Fisherville

Just a short distance from Fort Steele Heritage Town is the route of the last miles of the Dewdney Trail, the first all-Canadian route across southern British Columbia, completed in 1865. At its end is the site of Fisherville, one of the first towns in the East Kootenay. Fisherville was named after Jack Fisher, a leader of one of the first groups of miners in the area. By 1865, there were up to 5,000 miners at Wild Horse Creek and Fisherville was booming. When it was discovered that the gravel bench which the town was built on was rich in gold, the buildings were demolished by the miners in a wild quest for the gold. The town was moved further up the hill.

Historical Time Period for Site

1864-1865

Driving Directions from Nearest Town or Landmark

From Fort Steele Heritage Town on Highway 93/95, turn east onto Wardner-Fort Steele Road, then north onto Wildhorse Creek Mining Road. The Wildhorse Creek Mining Road starts on the left-hand side just as the Wardner-Fort Steele Road begins its decent toward Wildhorse Creek. There are a few suggested parking areas and suggested hiking routes.