The unofficial BC Travel & Tourism Guide
Tatlayoko Lake is poised at the base of an alpine wilderness to the west and the Interior Plateau to the east. Its aquamarine waters, created by silt pulverized by the surrounding glaciers, glow beneath the summits of the largest peaks in the Coast Range. The lake sits within the 17,575 h Homathko River-Tatlayoko Protected Area and is an important part of a wilderness corridor for animals moving from the coast, at the head of Bute Inlet, to the interior. This includes Grizzly bear, which hunt salmon in both the Homathko and Chilko Rivers. The valley also supports moose, black bear, mountain goats, mule deer, waterfowl, and numerous other species.
Recreation includes boating from the eastern end of the lake. However, in the native Tsilhqot'in language, the word Tatlayoko literally translates to 'lake of the big winds'. As the water is extremely cold, great care should be taken by boats, kayaks and canoes. For wetsuit-clad windsurfers and kitesurfers, the reliable, thermally driven winds are exactly the reason to come. Downstream of the lake, the most expert of river kayakers can enter the tumultuous white water of the Homathko River.
In the area around the lake, activities are dependent on the resolve of the visitor. Because there are no roads or marked trails, only people skilled in orienteering and in backcountry travel can explore deep into the terrain. But properly prepared, visitors can enjoy backcountry travel, wildlife viewing and mountaineering in the Tatlayoko area. Seasonal hunting is allowed. For fisherman there is Tatlayoko Lake itself, as well as numerous small lakes nearby, including Horn, Sapeye, Bluff, Middle and Twist Lake, and the Homathko River.
Camping
There is a short road and a forestry recreation site on the eastern shore of the lake. There are no facilities provided. Wilderness camping is allowed.
Location and access
The most reasonable access is from the east side of the Coast Range. Travel west from Williams Lake along Highway 20 for 175 km to just before the tiny community of Tatla Lake. From there follow signs to Tatlayoko Lake, 30 km to the south.
Recreation includes boating from the eastern end of the lake. However, in the native Tsilhqot'in language, the word Tatlayoko literally translates to 'lake of the big winds'. As the water is extremely cold, great care should be taken by boats, kayaks and canoes. For wetsuit-clad windsurfers and kitesurfers, the reliable, thermally driven winds are exactly the reason to come. Downstream of the lake, the most expert of river kayakers can enter the tumultuous white water of the Homathko River.
In the area around the lake, activities are dependent on the resolve of the visitor. Because there are no roads or marked trails, only people skilled in orienteering and in backcountry travel can explore deep into the terrain. But properly prepared, visitors can enjoy backcountry travel, wildlife viewing and mountaineering in the Tatlayoko area. Seasonal hunting is allowed. For fisherman there is Tatlayoko Lake itself, as well as numerous small lakes nearby, including Horn, Sapeye, Bluff, Middle and Twist Lake, and the Homathko River.
Camping
There is a short road and a forestry recreation site on the eastern shore of the lake. There are no facilities provided. Wilderness camping is allowed.
Location and access
The most reasonable access is from the east side of the Coast Range. Travel west from Williams Lake along Highway 20 for 175 km to just before the tiny community of Tatla Lake. From there follow signs to Tatlayoko Lake, 30 km to the south.
Tatlayoko Lake Accommodations
Tatlayoko Lake Things to Do
British Columbia
