Lac La Hache: Lake, Trails and History

Lac La Hache lies on the shore of a lake of the same name. The lake sets the tone for planning a trip: it is especially known for fishing for kokanee, rainbow trout, lake trout and burbot. There are also trails along the water, activities in the surrounding area, and stories dating back to the region’s early inhabitants. If you’re looking for a vacation rental in Lac La Hache, you can decide whether fishing, outdoor activities or local history will be the main focus of your trip.

The Lake and Trails by the Water

The Lac La Hache Community Trail is 620 m long. It starts at a covered shelter and leads to the lakeshore, where it continues along the water. The modest stated trail length gives you a clear point of reference if you’d like to include a lakeside walk in your time here. For children, a trail with a clear connection to the lake can be a fun way to discover the landscape together.

Lac La Hache Park also has a self-guided nature trail: the Wagon Road Trail is 2 km long. The park is on Highway 97, 13 km north of the community of Lac La Hache. If you’re interested in a longer route, you can factor this distance into your day’s plans. The historic Cariboo Wagon Road runs through the park, bringing the nature trail and a piece of regional history together.

A Park with Different Areas

Lac La Hache Park has a campground with flush toilets, running water and a sani-dump. The self-guided Wagon Road nature trail is also among the park’s offerings. In the day-use area, across Highway 97 on the shore of Lac La Hache, you’ll find an adventure playground, picnic tables, a picnic shelter, a boat launch and a developed beach. For families, this offers a different way to spend time outdoors than walking the nature trail: the day-use area brings together places to play, picnic and enjoy the lakeshore. The park is 13 km north of the community, however, an important distinction when choosing a base for your daily activities.

History and Gathering Places

The history of the area goes back further than the Cariboo Wagon Road. Members of the Shuswap First Nation built pit houses near the present-day village of Lac La Hache. The lake’s name also points to a cultural tradition: the Chilcotin called it Kumatakwa, meaning “Chief or Queen of the Waters.” These two references tell of different chapters in local history and are part of the picture of a destination shaped by more than its landscape.

The Cariboo Pioneer Centre has long been part of the community and serves as a gathering place for various events. The O.A.P.O. Pioneer Centre is located at 4822 Clarke Ave in Lac la Hache and offers a variety of activities and events throughout the year. If you’re looking for insights into community spaces as well as outings, you can keep these addresses in mind as you plan.

Get Active Outdoors

The Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail passes through 70 Mile House, 100 Mile House, Lac La Hache, Horsefly, Likely and Wells. Visitors can ride mountain bikes or snowmobiles there. If you’re planning an active trip, this offers a different way to explore the area than fishing or walking by the lake. Hikers can also head northeast from the Helena Lake area to Lac La Hache via the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail.

Mount Timothy Ski Resort is also accessible via a signed turnoff: at Lac La Hache, turn off Highway 97C onto Timothy Lake Road. North of the town centre, the South Cariboo Garlic Festival grounds are also located on Highway 97, a short drive from the centre. These different destinations can help you decide which interests to prioritize during your stay.

If you’d like to discover more destinations: Tatlayoko Lake, Redstone, 100 Mile House, Lone Butte, Riske Creek, Bridge Lake, Williams Lake and Forest Grove.

For the broader travel overview: Cariboo.