As you travel east to west through the Robson Valley, you will see the Fraser River transform from crystal clear to the blue/green glacial till filled river found on the west coast where it spills into the Pacific Ocean. Locals enjoy jetboating and canoeing on the Fraser River, as well as fishing in season.
Prior to the completion of the railway through the Yellowhead Pass and McBride, sternwheelers, traveling on the Fraser River, brought people and materials to the area.
A short walk from the McBride Visitor Centre to an old marshy channel of the Fraser River. There is an observation platform, gazebo and 2 picnic tables here.
This is a great place for bird watching in late spring and summer. You may see northern harriers, ospreys, grebes, song sparrows,common yellowthroats, kingfishers, warblers, Canada geese, coots and a wide variety of duck species.
Horseshoe Lake, formed from an oxbow channel of the Fraser River, boasts a variety of bird species. A mobility friendly walkway takes you over water to the covered gazebo where you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings. From the Visitor Centre to the gazebo is 1.3 km. Ask at the Visitor Centre for the complete Robson Valley bird list.
Horseshoe Lake Gazebo
Horseshoe Lake, formed from an oxbow channel of the Fraser River, boasts a variety of bird species. A mobility friendly walkway takes you over water to the covered gazebo where you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings. From the Visitor Centre to the gazebo is 1.3 km.
Ask at the Visitor Centre for the complete Robson Valley bird list or check us out online at visitmcbride.ca
The LaSalle Lake Recreation Site, maintained by the McBride Community Forest, is about about 46 km west of McBride on Highway 16. This site has recently been expanded and offers 20 campsites (picnic tables and fire rings), 2 outhouses, bear proof garbage containers, firewood, a small beach area, dock and swimming/diving platform.
LaSalle Lake is a non-motorized lake and provides good fishing opportunities as it is stocked with trout. Near the crest of a hill, there is a sign to the left (south side) denoting the La Salle Lake road and recreation site. This is a short gravel road road traveling downhill through remnants of a cedar/hemlock forest ending at one of the La Salle Lakes.
A smaller second La Salle Lake is accessed from a gravel parking area on the left (south) side of Highway 16, 2km east of the road to the first lake above. A short hiking trail through old-growth spruce reaches the second La Salle Lake. Watch for birds and amphibians.
46 km west of McBride, just east of Crescent Spur. The east lake, which offers smaller rainbow, has a blazed footpath to a canoe launch. The west lake, another 1.5 km westward and 1.5 km off Hwy 16, has a rustic overnight campsite with tables, fire pits, a swimming dock, small boat launch (no motors please), beach and some big eastern brook trout. An opportunity for ice fishing, but the access road may not be plowed in winter.
Easy/One km. The signed trail maintained by the McBride Community Forest, is located off Highway 16, about 11 km east of McBride, before the Highway 16 bridge over the Beaver/Holmes River. The trail travels upstream along the north side of the Beaver River. A falls is located within 1 km of the parking area. Watch for Douglas-fir forests, salmon, and black bear.
The Beaver (Holmes) River Recreation Site is located on the east bank of the Beaver River. You can access the site by turning north off Highway 16 and travelling 1 km up the Holmes Forest Service Road.
This recreation site offers 8-10 campsites (picnic tables and fire rings), an outhouse, firewood and garbage pickup during the summer months. During the fall salmon run, visitors can view spawning salmon at a side channel of the Beaver River located at km 5 on the Holmes Forest Service Road. Caution should always be used when traveling on potentially active logging roads.
One of the Robson Valley’s most popular hikes! This family-friendly out and back trail rewards hikers with picnic spots at the lake after only 1.7km. Many take a dip in the warm water or try their hand at fishing. Adventurous hikers can add a few extra kilometers and some steep climbs for views of a small waterfall.
The trailhead is located 64km east of McBride on Highway 16. Park at the (second) rest area on the right (south), about 1km east of the weigh scales. Cross the highway at the west end of the rest area and you will find a sign at the trailhead. with parking 1km east of the weigh scales. Cross the highway at the west end of the rest area and you will find a sign at the trailhead.
