History
In approximately 1839 the Hudson’s Bay Company created
a trading post in the northwestern corner of BC, which became
known as Dease Lake. The small community emerged and was originally
an important transportation route, on route to the Yukon, for
trappers and prospectors. Gold was discovered in the nearby Stikine
River during the 1860’s, which led to the influx of fortune
seekers to Dease Creek in the early 1870’s. Today this
small town is home to over 650 residents and being the largest
community in the northwest it serves as a supply hub and government
centre for northern BC. The town is a popular place for travelers
to stop and offers a range of amenities, including a store, post
office, gas station, restaurants, hotels and RV parks. Dease
Lake is also the gateway to the breathtaking landscapes and scenery
of northern BC. This area of vast wilderness is a paradise for
outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Location
Dease Lake is located 65 km (40 mi) north of Iskut on highway
37; this is known as the Stewart-Cassiar Highway. This is also
at the junction with the road to Telegraph Creek.
Places to See
- Spatsizi Plateau Provincial Park
This vast park is the second largest in the province and is
extremely popular amongst hikers, paddlers and wilderness campers.
To access the park, turn east off Highway 37 onto the Ealue Lake
Road at Tatogga Lake, follow the road for 22 km, crossing over
the Klappan River. Continue down the gravel road for 112km, the
road is rough but accessible for most vehicles. From here the
only way to continue into the park is on foot, horseback or canoe.
While walk-in camping is permitted the park provides limited
facilities so visitors must come prepared. At Cold Fish Lake,
in the park, there are 6 cabins for use, which are on a first
come basis. Spatsizi Plateau Provincial Park has over 160 km
(99 mi) of trails for hikers to explore and boasts a wide variety
of wildlife including moose, grizzly and black bears, beavers
and more than 140 species of birds.
- Mount Edizia Provincial Park
Mount Edizia Provincial Park is incredibly remote and inaccessible.
This magnificent park has vast volcanic landscapes and an elevation
of over 2,790 meters. The scenery is stunning and awe inspiring
for those who make the adventurous journey into the park. The
park has no vehicle access and is typically accessed by horseback,
floatplane or helicopter. Anyone wishing to enter the park by
these means must obtain a letter of authority from the district
office in Smithers. There are overland hikes into the park, however
unless you are an experienced backcountry hiker, most people
will go accompanied with an experienced guide. Wilderness camping
is allowed although no facilities are provided, those who camp
must be prepared to be self sufficient.
- Stikine River Provincial Park
The Stikine River was historically home to the Tahltan First
Nations People whose livelihood was centred on the rich ecosystem
of the river. This narrow park hugs the Stikine River and has
over 80 km (50 mi) of steep-walled canyon, which has formed after
years of river erosion. While kayaking and canoeing are popular
activities on the upper Stikine River, it is not permitted in
the Grand Canyon of the Stikine, this area is extremely dangerous.
Fishing and wildlife viewing are also popular; visitors can often
see wolves, bears, hoary marmots and mountain goats.
- Telegraph Creek
Telegraph Creek is situated
west of Dease Lake and has a population of approximately 450
people. This community was originally home
to the Tahlan and Tlingt First Nations People. Take a stroll
down the historic Main Street that was once a crucial transfer
centre during the gold rush and feel like you’ve stepped
back in time!
Things To Do
- Canoeing and Kayaking
The Dease Lake area has an abundance of lakes and rivers which
paddling enthusiasts flock to. Many enjoy paddling down the Stikine
River along the border with Alaska. Paddlers embark on this journey
in Telegraph Creek and continue down the Stikine River to Wrangell,
Alaska. The US requires that all persons crossing the border
to go into Wrangell to clear customs. Spatsizi Plateau Provincial
Park also boasts a number of lakes that are excellent for both
canoeing and kayaking.
- White Water Rafting
The Dease River is popular for white water rafting; it has 265km
of waterway as well as class 1, class 2 and some class 3 rapids,
plan on taking about 7 days to finish the one-way paddle.
- Camping
Most of the camping in northern BC is wilderness and people
must be prepared to be self-sufficient. The Allen Lake Forest
Service Recreation Site is located next to Dease Lake, at the
southern end of the lake; this is a medium sized site. For those
seeking solitary and remoteness the Dease Lake region has an
extensive range of remote parks, which are ideal for wilderness
camping.
- Fishing and Hunting
Dease Lake and nearby Boya Lake are home to a variety of fish,
including burbot and white fish. Anglers can enjoy a relaxing
afternoon of grayling fishing while taking in the fantastic scenery.
Hunting is also popular and Dease Lake has several hunting guides
who are headquartered in the town.
- Wildlife Viewing
Dease Lake and the surrounding area are known for their abundance
of magnificent wildlife. Visitors have the opportunity to view
many animals in their natural habitats, such as grizzly and black
bears, moose, caribou, wolves, beavers and over 140 species of
birds. This is a must see for wildlife enthusiasts!
Events
- Stikine Valley Gospel Music Festival
Every June the Stikine Canyon Ranch hosts this three day event
which includes music and local cooking. For more information
please contact Willie or Grace Williams 250-771-4301.
Contact Information
Northern BC Tourism Association
PO Box 2373
Prince George, BC
Canada
V2N 2S6
Physical Location:
1274 5th Avenue
Prince George, BC
Toll Free: 800.663.8843
Phone: 250.561.0432
Fax: 250.561.0450
Email: info@nbctourism.com
