Featuring a beautiful freshwater lake that is the gem of the area, Lac La Hache Provincial Park is a must visit for those looking for a lakeside RV getaway. The modern history of Lac La Hache Provincial Park dates back to the early 1800s when the historic Cariboo Wagon road that runs through the park was a trail used by fur traders from 1803 to 1810. During the Cariboo Gold Rush of the 1860’s the trail rebuilt and eventually linked the gold fields to the world thanks to the shipyards of Vancouver. The park was officially established in 1956 and is quite small, comprising of just 59 acres (0.24kmsq). The park was opened to protect the superb old-growth stand of Douglas-fir, local animals and historical features of the area.
Due to the impressive lake (which the park is named after) being located within the park it is the main attraction to those seeking summer recreation. The lake offers abundant swimming, boating and fishing opportunities and the banks of the lake are also a fantastic place to sit down and have a picnic. During your visit to the park you can also take a hike on the historic Wagon Road Trail or go birding and look out for bald eagles, ospreys and red-tailed hawks.
Lac La Hache Campground is located on the eastern side of the lake and can accommodate long RVs along with tents. There are 83 primitive sites that are reservable online or by calling the park. Peak season at Wasa Lake Provincial Park runs from May until September.
Lac La Hache Provincial Park is located in the South Cariboo region of British Columbia and is situated around 18 miles north of 108 Mile Ranch. The park has one entry and exit points that is easy to find as it found directly off the Cariboo Highway.
Since the park is just a few minutes from the town of Lac La Hache you can find a few services and amenities here, however the area has no major shopping or health services. There are other towns located close by to the park but none of them are large enough to have major facilities. These towns include 108 Mile Ranch (around 16 miles or 26km), 102 Mile Ranch (around 20 miles or 32 kms away), Blarchmont (around 20 miles away or 33kms) and 150 Mile Ranch (around 21 miles or 35kms away). The closest city to the park is Kamloops, which is located 146 miles (235km) to the south-east.
Accessing the park should be very straightforward as the road that leads you to the park is a highway so it is. flat and very well maintained. The road into the campground is very short and the campground road is also well maintained. During the winter the park is still open but make sure you call ahead to confirm that access is available as snowfalls can be heavy in the area.
There is plenty of parking available at Lac La Hache Provincial Park.
Lac La Hache Provincial Park is the only campground at the park and is located on the east side of the lake. The campground is very popular with visitors during the summer months and features campsites that can accommodate both long recreation vehicles and tents.
In total there are 83 campsites in Lac La Hache Provincial Park that are set in woodlands that feature lake views and minimal road noise. All sites at Lac La Hache Campground are primitive with no electric, water or sewer hookups. Despite this there are some great park facilities, including pit toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, firewood, and fresh water. The campground is also pet friendly and there is a dump station available for you to use.
One thing to be prepared for when camping at Lac La Hache Campground is that mosquitos can be very bad so make sure that you stock up on repellant. 31 of the sites are available to reserve and the rest are available on a first come, first served basis. If the campground reservations are booked out online we recommend arriving early to the campground to guarantee that you will have a site. During the winter the campground gate will be closed.
Looking to do some wildlife viewing? If so, you will be impressed with what is on offer considering the small size of Lac La Hache Provincial Park. Some of the birds that are known to visit the park include chickadees, pileated woodpeckers, ospreys, bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, loons, trumpeter swans and nuthatches. You may get lucky and be able to see some land mammals too. These could be mule deers, lynx, chipmunks, moose and even black bears! For more information on wildlife viewing contact the park office.
Although the park is quite small that doesn't mean hikers will miss out on any of the fun. There is one marked trail in the park that well worth checking out. Known as The Wagon Road Self-Guided Nature Trail, it is around a mile (2 km) in length and will leads you on a voyage to explore the different parts of history that has occurred in and around the area. For your own safety make sure you keep on the trail and obey all signs.
Lac La Hache has something on offer for those who love to fish no matter what time you visit the park. The waters are known for kokanee fishing, but you will also be able to land rainbow and lake trout. The biggest fish are supposedly lake trout that can reach up to 30 pounds. If you are at the park during the winter you are also able to do some ice fishing, which is a favorite winter pastime on the lake. Remember to make sure you have a fishing license before you try catch the big one.
There are no public transport options that will take you to Lac La Hache Provincial Park.
If you are looking to go for a relaxing picnic during your stay you will be pleased to know that the park has a covered shelter picnic area for visitors to enjoy. This shelter features some great amenities, including picnic tables, a wood stove, change houses, pit and flush toilets, cold water taps, and fire pits. During the summer months group picnicking are reservable so if you have a large group we recommend that you do so.
Along with having an awesome swimming area, Lac La Hache is also a great boating destination. All boats are allowed on the lake (including power boats) with canoeing and waterskiing being some of the more popular choices for those seeking fun times. If you have a boat to launch you can do so via a double-wide, cement ramp boat launch that is located at the day-use area. There are no guarantees of boat rentals being available so make sure you bring your own watercraft if you want to get out on the water.
Lac La Hache is a stunning freshwater lake that makes for a perfect swimming spot during the summer months. The lake features a wide, sandy beach that is perfect to relax on and there is also a specific area of the lake that is roped off for swimming. Once you are finished swimming there are changing rooms, an open air shower and washrooms provided for you to use. Please note that there are no lifeguards on duty so swim to your own abilities.
