The community of Lac La Hache lies on the shore of the lake of the same name. When planning a stay, you can combine days by the lake with trails and historic sites in the surrounding area. Lac La Hache Park, which has a campground, is 13 km north of the community; the 620 m Lac La Hache Community Trail leads to the lakeshore and follows it. This lets you include different places and trail distances in your plans.
Fishing at Lac La Hache
Lac La Hache is especially well suited to fishing for kokanee, rainbow trout, lake trout and burbot. These four species give fishing at the destination a specific focus. If fishing is a key part of your trip, they offer a starting point for planning; the nearby trails and historic sites provide separate options to add to your itinerary.
Lakeside Trails and a Park Visit
The Lac La Hache Community Trail begins at a covered shelter, leads to the lakeshore and then follows the shoreline. At 620 m, it is shorter than the self-guided Wagon Road Nature Trail in Lac La Hache Park, which is 2 km long. The park is on Highway 97, 13 km north of the community. The two trails therefore differ in both length and layout: the Community Trail follows the lakeshore, while the Wagon Road trail in the park is self-guided.
The campground in the park has flush toilets, running water, a sani-dump and a self-guided nature trail. The day-use area is across Highway 97, on the shore of Lac La Hache. It has an adventure playground, picnic tables, a picnic shelter, a boat launch and a developed beach. The campground and day-use area therefore offer different places to visit in the park.
Local History and Events
The Chilcotin called Lac La Hache Kumatakwa, meaning “chief or queen of the waters.” Members of the Shuswap First Nation built pit houses near the present-day village. Another historic connection is Lac La Hache Park: the historic Cariboo Wagon Road runs through the park, 13 km north of the community.
The Cariboo Pioneer Centre has long been part of the Lac La Hache community and serves as a gathering place for various events. The 2025 visitor guide lists year-round activities and events at the O.A.P.O. Pioneer Centre. The address is 4822 Clarke Ave in Lac La Hache; confirm the current program locally. The South Cariboo Garlic Festival grounds are on Highway 97, a short drive north of the town centre. If you plan to visit the festival, check the event dates in advance.
Excursions and Trails Nearby
To reach Mount Timothy Ski Resort, turn off Highway 97C onto Timothy Lake Road at Lac La Hache. Check the current route before setting out. The Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail passes through 70 Mile House, 100 Mile House, Lac La Hache, Horsefly, Likely and Wells; visitors can travel it by mountain bike or snowmobile. Trail conditions and maintenance vary seasonally.
A section of the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail is also described as a hiking route: from the Helena Lake area, hikers can head northeast to Lac La Hache. Conditions and signage vary by section. This gives you a choice of ways to get around the area, from a short lakeside trail to a longer section of trail. When planning your day, it helps to consider the specific route and the seasonal conditions along it.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Cariboo F, Lone Butte, Redstone, 100 Mile House, Puntzi Lake, Forest Grove, Nimpo Lake, Bridge Lake.
For the broader travel overview: Cariboo.
