Vacation Planner 2012 _____________________________________________________________________ 11
Museums & More Fraser Lake Museum Learn the town’s story at the Fraser Lake Museum, located at the Visitor Information Centre. Itself a fine example of log-home construction, the museum displays remnants of the rich history of the Fraser Lake area, and an informative display on Dakelh culture. The Last Spike Visit the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, which was completed at Fort Fraser in 1914 and declared a Heritage Site by the Canadian government in 1998. During the construction of the railway in the early 1900s, the local population blossomed to 3,000. The railway contributed to a sudden climb in the economy and an even quicker decline when the project failed after fur prices dropped following the First World War. Chief Kwah Gravesite Chief Kwah was one of the most influential leaders of the Carrier First Nation. He was pivotal in their relationship with Simon Fraser when Europeans first arrived on July 26, 1806 and was known as the Fur Trade Chief. On his death in 1840, his request to be buried at the mouth of the Stuart River was honoured – he wanted to be able to alert his people that the salmon run was starting. To visit his grave, take the first right after the Nak’azdli River bridge, the first bridge when leaving town. For more information you can contact the Nak’azdli First Nation 250996-7171. Rose Prince Pilgrimage Held annually the second weekend of July at Lejac near Fort Fraser, the site of the Lejac Residential School. This event celebrates the life of a Carrier native woman who many feel should be recognized as a saint.
Fort St. James National Historic Site Fort St. James National Historic Site, a restored Hudson’s Bay Company fur trading post, whisks visitors back to life as it was in the 1890’s. Talk to staff and learn about life in this 200-year old fort. It’s the oldest collection of wooden buildings in the country depicting Canada’s fur trade. As you wander around the site, you’ll learn about the Fort’s history and the traders’ relationships with the Carrier First Nation Russ Baker Memorial Frank ‘Russ’ Baker was one of the greatest bush pilots in Canada’s north. He was also the founder of Pacific Western Airlines, which later became part of Air Canada. If you are an aviation history buff, you will want to visit the Russ Baker Memorial. It’s located on Lakeshore Drive, past Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church - a 15-minute walk from Cottonwood Park.
Stop by or call us for all your information needs
Vanderhoof Visitor Centre & Chamber of Commerce 250-567-2124 ~ 2353 Burrard Ave ~ 1-800-752-4094 www.vanderhoofchamber.com