D’arcy is located at the southern end of Anderson Lake. At the end of Koocha Road, two wooden docks are separated by a concrete boat launch. In 2017, the public docks and boat launch reopened; the public and property owners on Anderson Lake used them to access the lake. Check current conditions before visiting.
The Sea to Sky Trail
The Sea to Sky Trail stretches 180 kilometres from the waterfront in Squamish to D’arcy, connecting the Pacific Ocean in the south with the Coast Mountains in the north. This length describes a regional connection between two endpoints. The section near D’arcy has its own scenic appeal: highlights include views of Anderson Lake. Including the trail in your trip planning lets you distinguish between the full-length route and the lake views along the section near D’arcy. Check for current trail information before travelling, as conditions can change.
Local History from Port Anderson to D’arcy
During the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush of 1858–1859, D’arcy was first established as Port Anderson. In the history of the Douglas Road, the settlement was one of its important ports. The settlement was named D’arcy in honour of D’arcy Tate, vice-president of the Pacific Great Eastern Railway. The area’s history therefore brings together several distinct connections: Port Anderson belongs to its founding period, the Douglas Road to its historic role as a port, and D’arcy to its namesake. The original name and today’s place name thus refer to different aspects of the settlement’s history.
On Anderson Lake: Fishing, Swimming and Picnicking
Anderson Lake offers good fishing opportunities. Heritage Beach on Anderson Lake also offers places to swim and picnic. This gives you different ways to spend time by the lake: fishing, swimming or taking a picnic break. Check local conditions before your visit, especially if you plan to swim or picnic.
The Squamish-Lillooet Destination
The wider Squamish-Lillooet destination offers another perspective on the landscape and activities. The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District manages and protects an extensive network of parks and trails. These include ocean views, river access, forested trails and wetlands. Brandywine Falls Park features a 70-metre waterfall, as well as views of the surrounding mountains and opportunities for hiking, picnicking and mountain biking. South Chilcotin Mountains Park offers a different kind of scenery: more than 200 kilometres of trails wind through broad valleys, alpine meadows and ridgelines, and are suitable for hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers.
Choose Accommodation to Match Your Travel Plans
Would you like to discover D’arcy mainly through its history, focus on Anderson Lake or include the Sea to Sky Trail as a regional route? These interests distinguish a visit to the area from a larger trail trip and can help you find a vacation rental that suits your plans.
Discover more destinations: Furry Creek, Lillooet, Pemberton, Shalalth, Gold Bridge, Squamish, Whistler
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