people and resources. Fort George Canyon was one of the few obstacles along the river in north central British Columbia. In the early 1900’s sternwheelers would have to be winched through this treacherous section of river while passengers would have to portage.

Conservation

The area is a special feature in the Nechako Lowland Ecosection. Dramatic canyon feature with pinnacles of volcanic rock and several islands. The east side of the river was previously used for grazing.

Wildlife

The park is a salmon migration corridor. The park supports white sturgeon populations and a large variety of other fish species.

Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples

BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.

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