Get Hooked on Fall Adventures:
Explore BC's Little Fort Highway

This story was originally published in September, 2020.

Stretching between Little Fort (at Highway 5) and 93 Mile House (at Highway 97), this 97-kilometre drive goes by a number of different names—“the Little Fort Highway”, “the Interlakes Highway”, and most often, “the Fishing Highway.” Regardless of what you call it, the BC-24 will capture your adventurous spirit, hook, line, and sinker (even if you’re not an avid angler).

With approximately 100 refreshing lakes dotting the landscape this diverse area in BC’s Land of Hidden Waters boasts a variety of water-based adventures, as well a other activities including horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, and bird watching. Whether you’re dropping a hook or venturing overland into the wilderness, this is one area in BC you’ll want to explore this fall. 

The adventure begins before you even arrive at Little Fort: Begin your adventure in the outdoorsy and eclectic city of Kamloops (just one hour from Little Fort), then let the good times roll.

There are three major lakes, each with a number of resorts, boat launches, and an abundance of wild and stocked fish. Lac des Roches is known for its trophy Gerrard rainbows and freshwater cod, while the fishing paradise of Sheridan Lake boasts 208 km of multi-use trails. Bridge Lake, with its 27 islands and untouched shorelines, is habitat for hefty lake trout (for catch and release only). At 37 km in length, Canim Lake is one of the larger lakes and offers great fly-fishing against the backdrop of forest and mountains.

Once you’ve had your share of tight lines in the big lakes, tackle a few more: Green, Loon, Horse, and Fawn lakes, are just a few of the smaller, less frequented, ones. 

There’s plenty of hiking along the Fishing Highway, too, and many of the lakes that dot the route are home to multi-use trails for biking and hiking. Stop by the underdeveloped Eakin Creek Floodplain Provincial Park to see old growth cedar and cottonwood trees, caves, and a variety of bird species. Visit the lakes and wetlands of Emar Lake Provincial Park near Little Fort to explore its campsites, trails, and canoe circuit. Or check out the Bridge Lake Ice Caves Trail to view the cracks and holes carved deep in the canyon (the ice won’t be prevalent until winter).

Just before you reach the official end of the Fishing Highway, stop at the historic town of Lone Butte, where you can hike and visit the historic water tower, which supplied pioneers with drinking water and helped to power steam engines in the early 1900s.

Featured image: Heading out fishing on a misty morning on Lac des Roches | Andrew Strain