This popular fly fishing lake is approximately 320 km (200 mi.) west from Williams Lake and 124 km (75 mi.) east from Bella Coola. Anahim Lake is a unigue wilderness community situated on the West Chilcotin Plateau in central British Columbia. A place where time has stood still. Untouched wilderness surrounds you - natural wildlife roams freely and fish abound in lakes and streams. Fabulous hiking, cross country skiing, snowmobiling and pack trips are available.

If driving, it's a three to four hour drive on Highway 20, west from Williams Lake or two hours east from Bella Coola. The Anahim Lake Airport is a year-round airport serving the West Chilcotin area. Many charter and private planes use the airport bringing tourists who wish to avail themselves of the many tourism opportunities in the area. AV gas is available at the airport. Throughout the tourist season, Pacific Coastal Airlines, based at Vancouver International Airport has twice daily service into Anahim Lake during summer and once daily during winter. Air strip elevation 3635', length 3700' Info-Williams Lake flight centre 1-800-663-5870 - Flight supplement - Anahirn Lake AJ4.

Travel by B.C. Ferries from Port Hardy on Vancouver Island to Bella Coola, and drive to Anahim Lake in approximately 2 hours. Drive from Vancouver. Approximate driving time is 10 hours.

Anahim Lake Services: post office, grocery stores, lodging, RCMP station, liquor outlet, restaurants, airport, Medical centre, Provincial Ambulance station, tire repair, welding shop, service stations (gas, diesel & propane) & churches.

Accommodations:

The Dew Duck Inn Bed & Breakfast is a lakeside Chilcotin style log home built by the owners several years ago. The Lodge offers two guest rooms on the upper floor complete with sitting room, TV, VCR, fireplace and private entrances. A cabin and a R.V. are also available. Breakfast is served in the private guest dining room with a panoramic view of Anahim Lake and the mountains. Other quality homecooked meals are available by request.

Eagle’s Nest Resort  - Eagle’s Nest Resort is located in the heart of British Columbia’s beautiful Chilcotin plateau, surrounded by mountain ranges and overlooking the serene shores of Anahim Lake. This is the magnificent and untamed country made famous in the book "Grass Beyond the Mountains" . Whether you prefer a comfortable suite with sitting area, satellite TV, and wireless Internet access, or a cozy lakeside cabin with wood stove heat, Eagle's Nest offers you restful accommodation while you enjoy the beauty of the wilderness.

From Anahim Lake there is access to three mountain ranges - Itcha Range, the Ilgachuz Range and the multi coloured Rainbow Range. The gravel portion of Hwy 20 begins just past the community of Anahim Lake and ends at the bottom of the "Hill" .

The HILL through Heckman's pass in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park is known for it 18% grade into the Bella Coola Valley. Provincial authorities did not believe that a road should be built over the Coast Mountains. The locals then decided to build one themselves, with only two bulldozers ( working from opposite ends), supplies bought on credit, and a work force which often had only the promise of being paid. They finally ended Bella Coola's isolation in 1953 by completing the "Freedom Highway" up and out of the Bella Coola Valley to the Chilcotin Plateau. Heckman's Pass, the highest point on Hwy 20 (1524 meters) is the beginning of the 30 km descent on a narrow and winding gravel road into the valley. The hill consists of a 9km stretch of switchbacks with a grade of up to 18%. This is a safe travel road, but visitors should be aware of road conditions.

Tweedsmuir Provincial Park contains Hunlen Fall, Turner Lake chain, and the Rainbow Range. Visitors are able to view these by charter aircraft or by hiking in the park.

Tweedsmuir Provincial Park is one of the largest parks in BC at over 981,000 hectares. The park appeals primarily to outdoor recreationists interested in boating, angling, camping, hiking or hunting in one of North America's most magnificent wilderness areas. Outdoor recreation opportunities are almost unlimited, but those who are not prepared to be completely self-sufficient or who do not wish to employ a professional guide should not contemplate a visit.

Rainbow Range - This ancient volcanic range of mountains is called "Tsitsutl" in the Carrier dialect, meaning painted mountains. Its alpine areas are decorated with a spectrum of red, orange, yellow and even lavender lava rock. The mountains provide ideal habitat for caribou, wolf, mountain goat and grizzly bear. Access to The Rainbow Range Trailhead, 35 km west of Anahim Lake on Highway 20 is paved except the section from Anahim Lake down to Atnarko Campground. See Map

Tweedsmuir South Provincial Park
Tweedsmuir North Provincial Park