A Guide to the Top Lakes in the Bridge River Valley

There’s something truly special about the vicinity of a lake—the serene quietness, the encompassing wilderness, and the inviting waters perfect for a swim during the warmer months. All of these attributes can be experienced in the lakes nestled within the awe-inspiring landscape of the Bridge River Valley, a land capable of fulfilling the dreams of even the most adventurous outdoor enthusiasts.

The Bridge River Valley boasts numerous lakes of varying sizes, each offering distinctive features, water and ground activities, and accommodation options nearby. Regardless, all of them offer excellent opportunities for water sports, weather permitting. When planning your first or next trip to this spectacular region, why not embark on a journey around the lakes and treat yourself to some of the most stunning sceneries you’ll ever encounter?

How to Get to the Bridge River Valley

Bridge River Valley | Jonny Bierman

The drive to the lakes of the Bridge River Valley can be a breathtaking experience in itself, with outstanding scenery surrounding you at all times. One option is to depart from the charming town of Lillooet via Carpenter Lake Road, also known as the Lillooet Pioneer Highway and Route 40. Ranked among the most beautiful in all of British Columbia, this road comes with multiple scenic bends and narrow passages, and it is entirely worth the trip. The distance from Lillooet to Gold Bridge is 100 kilometres and takes around 1.5–2 hours.

The Bridge River Valley is the nearest immersive wilderness experience accessible from Vancouver, offering a slice of paradise just 300 km away. The most direct route during the summer months (May to October) is via Highway 99 to Pemberton, and then across the Hurley River Forest Service Road, which ascends a breathtaking 5,500 feet over Railroad Pass. The Hurley is designated as a summer 4×4 only road, with snowmobile access available during the winter.

Another option is to fly to the Bridge River Valley from Vancouver with Tyax Adventures. They offer floatplane charters, providing the opportunity for incredible aerial views of the valley, including possible wildlife sightings from above, such as grizzly bears, moose, and mountain goats.

Carpenter Lake: Man-Made Wonder

Carpenter Lake | @rockhead727

When nearing Carpenter Lake, it’s hard not to be amazed by its immense beauty. As the largest of the lakes in the Bridge River Valley, Carpenter Lake is a man-made reservoir stretching 55 kilometres long, from the Village of Gold Bridge at its westernmost point to the Terzaghi Dam at its easternmost point.

For a memorable experience in and around Carpenter Lake, consider booking your stay with Wilderness Trails. They offer a plethora of activities to enhance your lakeside getaway, including fishing, canoeing, boating, horseback riding, mountain biking and much more. There are also many trails surrounding the lake offering stunning views and opportunities for wildlife encounters. 

Additionally, there are numerous trails encircling the lake, providing breathtaking views and opportunities for wildlife encounters. On a clear day, you can marvel at the majestic peaks of Whitecap Mountain and Shulaps Peak, adding to the already picturesque scenery of Carpenter Lake.

Gun Lake: Beautiful Serenity

@daisy_adamson

Resting at the base of Mount Pensore, Gun Lake is one of the many lakes in the region and an unincorporated community in the Bridge River Valley. Spanning approximately 6 kilometres in length, Gun Lake is accompanied by its smaller sibling, Lajoie Lake, which sits nearby. Together, they are referred to as the Gun Lakes.

The lake and its surrounding region offer a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities, including a series of trails that start at the north of the lake and extend to the Plateau Ponds. Gun Lake is also popular for boating and angling, boasting some of the cleanest waters in the province, making it perfect for swimming during the summer months.

For lodging, the Gold Bridge Hotel, located just south of the lake, is a fantastic option. With a friendly staff ready to welcome you with open arms, as well as plenty of tips from the locals for discovering hidden gems in the area, it’s an excellent choice for your stay.

Downton Lake: Unparalleled Views

Gold Bridge | Nick Trehearne

Downton Lake is as serene and picturesque as it gets. As the second largest of the lakes in the Bridge River Valley, it offers plenty of activities both on the water and on land. Trout fishing is especially splendid, with the clear waters teeming with opportunities for anglers.

The surrounding landscape is adorned with hiking trails, inviting exploration and discovery. With sights of Mt. Sloan and Dickson Peak in the distance, the scenery is truly breathtaking. It’s a panoramic view of the valley that you won’t find anywhere else.

For staying near the lake to enjoy all it has to offer, consider Bralorne, just 20 minutes south of Gold Bridge. History buffs will love the ghost towns and abandoned gold mines and Bralorne Pioneer Museum, while outdoor enthusiasts can still appreciate the rugged beauty of the region, with mountain biking being a popular activity.

Bralorne Adventure Lodge will meet all your adventure needs while providing accommodation for your stay. Alternatively, Bralorne Mines Motel will serve you as your home away from home and a hub for your back-country adventures.

Tyaughton Lake: Crystal Waters

Tyaughton Lake | Jonny Bierman

Just like Gun Lake, Tyaughton Lake is also one of the cleanest lakes in the province and a must-see stop in the Bridge River Valley. Situated at the foot of the South Chilcotin Mountains, the lake area offers endless possibilities for exploration.

Without a doubt, Tyax Adventures and Tyax Lodge and & Heli-skiing are the go-to destinations for adventure and accommodation at Tyaughton Lake. Known as the expert guides to the South Chilcotin and pioneers of floatplane, their experienced staff will lead you on unforgettable adventures in and around the lake.From hiking and biking to fishing, boating, swimming, and horseback riding, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy. You’ll find it hard to fit everything into your schedule and will surely want to return for more. In winter, the area offers opportunities for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and heli-skiing, ensuring year-round excitement and adventure.

Marshall Lake: Remote Paradise

Marshall Lake is indeed a hidden gem in the region. Situated a little further away than the others, it offers an off-the-beaten-path experience in a remote and unplugged setting—perfect for a great escapade with activities like horseback riding or hiking.

For this scenic getaway, it is recommended to stay at Wilderness Trails and inquire there about how to get to Marshall Lake and the road conditions. Always check maps and respect non-motorized zones. The journey there will surely be rewarding as you take in the breathtaking views of Shulaps Peak from its foot.

Responsible Travel in the Bridge River Valley

Bridge River Valley | @johnsphoneshots

Sadly, in August 2023, the Upper Bridge River Valley area was ravaged by wildfires, which resulted in the destruction of multiple properties around Gun Lake. The fires also impacted areas in Gold Bridge, Brexton, Bralorne, Tyaughton Lake, and Gun Creek Road.

The region is still recovering from the wildfire’s impact months later, and it’s crucial for the survival of small businesses that tourism activities resume. Travellers are encouraged to be cautious and responsible while visiting, following all safety measures and guidelines in place.

When visiting the Bridge River Valley, it’s crucial to plan accordingly and seek advice from locals regarding safety, as the area affected by wildfires may still pose potential threats. For more information and tips on responsible and sustainable travel, please refer to our dedicated page on the subject.