Boat Glassy Water with Family Near Likely Together
Why Rent On Quesnel Lake
Quesnel Lake holds the distinction of being the deepest fjord lake in the world, reaching 511 metres at its maximum depth, and extends 100 kilometres through BC’s Cariboo-Chilcotin region with a North Arm that adds another 48 kilometres of glacier-carved fjord scenery. The surrounding Cariboo Mountains press ancient cedar rainforests down to the water’s edge, and the walls of rock rising from the lake in its deeper sections create a sense of scale that visitors consistently describe as humbling. The nearby town of Likely serves as the primary access point, with the community of Horsefly providing an additional base. Cabins and waterfront rentals in the Likely and Horsefly areas comfortably sleep four to ten guests with full kitchens, wood stoves, and beautiful lake views across water that is rarely crowded and frequently extraordinary.
Trophy Trout, Sockeye Salmon, and BC’s Finest Backcountry Boating
Quesnel Lake is a significant part of British Columbia’s sockeye salmon system, and the late-summer salmon run through the lake and into the Quesnel River is one of the most spectacular natural events in the province. The lake’s rainbow trout reach up to 20 pounds, among the largest in BC, and are a serious target for both guided and independent anglers. Several boat launches and marinas serve the lake’s boating community, and the sheer scale of Quesnel Lake makes multi-day boat camping trips a genuinely viable and rewarding option for families with older children. Nearby Bowron Lakes Provincial Park, a legendary canoe circuit, adds one of Canada’s great paddling destinations to the region for groups interested in extending their stay.
Why a Rental Beats a Hotel Here
Quesnel Lake has no hotels in any conventional sense. The experience here is defined by private cabins, fishing lodges, and vacation homes that place you in direct relationship with a landscape that rewards unhurried time. A week in a well-chosen rental on Quesnel Lake, with a boat for exploring the fjord arms and fishing gear for the trout, is the kind of trip that resets perspectives in ways that resort destinations cannot.
- Surface area (km)
- 266
- Max depth (m)
- 511
- Elevation (m)
- 728
- Shoreline length (km)
- 323.8
Popular activities
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Boating
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Quesnel Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Yes, it is generally safe to swim in Quesnel Lake. All water use restrictions, including those for swimming, were fully rescinded by Interior Health Authority on July 13, 2015, except for a specific impact zone near Hazeltine Creek, which is no longer under restriction. The lake’s water quality meets safe drinking and recreational use guidelines.
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Quesnel Lake is a popular destination because of its excellent fishery. It is home to about a quarter of British Columbia’s sockeye salmon and has over 600 km of shoreline with stunning scenery, including sandy beaches and ancient cedar rainforests. The lake’s deep, fjord-like structure also attracts visitors for its unique geological features.
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Yes, there are specific fishing restrictions and closed areas in Quesnel Lake. No fishing is allowed in the North Arm north of a line between Watt and Service Creeks from March 1 to May 31, and there is no fishing southwest of a line between fishing boundary signs on opposite shores of Horsefly Bay during the same period.
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There isn’t a specific beach at Quesnel Lake recommended for families; however, Ten Mile Lake Provincial Park, near Quesnel, is a great alternative. It has a dog-friendly beach, a public boat launch, and clear warm waters ideal for swimming and family activities.
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Towns near Quesnel Lake include Likely, which is located on the west arm of the lake, and possibly communities like Horsefly, given its proximity to the lake’s access points. These towns are connected via Highway 97 and local roads.
