History
The body of water from which the community derives its name was officially "discovered"
by the Borland Expedition, whose members passed through the area while surveying a route
for the Overland Telegraph. Legend has it that shortly before the Borland Expedition
arrived, a tremendous forest fire swept through the area, blackening trees and generally
turning the countryside into a sooty mess. The charred landscape prompted members of the
expedition to dub the long, narrow body of water lying at the bottom of this unknown valley
as "Burnt Lake" - a name that over the years became "Burns Lake".
Perhaps reports of the forest fire deterred settlers from coming to Burns Lake, because it
wasn't settled until 1911, when construction crews arrived to begin work on the Grand Trunk
Pacific Railroad. Many of these men, upon seeing the area's potential, elected to remain
behind when railroad construction moved westward; others, lured by the promise of inexpensive
land, arrived by train to begin a new life.
Judging from early accounts, life in the Lakes District during those early years was (to say
the least) a challenge. There were few permanent residents of the area, and even fewer homes.
The train arrived three times a week, stopping only long enough to unload mail and what meager
supplies the settlers could afford. The area's train station was merely a wide spot on the
rail grade, with no permanent structure.
Into this scene swaggered red-haired Trygarn Pelham Lyster Mulvany. Commonly known as
"Barney", he arrived in the area with the contents of a construction camp he'd won in a poker
game. He pitched two tents in a conspicuous location along the rail line not far from the
lake; one became a cook tent, the other a 12-bed hotel. Twenty-four transients arrived for
dinner the day he opened for business.
Canvas-walled tents gave way to sturdy log cabins as more settlers arrived in the area. In
1923, Barney's old "tent town" was incorporated as the Village of Burns Lake, a small, but
vibrant community of 150 people- most of them men.
Burns Lake has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Although the community has
retained its pioneer spirit and small town charm, today it is a modern community and the
largest village in British Columbia. Forestry, farming, and tourism fuel the area's economy,
giving it the kind of stability other communities can only dream about, while its strategic
location in the middle of BC makes it an ideal service centre.
Burns Lake, heart of the scenic Lakes District, is a community with big dreams. Residents are
confident the region's wealth of natural resources - particularly its 3,000 miles of fishing -
hold the promise of future prosperity. After one visit to the area, you're sure to agree.
Location
Burns Lake is located within a 90 kilometre radius of the geographic centre of British
Columbia. It is approximately 500 kilometres from the BC-Alberta border, 500 kilometres
from Prince Rupert, 1,000 kilometres from the BC-Yukon border, and 1,000 kilometres from
the BC-Washington State border. Burns Lake and the Lakes District cover an area of
approximately 1,564,191 hectares in total, with 9% of this figure comprised of lakes and
2% consisting of the northern portion of Tweedsmuir Park.
Places to See
- Visitor Info Centre
Burns Lake's Visitor Info Centre and the Chamber of Commerce are located in the
same building. On site are knowledgeable counsellors, trained to assist visitors
and residents with inquiries about the community, region and province. During the
summer months, the art council puts on a local art show.
- Lakes District Museum
Located between Fifth and Sixth Avenues in Burns Lake, the Lakes District Museum is
one of Britsh Columbia's premier small-town museums. This two-storey structure
once housed the area's forest ranger, and now displays community treasured artifacts
dating back to the turn of the century. Open 9am-5pm weekly.
- The Old Hospital
Built in 1933 by the Women's Missionary Society of the United Church of Canada and
was operated by Canada's former Governor General, Lord Tweedsmuir. At one time was
the largest and finest public buliding between Prince George and Prince Rupert.
Declared a Heritage building in 1982 and has since been redeveloped into an office
building by its tenant and owner, the Burns Lake Native Development Corporation.
- The Old Police Building
Constructed in 1922, it was the district's police residence, courthouse, and jail until
the 1950s. It has been renovated and is now Burns Lake's newspaper office.
- The Bucket of Blood
"The Bucket of Blood" is a hand-hewn log cabin built for the town fownder, Barney Mulvany,
and served as a gambling den during the 1920s and 1930s. A shooting over a poker game led
to the building's macabre name. Of all the buildings that have been relocated to museum property,
this one is the oldest.
- St. John's Anglican Church
Located on First Avenue, the church was constructed in 1927 by a resident priest. With a
prominent hillside location overlooking downtown, St. John's and its companion, the Old
Rectory, are among the most photographed buildings on Hwy 16. Recently the Old Rectory has
been converted into a bed and breakfast building.
Things to Do
- Fishing!
With almost twenty lakes in the immediate vicinity, this diminutive freshwater fishing paradise
is the place for sport fishing for cutthroat and rainbow trout, char, kokanee, lingcod, and
salmon. Locals will give you the latest fishing tips and directions to take into the wilderness.
- Hiking
Burns Lake offers a variety of hiking trails which provide panoramic views, exercise, and fresh air.
Events
- Farmers' Market
Enjoy the taste of home with fresh baked treats as well as preservatives. Quilts, goodies, and crafts-
there's something for everyone! The fresh vegetables are always a hit throughout the season. The farmers'
market is open during the summer every Saturday from 9:00am to 4:00pm.
- Burn's Lake Bluegrass and Western Swing Music Festival
The Burns Lake Bluegrass and Western Swing Music Festival, held over the first weekend in July, attracts
hundreds of visitors to the Darter Ranch, 25 km south of Burns Lake at Francois Lake.
Notable Comments
- "I like Burns Lake!"
- Delores Clayburn, an enthusiastic seven-year old from Kamloops
Contact Information
Village of Burns Lake
15 Third Avenue
P.O. Box 570
Burns Lake, BC V0J 1E0
Phone: 250-692-7587
Fax: 250-692-3059
E-mail: village@burnslake.org
Website: http://www.burnslake.org
Burns Lake & District Chamber of Commerce
540 Highway 16
P.O. Box 339
Burns Lake, BC V0J 1E0
Phone: (250) 692-3773
E-mail: bldcoc@telus.net
Website: http://www.burnslakechamber.ca
