Tchesinkut Lake, Northern BC Lake Resorts to visit
Tchesinkut Lake, a Northern BC Lake Resort
Tchesinkut (pronounce te-sing-kut), known as B.C.’s purest lake, was named by the natives for its crystal clear water. Explorers, trappers and prospectors first came into the Burns Lake area in the 1700s, but it wasn’t until the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway was built in 1914 that the population grew and settled the area. Settlement of the area, including the town of Burns Lake was largely a result of the arrival of gold miners and prospectors as well as the railway. Construction crews, homesteaded once the railway was completed. Farming, ranching, forestry and mining have been the economic engine since then.
Travel to Tchesinkut Lake:
From Vancouver travel north 786 km (487 miles) to Prince George then west on Yellowhead Highway #16 for 226 km (140 miles) to Burns Lake. From Burns Lake travel due south towards Francois Lake on Highway #35 for 16 km (10 miles) to Tchesinkut Lake.
Recreation around Tchesinkut Lake
Tchesinkut Lake offers rainbow trout up to 15 lbs., kokanee and char up to 30 lbs. Nearby Francois Lake is approx. 96 km (60 miles) long and offers excellent rainbow trout and char fishing. Rainbow trout up to 5 and 6 pounds and lake trout (char) to 15 pounds are not uncommon. The entire area known as the Lakes District is famous for its excellent fishing and game. There are a number of resorts throughout this area which offer boating, fishing, hiking, horse-back riding, camping, cross country skiing and many other activities. Nearby Tweedsmuir Park is B.C.’s second largest Provincial Park. Attractions at the park include the fourth highest waterfall in Canada, Hunlen Falls, as well as wildlife of grizzly and black bear, moose, mountain goats, caribou and deer. Boating, fishing, hiking, camping and horseback riding are just some of the ways to enjoy the park. Access to Tweedsmuir Park is by light aircraft or via the Ootsa-Whitesail Lakes Reservoir. Boat launching access is available at Wistaria on Ootsa Lake and Andrews Bay, also on Ootsa Lake, about 30 km West of Wistaria.