Burns Lake
The Heart of the Lakes District is Burns Lake, a vibrant and modern community on the Yellowhead Highway that has retained its pioneer spirit and small town charm.
Burns Lake was originally named Burnt Lake by the Boreland Expedition around 1866, during construction of the Collins Telegraph Line, after a tremendous forest fire swept the area, blackening the trees and charring the countryside.
Settlement of Burns Lake began around 1911, with the arrival of construction crews to begin work on the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, now part of the Canadian National Railways. The original 'tent town' began to grow as more settlers arrived, with incorporation as the Village of Burns Lake in 1923.
After a decline in the prosperous timber industry during the depression years, the demand for forest products rose during and following the Second World War, and by 1948, there were nearly 90 small sawmills operating in the Burns Lake area.
Today, Burns Lake is the main service centre for the entire Lakes District. Forestry is the town's main industry, followed by ranching and tourism, with the community actively ensuring the sustainable and balanced use of its forests for future generations.
Francois Lake
Francois Lake is situated in the geographical center of BC and is the second longest natural Lake in the province. The lake is 110 kms long and is located 30 kms south of Burns Lake and 10 kms west of Fraser Lake. The altitude is approximately 715m (2346ft). The lake is cold and deep with some reports reaching up to 1000ft. There is excellent fishing for rainbow trout and Char as well as several campsites and B&Bs spread out along its shores.
Francois Lake has a toll free ferry service that runs every 15 -20 minutes south of Burns Lake from the north to the south side of the lake.
Uncha Lake
Uncha Lake contains Lake Char to 20+ lbs., and Rainbow trout to 2-1/2 lbs. Flies or small lures and spinning gear work well for the bows, while trolling deep with spoons and plugs is the method that will likely catch the large Lake Char. Uncha Lake is considered a consistent producer throughout the open water season.
Specifications:
Latitude: 53°55’00”
Longitude: 125°37’00”
Elevation: 2578ft. (786m)
Size: 3131.7 acres (1269.1 ha.)
Mean Depth: 55.8 ft (17m)
Max. Depth: 121 ft (36.9m)
Mountain Red Hills Provincial Park
Uncha Mountain Red Hills Park consists of two parcels of land on each of the south and north shores of Francois Lake. North-facing Uncha Mountain is predominantly coniferous forest, while south-facing Red Hills is covered with a mosaic of meadows, deciduous and coniferous forest. The Park provides backcountry recreation opportunities, and protects a wide range of cultural values, rare plant communities and wildlife habitat.
Park Size: 9,421 hectares
Uncha Mountain Red Hills Park is located on Francois Lake, approximately 30 km south of Burns Lake. The Red Hills portion of the park is reached by road from Burns Lake via Highway 35 to the community of Francois Lake, then east along Francois Lake East Road. Uncha Mountain is reach by taking the public ferry at the community of Francois Lake south across the lake, then following Uncha Lake Road east to Uncha Mountain Forest Service Road.
Tweedsmuir Provincial Park
Tweedsmuir Provincial Park is the largest park in BC at over 981,000 hectares. The park appeals primarily to outdoor recreationists interested in boating, angling, camping, hiking or hunting in one of North America's most magnificent wilderness areas. Outdoor recreation opportunities are almost unlimited. The park is bounded on the north and southwest by the Coast Mountains and on the east by the Nechako Plateau. The park is south of Highway #16, approximately 90 to 100 kilometres, between Burns Lake and Houston.
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