Tête Jaune: Railway History and Nature in the Surrounding Area

Railway Stop and Settlement History

Tête Jaune is an officially designated railway stop on the CNR, west of Tête Jaune Cache. The area's history can also be understood in the context of rail travel: during railway construction from 1911 to 1913, Tête Jaune Cache was the largest settlement west of Winnipeg and a major transportation hub between Fort George, now Prince George, and Edmonton.

According to a note by historian James L. Swanson dated August 1, 1984, the Canadian National Railway (CNR) classification yard in Tête Jaune was, or is, called Harvey. The name may have referred to guide and trapper James Shand-Harvey. This naming history connects the railway stop with a regional past in which rail travel and settlement development played an important role.

Plants and Dunes in Jackman Flats Park

In the area around the destination, Jackman Flats Park features a distinctive landscape of rare plant communities and shifting sand dune formations. The ecosystem is considered unique in British Columbia. It includes the Juniperus-Stereocaulon plant community, which is found nowhere else in British Columbia. Moose, deer, coyotes and martens also live in the park.

The trails offer different ways to experience the landscape: short walks are suited to observing special plant species, while longer hikes pass through a variety of sand dune landscapes. Stay on existing trails to avoid trampling sensitive mosses and lichens. Hiking and cross-country skiing are permitted only on existing trails.

Cross-country skiing is possible in Jackman Flats Park in winter, and the Valemount Cross-Country Ski Club grooms the trails. The hiking map in the park brochure can help you find your way while cross-country skiing. Trails and conditions may change, so it is worth checking the latest park notices before your visit.

Waterfalls and Winter Trails

In the area around the destination, a trail in Rearguard Falls Park leads to a viewpoint. There, you can watch the end of the Chinook salmon's long migration—the Chinook is the largest Pacific salmon. The park also offers fishing opportunities; in winter, you can snowshoe along the trail to the falls.

Drinking water is not available in Rearguard Falls Park. Bring your own, as facilities may vary by season. If you are comparing these nature experiences with other activities, the trails by the waterfall are quite different from the walks and hikes through the dune landscape of Jackman Flats Park.

Paddling and Other Activities in the Area

Tête Jaune Cache is a starting point for kayaking on the Fraser River. Experienced kayakers can also launch on the McLennan River near Crooked Creek Road and paddle to Old Tete Jaune Road. Check local river conditions before heading out.

In the Tête Jaune Cache area, small businesses offer guided fly-fishing trips, whitewater rafting and snowcat skiing. The “Geocache Edition Historic Hikes” booklet includes more than ten self-guided hikes to historic sites in Valemount, Albreda, Tête Jaune Cache and Red Pass, as well as GPS coordinates. If you would like to use the booklet, check in advance whether it is available.

Culture in the Wider Fraser-Fort George Destination

Cultural attractions in the wider Fraser-Fort George destination can also complement your trip planning. The Exploration Place is located in Lheidli T'enneh Memorial Park and is the largest museum and science centre in northern British Columbia. Visitors can explore galleries, see travelling exhibitions and take part in programs.

A specific travel plan can help you choose a holiday rental: Would you mainly like to explore the railway history of Tête Jaune and Tête Jaune Cache, hike existing trails through plant and dune landscapes, or plan activities on the river? Compare the places mentioned with your plans, and check the latest notices before visiting parks or rivers.

Discover more destinations: Mcbride, Shere, Prince George, Hixon, Crescent Spur, Mount Robson, Fraser-Fort George H, Valemount

View the wider travel guide: Fraser-Fort George.