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History
Canim Lake is the traditional territory of the Secwepemc (Shuswap)
First Nations Band. The Native people of Canim Lake and their
ancestors are a part of what is known as the Lake Division
of the Shuswap Tribe within the Interior Salish Nations in
B.C. Canim Lake region is made up of six parcels of designated
reserve land totaling 2,029.6 hectares that were originally
set aside for the band by the Reilly Commission in 1887.
Archaeological evidence of ancient habitation in the Soda Creek
region of the Cariboo during the summer of 1995 was carbon
dated at approximately 4,300 years old.
The name Canim appropriately means canoe in the Chinook language.
Location
Canim Lake is located on Canim Lake Road, approximately 35
km (21.75 mi) northeast of 100 Mile House in the Cariboo Region.
From 100 Mile House, proceed north on Highway 97. Approximately
3 km (1.86 mi) north of 100 Mile House is the turnoff that
heads east via Forest Grove to the community of Canim Lake.
Places to See
- Canim Lake
The 37 km (23 mi) long Canim Lake is one of the larger lakes
in the Cariboo, surrounded by expansive meadows, mountains,
rolling hills, and forests of pine, spruce and Douglas-fir
trees. Numerous resorts dot the shoreline of the magnificent
Canim Lake, which has a distinctive lushness to it due in
part to its lower elevation. Many summer and winter activities
can be enjoyed on the lake.
- Canim Falls
Located at the east end of Canim Lake in Wells Gray Provincial
Park, Canim Falls can be reached by following the trail
that starts from the logging road that parallels the south side
of Canim Lake. Deception Falls and Mahood Falls are other
magnificent waterfalls to see in the area.
- Wells Gray Provincial Park
This provincial
park is one of British Columbia's largest and most spectacular
parks. There are five major lakes here,
as well as two large river systems, numerous small lakes, streams,
and waterways, and a multitude of waterfalls, rapids, and cataracts.
Although boating and paddling are major attractions for campers,
the area has something for everyone. In winter, there are just
as many opportunities for recreation as in summer, with the
advantage of no bugs! This park is as ideal as any other in
the province, with a climate and terrain varied enough to suit
the most demanding backpacker or mountaineer.
Things to Do
- Cross-country skiing
Backcountry enthusiasts love the landscape when Canim Lake
freezes over. Snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and Dog-sledding
are all other adventurous ways one can experience the beauty
of the Canim Lake trails.
- Fishing
Canim Lake is serious angling country in summer, offering
some of the finest freshwater fly-fishing in British Columbia.
Canim Lake is the angling centre of a region famed for the size of
its char, or laker, as the fish are referred to locally.
Anglers look for kokanee, rainbow, lake trout up to 25 pounds, or ling
cod. Ice Fishing season on Canim Lake runs from mid
December
to mid March, offering Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout,
Kokanee and Burbot (freshwater Ling Cod).
- Hiking
Through out the area and nearby provincial parks there
are an endless amount of trails for hiking and mountain
biking.
The hundreds of kilometres of logging roads lead
far into the wilderness providing good access to the
backcountry and provide
great opportunities for some exciting wildlife
viewing. Wildlife is abundant in the Canim Lake area,
including black bears,
moose, mule deer, wolves, coyotes, cougars, beavers,
otters, waterfowl, hawks, bald eagles and song birds.
- Horseback Riding
The surrounding mountains and ranch country offers excellent
terrain for horseback riding. If you want a horse adventure,
this is the way to go. Local lodges offer rides for beginner
and experienced riders, as well as overnight packaged trips
that offer camping under the stars after a day in the saddle.
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Canoeing & Kayaking
Canim Lake offers beautiful scenery for one to enjoy while
participating in various water activities. Canoeing and
kayaking on the lake are popular ways to spend a day on
the waters.
Due to the significant size of the lake, it is advised
to remain close to the shoreline in case the wind picks
up. Large waves
can develop quite suddenly and present risky paddling conditions.
Furthermore, other water recreational activities are offered
such as boating, jet skiing and great beaches.
Events
- Cariboo Marathon
The Cariboo Marathon is a popular event in the area, attracting
an international field of skiers, annually, during the first
weekend in February. The Cariboo Marathon is a 50 kilometer
classic technique beginning with a mass start for all distances
and categories at Keene Road (6 km south of 100 Mile House
on Highway 97). The Marathon finish is at the 100 Mile Nordics
99 Mile Ski Trail Stadium. The event features a 50km full marathon,
a 30km mini marathon, a 20km and a 10km recreational category,
a 20 km for Juniors and a 10km for Jackrabbits. Held in late
January or early February.
- Annual Snowmobile Drag Races
Held in February the annual
Snowmobile Drag Races is always an exciting event in this
area. Trophy, cash, tether
cord and helmets are required to participate. Located on 99
Mile Snowmobile Track, just south of 100 Mile House. Contact
1-250-395-1136 for more information.
Contact Information
South Cariboo Information Centre
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
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