Things To Do

Anahim Lake has long been a must-fish location in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region. However, it's much more than an angler's town. With a dramatically varied landscape and abundant wildlife, Anahim Lake offers incredible trail and wilderness hiking, bird watching, lake and river canoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

Fishing and Canoeing

Anglers have many options for fishing in Anahim Lake: lake or river fishing, guided fishing, and fly-in excursions to remote waterways. The same is true for paddlers. Canoe or kayak the Turner Lake chain in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, or the Nazko Lake chain. Of course virtually all of the area's waterways are fair game.

Hiking

Hiking in the Anahim Lake area ranges from gentle jaunts along prime bridwatching routes to multi-day wilderness treks, alpine hiking, and heli-hiking. Certain operators also offer guided hikes where pack-horses are used to lighten the equipment and supply load.

Horseback Riding

Surrounded by the wilderness, the Itcha and Ilgachuz mountains and the Rainbow Mountains, the Anahim Lake area is outstanding for horseback riding. Trail rides vary from two hours to multi-day trips. Ride through Tweedsmuir Provincial Park's Rainbow Mountain Range and view the Monarch Icefields. Combine horseback riding and camping along the Alexander Mackenzie Heritage Trail. Anahim Lake Resort and Chaunigan Lake Lodge also offer trail riding.

Elegesi Qiyus Wild Horse Preserve

Wild horses in the Anahim Lake area have been genetically linked to wild mustangs of Spain. The Elegesi Qiyus Wild Horse Preserve (pronounced ah-legacy cayuse) encompasses the Brittany Triangle, the Nemiah Valley, and most of Ts'yl'os (prounced Zy-loss) Provincial Park, protecting the habitat of these wild horses. Much of the preserve's backcountry is rugged wilderness, with numerous hiking trails.

Snowmobiling and Cross-country Skiing

In winter, the area surrounding Anahim Lake offers an expanse of snow-covered terrain ideal for snowmobiling. Sledders at a beginner or intermediate skill level can enjoy hundreds of kilometres/miles of old mining and logging roads. More advanced sledders can venture out and explore the Coastal Mountain Range.

The Rainbow Mountains have groomed trails for snowmobiles, but most often snowmobilers cut their own routes through the high alpine and powder bowls. Tweedsmuir Provincial Park contains a designated snowmobiling area at Heckman Pass. Access this area through the Rainbow Range trailhead, 40km/25mi west of Anahim Lake on Highway 20. Also, check out the annual Snow Cross Race dually hosted by Anahim Lake and Nimpo Lake at the end of February.

The Tweedsmuir Ski Club maintains 14km/8.7mi of cross-country ski trails in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, and ungroomed routes are found at Itcha Igachuz Provincial Park.

Guest Ranches

In the 20th century, ranchers claimed vast portions of Anahim Lake's wilderness area to develop large pastures and hay fields. Deer, caribou, and cattle now graze these fields, and accompanying ranches have opened up to visitors. Spend a few days in summer of winter experiencing authentic frontier life on a working ranch. Staying at a guest ranch in July? Attend the annual Anahim Lake Rodeo.

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