Anahim Lake

Anahim Lake is both a freshwater lake and a small community in the Chilcotin region of west-central British Columbia. The settlement is a local service centre for surrounding ranching, forestry and recreational areas.

The area around the lake has long been used by the local First Nations; today the community is the home base for the Ulkatcho First Nation band. European-Canadian settlement and resource activities expanded in the 20th century alongside forestry and ranching development.

The lake and community sit on the Chilcotin Plateau along Highway 20 in central British Columbia, with regional service centres to the east; local landscape is a mix of lakeshore, forest and rolling plateau country.

• Access: Accessible from Highway 20, it functions as a gateway for fishing, hunting and backcountry access in the Chilcotin Plateau.
• First Nation presence: Local governance and cultural services are provided by the Ulkatcho First Nation band based at the community.

What to See #

• Anahim Lake (water body): A small freshwater lake used for local recreation, with a community and services clustered on its shore; access is by Highway 20 and local forestry roads.
• Anahim Lake community / Ulkatcho First Nation: A settlement that serves as a local service centre and access point to surrounding wilderness areas; home to the Ulkatcho First Nation band office and community facilities.