Tŝilhqox Biny
Lake Large glacier-fed lake in British Columbia's interior.
The Indigenous name for Chilko Lake in British Columbia, a long glacier-fed lake fringed by mountains; anglers, paddlers and fly-fishing lodges use it as a wilderness base.
Tsilhqox Biny is the Tsilhqot’in (indigenous) name for the large high-elevation lake commonly known in English as Chilko Lake on the Chilcotin Plateau of central British Columbia. It is a major freshwater basin and an important part of the regional watershed.
The lake is recognized for its wilderness character, salmon-bearing rivers and wildlife values and is used for fishing, seasonal camps and backcountry recreation. It lies within the traditional territory of the Tsilhqot’in people and is central to local cultural and ecological practices.
Tsilhqox Biny sits on the Chilcotin Plateau in central British Columbia, within Tsilhqot’in Nation lands, west of the Fraser River and set among plateau terrain and mountain-fed rivers.
- Cultural importance: The lake is within Tsilhqot'in Nation territory and remains an important cultural and ecological area for local Indigenous communities.
- Access: Access is limited and commonly by remote road, trail or floatplane; visitors should plan for backcountry conditions.
How to Get to Tŝilhqox Biny #
Access to Chilko Lake is by long forest roads off Highway 20 (Chilcotin Highway) near the town of Tatla Lake and Alexis Creek. Remote camping, charter flights, and lodge operators provide common ways to reach the lake’s various access points.
Tips for Visiting Tŝilhqox Biny #
- Respect indigenous land and fishing rights; seek permission for extended stays or fishing.
- The lake is popular with local communities for cultural reasons; approach visits with curiosity and humility.
- Bring gear for wind and variable weather - conditions on coastal-influenced lakes can shift rapidly.
Best Time to Visit Tŝilhqox Biny #
Best in summer for paddling and fishing, though local weather conditions can be changeable.
Weather & Climate near Tŝilhqox Biny #
Tŝilhqox Biny's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -10°C to 20°C. Moderate rainfall (534 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -7°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -4°C. The driest month with just 24 mm.
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May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -6°C. The wettest month with 68 mm of rain.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).
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