Lakes, Rivers & Waterfalls

If you’re looking to be stopped dead in your tracks by the beauty of BC’s Gold Rush Trail, then look no further than the cascading waterfalls, rivers, and lakes tucked away among the craggy rocks and lumbering trees. With the highest concentration of lakes and rivers in Canada, it’s no surprise the region is a haven for swimmers, water skiers, wakeboarders, canoeists, and kayakers – in fact, anyone who loves to hop into a boat or play in the water. Waterfall lovers will find trails leading to spectacular falls, with routes ranging from short and sweet to lengthy and challenging, offering a variety of ways to experience the stunning water features our region has to offer…

Lake Life on the Gold Rush Trail

The Gold Rush Trail isn’t just about history—it’s also a paradise for lake lovers. Scattered between legendary sites, you’ll find stunning lakes perfect for adventure, relaxation, and soaking in nature’s beauty. Here’s a quick guide to some must-visit spots along the way:

Marble Canyon Provincial Park: A favourite playground for both locals and visitors, this beautiful park features a quiet campground and picnic area in between Turquoise Lake and Crown Lake. Teeming with fish and vibrant birdlife, this park is ideal for fishing and birdwatching, Crown Lake also features a small sandy beach and swimming area.

Loon Lake: Consistently ranked among North America’s top naturally stocked lakes, Loon Lake is an angler’s paradise. Home to a thriving kokanee and rainbow trout hatchery, this scenic gem is also ideal for canoeing and kayaking, blending world-class fishing with outdoor adventure. With tourism operators open year-round, winter brings pristine snowy vistas, peaceful ice fishing, and the perfect setting for snowshoeing and serene getaways.

Green Lake Provincial Park: Known for its crystal-clear, emerald waters, Green Lake attracts fishing enthusiasts and water sports lovers alike. With numerous campgrounds and resorts along its shores, it’s perfect for wakeboarding, kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing by the water. Its relatively shallow waters keep the lake from reaching uncomfortable temperatures, making it the perfect swimming destination.

Lac La Hache: Just a 30 minutes drive from The Heritage House at 108 Mile Ranch Heritage Site, you will arrive at “The Longest Town in the Cariboo”, or Lac La Hache. This lake offers a scenic 19 km shoreline dotted with resorts, ranches, restaurants, and homes. It is particularly popular among wakeboarders, power boaters, and anglers, with ample campgrounds and facilities available for public day use or overnight stays.

Quesnel Lake: One of the deepest fjord lakes in the world, Quesnel Lake is a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts. With sandy beaches, anchorages, waterfalls, wetlands and rivers, you can find several resorts, new boat launches, and campsites to enjoy. Quesnel Lake is also a prime destination for trophy-sized rainbow and bull trout fishing, as well as various water sports. 

Bowron Lake: Located 117 km east of Quesnel, this stunning destination invites adventurers to take on one of North America’s most spectacular wilderness experiences—the Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit. This iconic loop attracts paddlers from around the world, renowned for its exceptional canoeing and wildlife experiences. It adds to the diverse array of lake-based adventures along the Gold Rush Trail. Bowron Lake is also part of a vast park complex, which includes Cariboo Mountains Provincial Park and Wells Gray Provincial Park.

Gold Rush Trail’s River Adventures

Besides being home to the most beautiful lakes in BC, the Gold Rush Trail also offers a diverse range of river adventures. Here’s a guide to some of the standout rivers:

Thompson & Nicola Rivers: The intersection of these rivers is an area renowned for exceptional fishing, giving anglers the chance to catch steelhead and salmon. The region, where Spences Bridge is located, also boasts thrilling river rafting and kayaking, along with fresh fruits and vegetables grown by local First Nations, sold at roadside kiosks. Surrounded by stunning scenery, it’s a perfect stop for nature lovers.

Quesnel River: A major tributary of the Fraser River in the Cariboo District, the Quesnel River begins at the outflow of Quesnel Lake in Likely and flows approximately 100 kilometres northwest to its confluence with the Fraser at the city of Quesnel. The river supports a variety of fish species, notably Sockeye salmon and Rainbow trout, and thrilling activities such as river rafting.

BC’s Waterfall Wonders

Water always finds its path—sometimes with a dramatic drop. And in BC, there’s no shortage of those. The Gold Rush Trail is home to an impressive collection of breathtaking waterfalls you will not want to miss. Here are some of the most memorable stops along the way:

Bridge Creek Falls and Centennial Park: A refreshing escape in 100 Mile House, this scenic park has a playground, picturesque walking trails, and the soothing sight and sound of the waterfall.

Moffat Falls: A gorgeous double waterfall located in the Horsefly area, Moffat Falls is a must-see for visitors exploring the region.

Hendrix Creek Falls: A short hike from 100 Mile House leads you to this spectacular 20-metre waterfall, perfect for a quick nature escape.

Horsefly Falls: Divided into three sections—upper, middle, and lower—these falls offer a mildly strenuous hike (less than 1 km) to the upper falls, providing a fun challenge to test your navigation skills.

Wine Glass Falls: Located in the rural community of Quesnel along Highway 97, this favourite waterfall is accessible via an easy 1.0-km out-and-back trail.

If you’re feeling inspired, try the waterfall challenge! And for more incredible water activities across the entire Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, click here.