History
Wanting a connection between coastal and interior communities, the
Chilcotin citizens themselves decided to build a highway to civilization.
After a lot of doubt by others, great effort and personal risk, the
locals completed what is now the "Freedom Highway" (Highway
20). It is this spirit that opened this rugged landscape, and it
is in this spirit that you must take your journey into the Chilcotin.
Anahim Lake, one of the scenic communities off Hwy 20, was named
after a Chilcotin chief. There have been mentions of a "Lake
Anawhim" by travellers in the mid 1800s. Home of the "Old
Fashioned Wild West Rodeo" each July, Anahim Lake and the
surrounding area offer interesting sights and activities for the
visitor. It is also the last community before entering Tweedsmuir
Provincial Park; an outdoor person's "heaven".
Nearby, Anahim Mountain offers a bit of history plus a spectacular
view of a pillared cone of volcanic rock; this is another site
for obsidian, the important trading commodity for the Chilcotins
as it was used extensively for weapon making.
Location
Anahim Lake, situated in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region, is
located 320 km (198.84 mi) west of Williams Lake on Hwy 20; just
15 minutes passed Nimpo Lake. Highway 20 is 457 km (283.97 mi)
long where 400 km (248.55 mi) is paved and the remaining 57 km
(35.42 mi) is well maintained gravel.
Places to See
- Anahim Village
Take a walk through the quaint community of Anahim Lake. Here you
will find all the necessities of daily life: three general stores,
a bakery, post office, pub, motel, two gas stations and a chapel.
- Tweedsmuir Park
This park is one of the largest in British Columbia. The park boundaries
start just a few miles west of Anahim and Nimpo lakes. This park
is an excellent destination for world-renowned fly-fishing, includes
the spectacular Rainbow Mountain trails for extensive hiking and
is an optimal place for wildlife viewing. The park is a home to
several species of wildlife such as grizzly bears, black bears,
deer, moose, mountain goats, wolves and cariboo.
-
Eagle’s Nest Marsh Trail
Located on the southwest side of Anahim Lake, Eagle's Nest
Marsh Trail is a great trail for bird watching.
- “Culla Culla” First Nations Houses
First Nations history is also richly imbued in this region.
See the remains of large wooden "Culla Culla" houses
at Ulkatcho (on Gatcho Lake) and at Natsadalia
Point (on Anahim Lake). One
is also able to observe the remains of traditional
First Nations pit houses.
Things to Do
- Fishing
Anahim Lake is a fisherman’s paradise for fresh water fishing
and catching native rainbow trout. Additionally, the Dean River
is world famous for its fly-fishing. Fish can range in size from
1-½ lbs to 4 lbs. Many of the local resorts and lodges offer
fabulous fishing on remote lakes accessible only by floatplane.
- Hiking / Horseback riding
Memorable hiking and horseback riding trips venture to
the Itcha Mountains, the Ilgachuz Mountains, and the dramatic Rainbow
Mountains
of Tweedmuir Provincial Park. The park is home to alpine meadows,
dramatic waterfalls, glacial-capped peaks and superb wildlife.
Well-equipped, experienced backcountry hikers can journey the high
alpine Rainbow Range Trail or see where Hunlen Falls plunges 253
m (830 ft) into the Atnarko River.
- Hunting
Big game and waterfowl hunting is a popular activity in this area.
- Alpine Skiing / Snowmobiling
In winter you can go pretty much anywhere with cross-country skis,
snowshoes, or a snowmobile. The Rainbow Mountains in Tweedsmuir
Park offer groomed trails for both cross-country skiers and snowmobilers.
Conditions in the Rainbow Mountains are often excellent for snowboarding
as well. There is a large parking lot for off loading your snowmobiles
and a cabin along the trail for warming up part way into the mountains.
Events
- Anahim Lake Stampede
The annual Anahim Lake
Stampede is an amateur rodeo where spectators get a close-up
view of the rough and tumble performers and their
skilled four-legged friends. Watch as they buck broncos every
2nd weekend in July. The rodeo lasts for several days and is
kicked
off by a morning parade and community dances in the evening.
- Dean River Canoe Race
Each May the Annual Dean River Canoe Races start at
the mouth of the Dean River at Nimpo Lake and end at Anahim Lake.
The route
is hazardous and few of the racers make it to the other end unscathed.
Anyone can participate and once complete there is a dinner and
dance at the Anahim Lake Community Hall to celebrate the racers.
- Annual Water Skipping Event
Also happening in May, this event involves snowmobiles
traversing the Dean River from start to finish line without
taking a swim.
The fastest wins! Of course the biggest challenge is not just making
it to the finish line, but doing it without dunking you and your
machine in the water! It's great fun and good for a lot of laughs.
Contact Information
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association
118A North 1st Avenue, Williams Lake
British Columbia, Canada V2G 1Y8
Toll Free Info line: 1-800-663-5885 (North America)
Telephone: 1-250-392-2226 Fax: 1-250-392-2838
E-Mail: info@landwithoutlimits.com
Web: www.landwithoutlimits.com
