Set on the northern shore of the massive, and beautiful, Quesnel Lake, Cedar Point's lovely campground is a can't-miss for those traveling through BC's remote interior. Though the park itself is quite small (just 8 hectares), what it lacks in size it makes up for in recreational opportunities; paddlers can explore over one-hundred square miles of pristine water, anglers can cast for massive kokanee and trout, and those looking to simply relax can enjoy a swim and and a sunbathe at the park's sandy beach. If you're into wildlife or photography (or both) keep your eyes peeled for some of the area's common native fauna, including moose, black bear and river otter.
For interested history-buffs, the park also sports several outdoor heritage displays, which show off some of the mining equipment used by prospectors in the area over a century and a half ago. A playground, baseball diamond and nearby concession stand provide entertainment for the kids, and grown-ups can grab a drink at the lovely beer garden near by.
Cedar Point may seem a bit out of the way for most travelers. Getting there will require driving for at least an hour on small, rural roads. However, the destination - a quiet, sylvan campground, with 29 RV/trailer-suitable sites - is absolutely worth the drive.
The nearest major road to Cedar Point is BC-97. Your exact route to the park will depend on where you leave off from BC-97, but regardless, you can expect to spend about 65 miles (105 km) taking smaller, rural roads on your way to Likely, the closest town to Cedar Point. From one of the largest towns on BC-97, Williams Lake, the drive takes an hour and forty five minutes.
While the roads into Likely (Primarily Likely Rd.) are paved, they are narrow in some places, and so those driving large rigs should be especially cautious concerning oncoming traffic. There are some sharp turns as well, though there no steep sections to contend with.
The park itself is quite small, and the campground comprises much of it. Sites are arranged on a spur along the shore of the lake. Though spots are back-in, they are long enough to accommodate large rigs, and there's plenty of space between them, so parking shouldn't be much of a problem. The short nature trails, the day-use area, the beach, the baseball diamond and the concession area are all just a stroll away once you're parked.
Cedar Point's small, wooded campsite sits right on the lake shore - it sports 29 sites in all, most of which can accommodate "large rigs" (the campsite does not list specific length limits, but you can call ahead to ensure your RV/trailer can be accommodated. Sites are primitive, with no electric, water or sewage hookup. There are potable water spigots available, and the park does have a sanitary dump station, however, that can be used for a small fee. Each spot has a picnic table and fire ring, and a bundle of firewood is actually included with the overnight camping fee (the park prefers you use the sustainably-sourced wood, as opposed to cutting your own).
The campground sports a small playground and a baseball diamond as well.
Just outside the park, you can find a concession stand as well as a beer garden. For other food and supplies, the nearest general store can be found in the town of Likely, just three miles (5 km) away.
Spots at Cedar Point are all first-come first-served. The campground is usually open from mid-May through the end of October.
Just as the great California gold rush was picking up steam in the early 1850s, so too was a smaller, though still significant rush occurring across the mountains and streams of British Columbia. In 1858, gold was discovered in the humble Cedar Creek, and a spate of mining activity followed. Today, two outdoor displays showcase some of the original gold mining equipment which was used to extract the precious mineral from land and water. There are several demonstration shafts and adits as well.
Cedar Point, being quite small, does not sport any extensive hiking trails. However, there are several short, sylvan walking paths; one leads along the banks of the rambling Cedar Creek, and another provides a lovely stroll by the lakeside. If you're willing to take a bit of a drive from the park, plenty of other hiking opportunities make themselves available. For a real adventure, combine a long paddle-trip with a remote hike on the far banks of the Quesnel.
The beauty and remoteness of Cedar Point remind visitors that this is nature's domain, and that humans are, for the most part, merely visitors. The park, and its surrounds, are home to a host of permanent residents. Black bear, moose and deer are the largest of these, and all of them are seen frequently. Smaller native critters include otters, beavers, muskrats, mink, porcupines, and red foxes. Look for eagles, ospreys and hawks above the lake, and listen for migratory songbirds during the summer months.
Anglers can find a little piece of paradise on the remote fjord-lake that is the Quesnel. Not only is the scenery fantastic, and the setting tranquil, but the fishing is world-class. Rainbow trout, kokanee, and char are the most commonly found species; they can each reach formidable sizes in this huge body of water. Anglers can trek along the shoreline or head out by boat. Wherever you cast your line, make sure you have a BC fishing license (it's a good idea to print one out before arriving, as there are few nearby places to acquire them).
After a long summer day of hiking or paddling, the cool waters of Quesnel Lake can offer a welcome respite. The park sports a lovely swimming beach lined with fine sand. Relax and unwind with a wonderful view of cerulean water and tree-clad foothills. Visitors should note that though the area is open to swimming, there are never life-guards present. Currents on this large lake can also be surprisingly strong, so take extra precaution when heading out a decent distance from the shore.
Quesnel Lake, a deep, branching body of water born out of the carving action of ice-age glaciers, offers exemplary paddling. Head out on a short day-trip or plan a multi-day trek. With over 100 square miles (266 square kilometers) of surface area, and hundreds of miles of scenic shoreline, the possibilities are nearly endless. If you're looking for less placid waters, use Quesnel Lake to connect with the Quesnel or Cariboo Rivers. Wherever you end up heading, you'll be able to take in some of the most wild and magnificent scenery in British Columbia's interior.
A small boat launch is located just outside of the park.
