A 65-km drive southeast of 100 Mile House puts travellers at one of the province’s most scenic rest stops that overlooks beautiful Lac des Roches, the most photographed lake in British Columbia.
Located on the edge of the Interior Plateau, this is the only lake in the Cariboo that drains east to the North Thompson River.
It is this waterway path that provided a natural trail for the aboriginal people, fur traders and pioneers to access the Cariboo from the east.
Evidence of the original Hudson’s Bay Fur Brigade Trail can still be found along Highway 24 and the 15 km lakeshore.
Lac des Roches is known for its mayfly hatch and it attracts fishers from all over North America in late spring.
Development of old pioneer grazing land into recreational properties has transformed this high-altitude, around 3,700 feet, lake area into a popular recreation haven for year-round activities, including bird watching, boating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, and snowmobiling.
Lac des Roches has two large resorts.
Birch Lake, the adjoining lake, offers a rustic fishing camp and nearby Phinetta Lake houses two forestry campsites and a rustic resort.
For more information on events in this area, pick up a copy of the 100 Mile House Free Press or go to the Free Press website at www.100milefreepress.net.