Horsefly,
BC
Once
called Harper's Camp, the small community of Horsefly, British
Columbia, is situated on the banks of the Horsefly River.
Horsefly is said to be the site of the first gold discovery
in BC's Cariboo region.
Peter
Dunlevy, an American, and four friends were led to the Horsefly
River by Long Baptiste, an Indian they had met at Lac La Hache.
They panned the first gold in June of 1859. Within the day,
another party of miners arrived and the Cariboo Gold Rush
was on. Dunlevy stayed in the area, building a roadhouse at
Beaver Valley. He later opened a hotel at Soda Creek.
An
important British Columbia salmon spawning stream, the Horsefly
River empties into Quesnel
Lake at Horsefly Bay where eagles, herons, sandpipers
and other wildlife may be observed. Bears are sometimes seen
along the river. Be sure to witness the Horsefly's spectacular
salmon run in late August & September. Salmon spawning
channels have been constructed and visitors enjoy easy access
for viewing. Be sure to ask locally for directions to Horsefly
River Falls. This picturesque spot is reached by a short hike
from the road over well marked trails.
Nearby
Horsefly Lake and the
South shores of Quesnel Lake offer excellent camping and fishing
opportunities. An abundance of smaller highly productive trout
lakes dot the landscape.
Plan
a circle tour that includes both Horsefly and Likely.
A good gravel road runs between them and provides excellent
river and lake views.
| Accommodation/Adventure
Providers |
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Black Creek Ranch:
Join us winter, summer, spring or fall at the Black Creek Ranch. You’ll find a unique personal vacation alongside a protected world-class salmon-spawning habitat. Contact us as well for home delivery of grass-fed beef raised naturally on BC interior rangeland... more |
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Crooked Lake Resort:
This is a private & secluded wilderness location, where the peace & silence is broken only by the loon’s mournful cry or a lone wolfs soulful howl. Escape to enjoy back-country recreation - or seclusion & solitude. Be our guest for a relaxing stay you'll reme... more |
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Elysia Resort:
Our full service getaway destination on Quesnel Lake offers fishing for Rainbow Trout, romantic getaways, great dining, and vacation packages in lakeview rental cabins & guest rooms. You'll be warmly greeted at our small, friendly and secluded piece of paradi... more |
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Gold Rush Trail:
The 8th wonder of the world, the Cariboo Wagon Road was described as “utterly impassable for any animal but a man, a goat, or a dog” in its early days. Now you can drive the scenic routes so come experience the history of one of North America’s largest gold r... more |
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Northern Lights Lodge:
Join us for dry fly fishing on world-class rivers & Quesnel Lake, for the largest most aggressive strain of rainbow trout on the planet. You’ll experience wild native trout and river fishing at its best. We’re located on Quesnel Lake, the deepest freshwater f... more |
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Rainbow Waters Fly Fishing Adventures:
Rainbow Waters Fly Fishing Adventures offers guided fly fishing in the pristine wilderness of the Cariboo Mountains of British Columbia. From diverse stillwaters to Sockeye salmon creeks and rivers, the exceptionally beautiful and unique Quesnel Lake ecosystem... more |
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Access:
59 km (37 mi) east of 150 Mile House, BC, off Highway
97 on the Horsefly Road.
Accommodations:
Motel rooms are available in the community, as well as several
nearby lakeshore cabins and resorts on Horsefly Lake and South
Quesnel Lake.
