Fishin & Watersports
100 Mile House is a pleasant enough little town, but it's the outdoor recreation in the surrounding South Cariboo Lakes District that brings most people here. There are dozens of lakes, nearly all with rustic fishing resorts as well as provincial parks offering campgrounds and public boat launches. Be sure to pick up the Cariboo-Chilcotin Fishing Guide at the visitor center. For tackle, licenses, and advice, head to Donex Pharmacy, 145 Birch St. (tel. 250/395-4004).
One lake-filled area lies southeast of 100 Mile House along Hwy. 24, which connects Hwy. 97 with Hwy. 5 at Little Fort, on the Thompson River. This scenic drive climbs up along a high plateau between the watersheds of the Fraser and Thompson rivers. The road leads to so many excellent fishing lakes that it's often referred to as the "Fishing Highway."
On Sheridan Lake, the Loon Bay Resort, 40km (25 miles) southeast of 100 Mile House (tel. 250/593-4431; www.loonbayresort.com), rents tackle, canoes, and motorboats; sells licenses; and maintains cabins (from C$70 double) and campsites.
Perhaps the most beautiful of all these lakes is Lac des Roches, 88km (55 miles) east of 100 Mile House. The handsome Lac Des Roches Resort (tel. 250/593-4141; www.lacdesroches.com) offers boat rentals, campsites (C$15), and lakeside cabins (from C$89 double).
Northeast of 100 Mile House is another lake-filled valley. Canim Lake is the most developed, with good swimming beaches. The venerable Ponderosa Resort (tel. 250/397-2243; www.ponderosaresort.com) offers boat rentals, guided fishing, and horseback riding. Motel-style rooms are C$95, cabins are C$105 to C$120, and campsites are around C$25. At Canim Beach Provincial Park, 45km (28 miles) from 100 Mile House, campsites are C$14.
If you're looking for a wilderness canoeing experience, Moose Valley Provincial Park preserves a series of small glacial lakes that are linked by short portage trails. The most popular route begins at Marks Lake and links with 11 other lakes, making for a leisurely 2-day loop paddle. For more information, contact BC Parks, Cariboo District (tel. 250/398-4414; www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks).
Cross-Country Skiing
In February, the town hosts the Cariboo Marathon, a 50km (31-mile) race that draws more than 1,000 contestants. There's an extensive public trail system with 200km (124 miles) of groomed trails in the area, with some parts lit at night. Many resorts and guest ranches also have groomed trails.
Golf
The region's finest course is undoubtedly at 108 Ranch Resort, in 108 Mile House (tel. 800/667-5233 or 250/791-5211; www.108resort.bcresorts.com). The 18-hole championship course has undulating fairways and fast putting greens. The resort offers a driving range, a pro shop, and lessons.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
