History
When a French Canadian fur trader dropped his axe into a remote Cariboo
Lake while ice fishing, he most likely never would have suspected that
he was making history. The name Lac La Hache translated into English means” Lake
of the Axe”, and has remained the name to represent this beautiful
lakeshore destination.
This area is rich in tales of fur traders, gold seekers and cattle
ranchers. By the 1860's, gold fever was running high, as miners searched
for the jackpot first near Likely, and later at Barkerville. With teams
of horses, mules and oxen, the fortune-seekers plodded north along the
Cariboo Wagon Road skirting the eastern shores of the lake.
Both the Shuswap and Chilcotin First Nations habitated the area.
Long before the lure of wealth brought the fur traders west, the Shuswap
Indians established pit houses near the present day village of Lac La Hache.
The Chilcotins named the lake Kumatakwa, meaning Chief or Queen of the
waters.
The small, friendly community of Lac La Hache describes itself as
the “Longest Town in the Cariboo”. Highway 97 skirts the entire
18-kilometre shoreline of this beautiful lake in its rolling Fraser Plateau
setting, which has many fishing lodges, guest ranches and vacation homes
sprinkled along its perimeter.
The lake is well known for its kokanee fishing as well as its trophy
size lake trout. During the summer months, the Lac La Hache area attracts
anglers, boats, swimmers, and water skiers. Many resorts, offering camping
and cabins are located on the lakeshore, as well as a British Columbia
Provincial Campground.
Location
Lac La Hache, located in the Cariboo region of British Columbia is
situated about 20 km (12 mi) north of 100 Mile House on Hwy 97, 141 km
(88 mi) north of Cache Creek, 56 km (35 mi) south of 150 Mile House, and
71 km (44 mi) south of Williams Lake.
Places to See
- Felker Homestead Heritage Site
The historic Felker Homestead situated along both sides of Highway
97, was an important site in the days of the Cariboo Gold Rush. The two
storey house was the center of the 118 Mile Homestead and was built around
1884 by Dick Felker. The Felker Homestead became an integral link in the
series of roadhouses that lined the corridor of the Cariboo Road, providing
services to those on their way to the goldfields and supplying produce
and other necessities to Barkerville. The Felkers were one of the early
pioneer families to settle in Lac La Hache and one of the most influential.
The Lac La Hache Historical Society is currently accepting donations to
assist in the restoration of the Felker Homestead. The site provides a
source of history of the foundations of the community, and serves to promote
interest and pride in the community and its origins.
- Lac la Hache Museum
Outfit yourself in the latest riding gear in a western specialty
store, or browse through the interesting exhibits and artifacts from the
past at the Lac la Hache Museum, an old fashioned log house from the 1930s.
- Lac La Hache Provincial Park
Lac La Hache Provincial Park is located in the Cariboo region of
British Columbia, 30 km (19 mi) northwest of 100 Mile House off Cariboo
Highway 97. This park is great for picnics, swimming and boating. Within
the park there is also a boat launch available for public use and an adventure
playground for children. The small community of Lac La Hache is located
at the south end of the lake. The provincial park also has 83 campsites
set in relatively open Douglas fir and aspen woodlands. The park is open
from May to September 30 and fees are collected during this time.
- Cariboo Nature Park
The Cariboo Nature Park is a small park just 3 km (1.8 mi) north
of Lac La Hache. This undeveloped natural area protects waterfowl nesting
at Woodfrog Lake, a section of the San Jose River, and is a good spot for
bird watching and walking. A variety of waterfowl congregate within the
park and nest boxes, floating nest islands and interpretive signs have
been placed for the purpose of education and preservation.
Things to Do
- Mt. Timothy Ski Area
If you are looking for small crowds and diverse terrain,
Mount Timothy Ski Area is just 24 km (15 mi) east of Lac
La Hache. Boasting terrific
powder skiing, 32 runs and 2 terrain parks, Mount Timothy
is a welcoming, fun-filled ski area that attracts avid skiers
and snowboarders alike. The
ski runs range from easy cruising to the challenge of black
diamond trails. Mount Timothy is a society-run ski area and
is proud of the many improvements;
especially the new three seating chairlift that recently
began operating.
- Golfing
Golfers can head south to 108 Mile Ranch for a game of golf.
Rolling hills create a stunning backdrop for the championship
108 Golf Resort.
The 18-hole, par 71 course overlooks two lakes on 108
Mile Ranch.
- Fishing
One of the prettiest lakes in the Cariboo, Lac La Hache Lake
is especially famous for its kokanee and trophy sized lake trout
fishing.
Kokanee fish caught here can weigh anywhere between 1 to 1.5 pounds
and trout can be
found up to 30 pounds. Ice fishing is popular
in winter, but hang on to your axe! If fly-fishing is your passion,
head to Timothy Lake,
a little
distance east of Lac La Hache, which is stocked
annually to maintain good fishing right through the warmer months.
There are three resorts
on Timothy
Lake offering accommodation, fishing licenses,
and rental of boats and fishing gear.
- Water Recreation
Lac La Hache is one of the most popular recreation lakes along
Highway 97. This region is well liked for its beautiful lake
shore and water recreation; swimming, power boating, parasailing,
water and
jet skiing. Holiday resorts,
hotels and motels, guest ranches and a
large provincial campground surround the lake.
- Dog Sledding
Experience the romance and thrill of Dog Sledding through Cariboo
Country, where the heavy and
reliable snowfalls provide excellent backcountry trails. Local
companies will take you
on a short
tour,
or set you up to
train your own team of enthusiastic
and friendly huskies.
Events
- Outhouse Races
Don't miss the World's Largest Outhouse Races, held in Lac La Hache
during the second week of
February. The three-day winter carnival includes snow golf, dog sledding, and
ice fishing
for kokanee.
- Mt Timothy Events
Mt Timothy throughout the season hosts various event. T-games, radar
races and
slalom races, just to name a few. Contact www.skitimothy.com for more
details.
- 3-D 25 Target Archery Shoot
Held every July at Timothy Lake. Contact the South Cariboo
Visitor Centre for more
details.
- Lac la Hache Wild Game Dinner and Banquet
Hosted in November. Contact the South Cariboo Visitor Centre
for more
details.
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
