Bridge Lake

Nearby Communities 100 Mile House 70 Mile House Canim Lake Clearwater Lac La Hache Little Fort Lone Butte Sheridan Lake

History

The small community of Bridge Lake, located in the Interlakes district of the Southern Cariboo, was originally situated on the historic Fur Brigade Trail. The Fur Brigade Trail dates back to the early pioneer days of fur trading and was a combination of waterways and overland trails, used to connect trading posts. After the construction of the Cariboo Wagon Road during the 1860s the Fur Brigade Trail became redundant.

In 1956 Bridge Lake Provincial Park was established as a Class 'A' park and has been a favorite spot for fishers and outdoor enthusiasts for many decades. The beautiful Interlakes area is aptly named the "Fishing Highway", as anglers can access over a hundred lakes, making this one of the best fishing spots in British Columbia.

Location

Bridge Lake is located on Highway 24, midway between Lone Butte (Hwy 24) and Little Fort on Highway 5, approximately 6 hours northeast of Vancouver, 2 hours from Kamloops in the Okanagan Valley, and 56 km (35 mi) southeast of 100 Mile House on Cariboo Highway 97.

Places to See

• Sheridan Lake
  
  Nearby Sheridan Lake is famous for its crystal clear water and abundance of rainbow trout. Each year the lake, fed by underground springs, is stocked with over 350,000 trout, many growing to be in the 14 to 16 pound range. Fishing enthusiasts flock here in early May, after the ice has melted, to fish for both rainbow trout and burbot. Man-made spawning channels can be seen full of spawning fish around May. Call the visitor centre for details.
  
  
• Bonaparte Lake and Valley
  
  Located just south of Bridge Lake is the Bonaparte Lake and Plateau. This lake is the dominant lake and river system in the Southern Cariboo, offering excellent freshwater fishing. Spend an afternoon fishing here for some of the many rainbow and kokanee trout that are available in vast quantities.
  
  
• Bridge Lake Provincial Park
  
  Bridge Lake Provincial Park is extremely popular amongst avid anglers in search of rainbow and lake trout. The park offers both vehicle/tent sites as well as walk-in sites. The walking trail about the lake is scenic and an excellent way to get some afternoon exercise. During the summer months horseback riding is a common activity here, and during the winter, the plateau surrounding the lake features cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
  
  

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  Things to do
  
  

  • Fishing
    
    The Bridge lake area is known as one of the best places in British Columbia to catch fish. In this region, anglers primarily fish for rainbow trout; sometimes for kokanee, char, and brook trout. Various lakes are well known for trophy fishing with rainbow trout often ranging in weight, from 14 to 16 lbs. Interlakes resorts and shops can supply you with all of your fishing needs. During the winter ice fishing is also a popular sport and is practiced on many of the lakes in this area.
    
    
  • Horseback Riding
    
    Many of the trails surrounding Bridge Lake and the Interlakes area are excellent for horseback riding. Some of the secluded trails are easily accessible on horseback; anglers often pack their fly-rod on their saddle and embark on a quiet afternoon of fishing and riding.
    
    
  • Cross-Country Skiing
    
    Throughout the winter months, the Bridge Lake area boasts excellent conditions for cross country skiing. Once the nearby Canim Lake has frozen over, the landscape is transformed into a significant backcountry touring area. There are several lodges at Canim Lake which remain open year-round.
    
    
  • Snowmobiling
    
    The landscape surrounding Bridge Lake is a popular location for snowmobiling. The Interlakes District is committed to maintaining a network of trails designed for snowmobiling enthusiasts of all skill levels. The area is rich with fields, meadows, rolling hills, and mountains - all of which provide excellent snowmobiling conditions.
    
    

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  Events
  
  

  • Interlakes Lion Club Ice Fishing Derby
    
    This annual event, which takes place mid-February, is held at Sheridan Lake. The Ice Fishing Derby lasts for one day, from 7am to 3pm. Tickets cost $5 and are available to purchase on site. Sheridan Lake is situated on West Sheridan Lake Road off Hwy 24. Please contact Stan Mattews 1-250-593-2283 for more details.
    
    
  • Annual Interlakes BCRA Rodeo
    
    The Interlakes BCRA Rodeo is held in August each year. Come along and watch cowboys participate in a sanctioned rodeo followed by the Saturday night dance! This event takes place at the Interlakes/Roe Lake Community Grounds. For more information please contact Danny and Linda Lytton 1-250-593-4135.
    
    
  • Annual Bridge Lake Fall Fair
    
    The Bridge Lake Fall Fair occurs at the end of August. Bring the whole family and enjoy a fun day of animals, demonstrations, concessions, and door prizes. Entries are accepted all day and judged in the evening. The fair takes place at the Interlakes/Roe Lake Community Grounds. Please contact Joanne Levick 1-250-593-4570 for more information.
    
    

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  Contact Information
  
  South Cariboo Information Centre
  
  Box 340 422 Hwy 97
  100 mile House, BC V0K 2E0
  
  Telephone: 1-250-395-5353
  Fax: 1-250-395-4085
  Toll Free: 1-877-511-5353
  E-mail: info@southcaribootourism.com
  Website: http://www.southcaribootourism.com