Exceptional Kayaking

Michael Bednar, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism

Best Parks and Lakes in BC

The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast really is a land without limits, and it’s the perfect excuse to explore BC’s quieter corners. Pack up your camping gear, lace up your hiking boots, charge your camera, load your favourite water passion gear and start planning your next escape.

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Destinations

If you’re dreaming about finding your own little slice of BC paradise, the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast makes it surprisingly easy. This region has over 55 provincial parks, way fewer crowds than the Lower Mainland, Okanagan, or the Rockies, and endless room to breathe. It stretches from the Central Coast to the Cariboo Mountains and down to the Fraser Canyon—so whether you’re into forests, fjords, mountains, or wide‑open plateaus, you’ll find your perfect backdrop here. And if you love fishing, hiking, camping, wildlife watching, or photography, you’re basically spoiled for choice.

We’ve also added a list of our favourite lakes and organized them by passion. We say “passion” because it’s a sexy word for the activities that turn you on. The things that make the destination worth the journey.

We’ll start with the four of the most untouched, underrated parks worth adding to your adventure list:

Chasm Provincial Park

Right off the Gold Rush Trail near Clinton, this park is a geologist’s dream. Think massive, colourful canyon walls carved over millions of years, revealing layers of ancient lava flows in reds, yellows, purples, and browns. The viewpoints are incredible, and the surrounding ponderosa pine forests and lakes make it a great spot for hiking and photography. And if you need a treat afterward, The Sugar Shack in 70 Mile House is famous for its maple syrup and poutine.

Bridge Lake Provincial Park

Smaller but perfect for lake lovers, Bridge Lake is tucked into the Land of Hidden Waters east of 100 Mile House. It’s a great fishing spot—rainbow trout, kokanee, and burbot all live here—plus it’s ideal for canoeing, swimming, and boating. The trails around the lake are quiet and great for hiking, cycling, or even horseback riding. Wildlife sightings are common, and there’s a small first‑come‑first‑served campground if you want a peaceful overnight escape.

Marble Range Provincial Park

If you like rugged, off‑the‑beaten‑path adventures, this one’s for you. The Marble Range is full of limestone formations, caves, sinkholes, cliffs, and ridges that make for some of the most unique hiking in the region. Trails can be rough and sometimes hard to follow, so a map or GPS is a must. Keep an eye out for California bighorn sheep and mule deer, who love the rare plants that grow in the calcium‑rich soil. It’s remote, wild, and absolutely worth the effort.

Tweedsmuir Provincial Park

One of BC’s largest and most dramatic parks, Tweedsmuir sits in the Great Bear Rainforest and feels like a world of its own. It’s remote—meaning far fewer visitors—and packed with jaw‑dropping scenery, from volcanic shield ranges to waterfalls like the iconic Hunlen Falls. It’s also prime grizzly bear country. Whether you’re into hiking, cycling, horseback riding, or paddling, there’s no shortage of adventure here. The Turner Lake Canoe Circuit is a bucket‑list trip for experienced paddlers.

British Columbia has more than 20,000 lakes, so picking the perfect one for your next trip—whether you’re into fishing, paddling, swimming, or just relaxing—can feel a little overwhelming. Luckily, the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast makes things easy with a huge variety of scenic lakes that are basically made for adventure.

If Paddleboarding is Your Passion

The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast has everything from quiet little lakes to long stretches perfect for day‑long exploring. Some favourites include:

  • Horsefly Lake – 100 km of shoreline and a great launch spot in the Provincial Park
  • Loon Lake – 14 km long and ideal for a full day on the water
  • Crooked Lake – easy access and crystal‑clear water
  • Canim Lake – 37 km long with plenty of places to stay (and rentals if you need them)
  • Tyaughton Lake – calm mornings, wildlife sightings, and gorgeous shoreline paddling

True to Your Canoe

For a true wilderness canoe trip, the Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit is legendary. It’s a 10‑lake, 116 km loop that takes 7–10 days, though there’s also a shorter 3–4 day option. Just make sure to book ahead.

Other great canoeing spots include:

  • Quesnel Lake – the world’s deepest fjord lake, with beaches, waterfalls, and wildlife (watch the winds)
  • Turner Lake Chain – short portages, beautiful scenery, and a 3–5 day route for intermediate to advanced paddlers
  • Bridge Lake – calm shoreline with bays and inlets to explore
  • Dragon Lake – popular with the local dragon boating community

Exceptionally Suited to Kayaks

Many canoeing lakes are great for kayaking too, but a few spots are especially suited to kayaks:

  • Chilko Lake – stunning but windy, so kayaking is recommended over canoeing
  • Tatlayoko Lake – another windy, challenging lake perfect for experienced kayakers
  • Horsefly Lake – tons of shoreline and a fun paddle to Hansen Island
  • Nimpo & Anahim Lakes – great for wildlife viewing, including eagles and pelicans
  • Bouchie Lake – easy access and close to Quesnel

Dream Fishing Hot Spots

If fishing is your thing, head straight for the Land of Hidden Waters along Fishing Highway 24. In less than 100 km, you’ll find hundreds of freshwater spots to cast a line. You can book a guided trip, stay at a fishing resort, or wander off to quieter lakes that most people never get to try Current page. Expect lake trout, kokanee, rainbow trout, brook trout, and burbot in these waters.

Some standout lakes include:

  • Horse Lake – deep-water lake trout over 30 lbs and kokanee up to 3 lbs
  • Sheridan Lake – famous for trophy rainbow trout up to 20 lbs
  • Deka & Bridge Lake – kokanee up to 5 lbs and lake trout up to 30 lbs
  • Hathaway Lake – rainbow trout and stocked kokanee
  • Fawn Lake – peaceful, electric‑motor‑only, with rainbows over 5 lbs

Another great fishing region is along Chilcotin Highway 20 and into the Bella Coola Valley, where you’ll find kokanee, rainbow trout, bull trout, and even sockeye salmon depending on the lake .

Swoon for Swimming

If you’re looking for a refreshing swim, check out:

  • Seton Lake – picnic areas, emerald‑green water, and a viewpoint with cultural history
  • Gun Lake – beautiful mountain backdrop and perfect swimming conditions
  • Tyaughton Lake – another great spot for cooling off on hot days
  • Ten Mile Lake – sandy beaches, swim areas, and a forested trail near Quesnel
  • Green Lake – warm, shallow waters and 57 km of shoreline to explore
  • Grey Jay Lake – a bit more remote, but worth it for the views and the swim

The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast really is a land without limits, and it’s the perfect excuse to explore BC’s quieter corners. Dust off your camping gear, lace up your hiking boots, and start planning your next weekend escape—you’ll be glad you did.

For travel planning help check out their free travel planning guide here:

https://landwithoutlimits.com/plan/travel-guide/