Burns Lake, a rural village nestled in the North-western-Central Interior of British Columbia, Canada, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Incorporated in 1923, this village is home to a population of 1,659 as per the 2021 Census. Burns Lake is renowned for its rich First Nations heritage and its acclaimed network of mountain biking trails, which have the distinction of being Canada's first IMBA Ride Centre.
The history of Burns Lake is deeply intertwined with the Carrier First Nations communities, its first inhabitants. The village began as a small rest stop for travellers heading to the Yukon Gold Rush. Many of these travellers saw potential in the rich forestry, fur, and mining opportunities in Burns Lake and the surrounding area.
The village owes its name to Michael Byrnes, an explorer for the Collins Overland Telegraph scheme. Byrnes passed Burns Lake around 1866 while surveying a route from Fort Fraser to Hagwilget. The village was incorporated on December 6, 1923, with G. M Gerow serving as the first Mayor.
Burns Lake is a cultural mosaic with two First Nations reserves forming part of the town and another four nearby. This makes it one of the few communities in the province with almost equal populations of persons of native or European descent. The local nations include Wetʼsuwetʼen First Nation, Lake Babine Nation, Cheslatta Carrier Nation, Ts'il Kaz Koh First Nation, Skin Tyee First Nation, and Nee-Tahi-Buhn Band.
The town serves as a hub for the local logging, saw-milling, mining, and tourist industries. It also serves as the main commercial centre for the surrounding area including François Lake, Colleymount, Grassy Plains, Rose Lake, Topley, and Granisle.
Burns Lake is located in the midst of a large network of lakes called the Lakes District, offering fishing and hunting year-round, and water activities in the summer months. The village has a subarctic climate, with short warm summers and cold winters.
In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Burns Lake had a population of 1,659 living in 689 of its 765 total private dwellings, a change of -6.7% from its 2016 population of 1,779.
Burns Lake is located on Highway 16. Major commercial airlines fly into Smithers Airport and Prince George Airport, which are approximately 150 km and 230 km away from Burns Lake, respectively.
Burns Lake is surrounded by a rich First Nations culture. The Lakes District Arts Council holds several arts events every year, bringing in acts from all over the globe. Burns Lake also hosts annual Performing Arts and Alternative Arts Festivals, drawing talent and audiences from across the region.
Burns Lake is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Its network of trails on Boer Mountain has gained world renown from the International Mountain Biking Association. In the winter months, cross-country skiing is popular at the Omineca Ski Club. The village also offers a range of facilities including a hockey rink, curling rink, rock climbing gym, a squash/racquetball court, a fitness facility, and multi-use rooms.
A number of historic buildings still stand in Burns Lake, including The Old Hospital and The Bucket of Blood. The Old Hospital, first built in 1931, was once the largest and finest public buildings between Prince George and Prince Rupert. The Bucket of Blood, located adjacent to the Lakes District Museum, is a former fur trade post which later became a gambling den.
Discover the charm, history, and adventure that awaits in Burns Lake, British Columbia.
