CHARLIE LAKE, B.C.

The community of Charlie Lake is located along Highway 97 approximately 6 km northwest of the City of Fort St John, situated along the lake. It is located in the northeastern part of British Columbia, which is part of the Peace Country. The population of the area of Charlie Lake is approximately 2250 people with close to 1000 within the core zone.

Paleo Indians lived in the area over 10,000 years ago as evidence has been uncovered in the Charlie Lake Cave. The find includes a single spearhead, a large flaked stone chopper, and small soft-stone bead. Charlie Lake was formed by ice-damming of the Peace River many years ago. In the 1920's the trip from Vancouver to Charlie Lake took two weeks.

In the early 1940's, Charlie Lake was the site of a major camp for workers and supplies in the construction of the Alaska Highway and was the scene of the worst accident. In May of 1942, a large raft carrying tractors and a jeep across the lake broke apart during a storm. 12 men died in the cold waters of Charlie Lake.

Charlie Lake Boat Launch located on the southeast part of Charlie Lake, gives you access to the lake. Good fishing on this lake includes Walleye, Northern Pike, and Yellow Perch. Fishing licenses can be obtained at the Charlie Lake General Store as well as tackle, live bate, gas, diesel, propane, food, magazines. Also located at the General Store is the post office and souvenir shop. The lake is said to be 13km long.

Most of the business sector of Charlie Lake is situated on the south side of the lake along Highway 97 with a school, church, gas station, campgrounds and some residences. There is no hospital or library in this community, as the residents travel to Fort St. John for these services. Within 20 km of Charlie Lake, there are almost 22,000 people.

2009 EVENTS OF THE PEACE COUNTRY

Camping:

Located near the junction of Highway 97 and 29 is the Charlie Lake Provincial Park. Approximately 6 km northwest of the City of Fort St. John. Located 1 km from lake.

Charlie Lake Provincial Park has 58 treed campsites, playground, hiking trails, sani-station user fee, reservations accepted. 1-800-689-9025. Open May to September.

Rotary RV Park is located along Highway 97 on the southeast part of Charlie Lake across from the Charlie Lake General Store. Open May to September. 40 serviced sites, electricity and water, showers, laundry, firepits, picnic tables, boat dock and boat launch. (250) 785-1700.

Charlie Lake RV Park. 1 km past the Charlie Lake General Store on mile 52 of the Alaska Highway. Laundry, showers, pull thrus, firepits, playground. Full service sites, power only sites with some no service sites. (250) 787-1569.

Beatton Provincial Park located on the northeast side of Charlie Lake, 13 km north of Highway 97. 37 sites, boat launch, playground, sandy beach, ball diamonds, horseshoe pits, picnic tables. Reservations 1-800-689-9025.