The village of Lac La Hache is often referred to as the Longest Town in the Cariboo, reflecting how its resorts, ranches, restaurants and vacation homes are scattered along the lake’s 19 km (12mi) long shoreline. Before European fur traders came into the area, the Secwepemc (shi-huep-muh-k) established pit houses here and the Chilcotins (chill-ko-tins) who travelled through the region, called the lake Kumatakwa, “Queen of the Waters.”
With a strong history of ranching and agriculture, Lac La Hache is one of the most popular lakes along Highway 97, particularly with water skiers, anglers and power boaters. Foodies love its South Cariboo Garlic Festival, held in late August, while winter brings crisp, sunny days, ideal for ice fishing, snowshoeing, pond hockey, skating and skiing on nearby Mt. Timothy’s slopes.