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 1860’s 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 grow 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 is a cross-country skier’s
paradise, miles of multi-purpose trails criss-cross the
landscape for ATV,
snowmobilers, bikers and horseback riders!
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 boats excellent conditions
for cross country skiing. Miles of well-marked scenic trails
traverse the central plateau and are ideal 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.
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.
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
