Visitor Guide - Burns Lake

Burns Lake is the “Heart of the Lakes District“. Nestled
in central northern British Columbia the village was
originally named ‘Burnt Lake’ by the Borland Expedition
that travelled over the Caribou-Cassiar Trail in 1869, due
to a tremendous forest fire that had blackened the region.
European settlement of the area
began around 1911, when a
camp for the Grand Trunk Pacific
Railway was located in the area.
The Village lies near the
geographic centre of B.C.
and is the ideal starting point
for a northern adventure. Burns
Lake is the consummate destination
in any season. The village’s
population is about 3,600, but
serves as a supply centre for
over 10,000 people in the
surrounding Regional District.
Located on Highway 16, the
village is about 220 kilometres
west of Prince George, and offers
amenities that are expected at a larger centre, such as
access to a hospital, schools, post secondary education,
as well as shopping, accommodation and restaurants.
It also offers an arena, curling club, tennis courts, soccer
fields and a public library. A Rod & Gun Club and a
nine-hole golf course are also located in the area.
On Burns Lake’s doorstep, there is access to 5,000 kilometres
of lakes and streams. Summer attractions include a
waterfront playground and park, fishing and copious
hiking trails. Unsurpassed wilderness fishing or hunting
experiences await you in Tweedsmuir Park, best enjoyed
with knowledgeable local guides. Burns Lake is the
‘Gateway to Tweedsmuir Provincial Park’, which at almost
one million hectares, is the largest provincial park in BC.
This remote wilderness park is accessible only by air or
water and has consequently retained its pristine,
unparalleled beauty.
Fishing resorts and campgrounds are tucked away along
the cool, sparkling shores of Babine, Tchesinkut, Takysie,
Nadina, Ootsa, Francois and Uncha Lakes. All offer excellent
opportunities to fish for rainbow trout, char, kokanee,
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