Four provincial parks near Chase provide wildlife viewing, hiking and river rafting opportunities as well as access to the wilderness, all within a 30km/18.6mi drive.
Named for a renown BC conservationist, Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park lies 15km/9mi northeast of Chase. The park protects pictographs and archaeological evidence of large settlements of the Shuswap First Nations plus the entire length of the Adams River, a vital salmon spawning ground.
For maximum wildlife excitement, visit in October during the sockeye run. There are fish every year, but the show is most spectacular in the "dominant" year of a four-year cycle when two million salmon return from their life in the Pacific Ocean to spawn and die. (The next dominant year is 2014).
Four trails totaling 8km/5mi and a viewing platform provide excellent opportunities to see the fish and the eagles they attract. Other wildlife along the river includes whitetail and mule deer, black bears, river otters, beaver and mink.
Another 18km/11mi of trails give access to a historic log flume, ideal fishing spots for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and white fish (catch and release – no salmon fishing) and First Nations pictographs.
For maximum thrills, join a professionally guided white water rafting trip through the canyon on the Adams River.
Shuswap Lake Provincial Park
Shuswap Lake Provincial Park is a busy camping and water sport area 29km/18mi northeast of Chase. Located on the north shore of Shuswap Lake, it encompasses all of Copper Island, 2km/1.2mi offshore. Head for the pebble beach and swim, snorkel, canoe, kayak or windsurf. The double boat launch also makes the park convenient for water skiing, wakeboarding, fishing and day-tripping. Rental equipment is readily available nearby.
Hike the easy to moderate-rated park trails (or cycle in designated areas), and don't miss the 2.8km/1.7mi trail to the lookout point on Copper Island for spectacular views.
Niskonlith Lake Provincial Park
Niskonlith Lake is the closest provincial park to Chase, just 8km/5mi northwest of the village on a gravel road that offers great views of the South Thompson River and Little Shuswap Lake. Locals like this park because it's less well known and consequently not so busy. They go to Niskonlith to swim, canoe, kayak, windsurf and fish for kokanee and rainbow trout. The lake is also friendly for beginner scuba divers. A limited number of rustic campsites are available.
Adams Lake Provincial Park (Bush Creek Site)
The sand and pebble beach at Adams Lake Provincial Park, 30km/18.6mi north of Chase, is an ideal base for a wide range of water sports. The boat launch is undeveloped, but adequate for launching canoes, kayaks and powerboats for waterskiing and wakeboarding. Swim, scuba or fish for kokanee and rainbow trout. Adams Lake is large and weather conditions can change rapidly. Strong winds are great for windsurfing, but not so great for canoers and kayakers. Also, be cautious and watch for logging trucks on the access road, which is gravel for part of the distance. A limited number of rustic campsites are available.
Detailed information on provincial parks is provided in the Go Camping BC guide, available at the Chase Visitor Centre, 400 Shuswap Ave. Camping is permitted in Niskonlith Lake, Adams Lake and Shuswap Lake provincial parks. Reservations are not accepted for Niskonlith Lake and Adams Lake, but Shuswap Lake is very popular and reservations are recommended in high season.
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