Any visitor to Burns Lake must check out the area south of Francois Lake, the part of town commonly known as 'the southside'. The area is beautiful and vast, filled with farms, domestic and wild animals, and gorgeous lake views. Go for the day, or spend a night or two at one of the area's wilderness lodges.
Drive Route
Begin in downtown Burns Lake and turn south on Highway 35, close to the east end of town. Drive for about 15 minutes to get to the Francois Lake Ferry terminal. Along the way, stop to photograph picturesque Burns and Tchesinkut Lakes. Both are also nice places for a swim in the summer. For a full circle route, travellers can take the free ferry across the lake then drive around Francois Lake's east or west side to return to Burns Lake. Alternatively, they drive then take the ferry on their way back. While summer is a more popular time to go, winter is also great. Standing on its deck and watching the ferry, breaking through the ice chunks on its passage across Francoise Lake, is thrilling.
Sight to See
Places of interest in the area include the tiny but charming southside communities including Southbank, Danskin, and Grassy Plains. Most have a handful of houses, though Southbank also has a small building that serves as a store, restaurant, and post office. Across the street, is also a new log building which features the local farmers market, a room full of local goods for sale such as artwork, woodcraft, knitted items and canned jams. It's worth a visit to get a feel of the people in the area. A not to miss sight is the alpaca farm on Colleymount Road, just a few minutes drive west of the Francois Lake Ferry terminal on the northside. This is BC's largest farm of its kind. It features 200 of the odd-looking but charming furry animals. Call ahead to book a tour during the summer. Wildlife such as bounding deer, moose, geese, eagles and bears are also common sights.
Pick up a Lakes District Recreation Map, or a Francois Lake Loop pamphlet at the Burns Lake Visitor Centre on Hwy 16. The latter features a specific half- to full-day self-guided tour route around the southside and Francois Lake.