Horsefly Lake Provincial Park

About This Park

This park offers a popular 23 site campground and day-use area which has a developed beach, a horseshoe pit and a nature trail. Some activities offered include hiking, exploring and fishing. This is a large, deep lake and is usually fished on a troll – included are a number of smaller lakes excellent for fly-fishing. Fishing for rainbow trout is a favourite pastime of many visitors.

Fir, spruce, birch and cedar clothe the slopes along the lower reaches of Dillabough Creek at the west end of Horsefly Lake – a semi-wilderness water body penetrating the Quesnel Highlands. There are old growth cedars and Douglas firs throughout the park. There are two unnamed lakes in the park, once the site of a hatchery operated to restore the run of sockeye to the Horsefly River.

Established Date: August 15, 1974
Park Size: 186 hectares

Know Before You Go

Stay Safe

The park supports multiple lake-oriented activities. Please adopt safe boating procedures at all times, and be aware of swimmers, canoeists and kayakers.

Special Notes

ORVs are prohibited in this park. ORVs include ATVs, off-road motorcycles, snowmobiles and side by sides.
There is no sani-station available within the park, but the local community has sani-station services available.

Reservations

All campsite reservations must be made through Discover Camping. When reservations are not available all campsites function as first-come, first-served.

Campsite Reservations:
Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.

Location and Maps

Please note: Any maps listed are for information only; they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

Location Map

The park is located on Horsefly Lake, approximately 65 km from 150 Mile House off Highway 97; 55 km of the route is paved, and 10 km is well-maintained gravel. The closest community is Horsefly, located 13 km southwest of the park. Other communities are Likely and Williams Lake.

For map information, please refer to topographical map numbers: 1:50,000 92P/11.

Maps and Brochures

Any maps listed are for information only; they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

Campground Map [PDF]

Nature and Culture

History: There are historical features and fossil beds to explore near the park; the Park Facility Operator can provide further details. The park itself was established in August of 1974 as a high recreational value area. Prior to this, a small fish hatchery operated in the area now protected as park and evidence of the old spawning channel can still be seen.
Conservation: Horsefly Lake Provincial Park incorporates a large, deep lake surrounded by diverse landscape and vegetation. Wetbelt forests of cedar, hemlock, spruce, and birch surround the lake, while pine and Douglas-fir forests inhabit drier sites.
Wildlife: Wildlife species found in the park include moose, mule deer, coyotes, black bear, cougar and a number of small mammals, while wolves may be found in surrounding areas. Horsefly and other smaller lakes in the area support healthy populations of rainbow trout and amphibians can be found in lake and wetland areas. While the park’s name leads many to expect an unpleasant camping experience, there are relatively few biting flies in the park. Just outside the community of Horsefly, there are spawning channels on the Horsefly River with dyked paths for viewing. The channels provide spawning beds for sockeye salmon that travel up the Fraser River to the Quesnel River, Quesnel Lake and finally to the Horsefly River to spawn. The best time to see these brilliant red and green salmon is mid-September.

Management Planning

Management Planning Information
Approved Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan [PDF] for Horsefly Lake Provincial Park

Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing

There are paddling, canoeing and kayaking opportunities at this park. Canoes, paddle boats, and a power boat can be rented from the Park Operator.

Cycling

Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

Fishing

This is a large, deep lake and is usually fished on a troll – included nearby are a number of smaller lakes excellent for fly-fishing; fishing for rainbow trout is a favourite pastime of many visitors. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Hiking

There is a 1.2 km hiking trail to a view point above the lake where there are 2 benches to sit on. The trail is of moderate hiking with some steep elevation changes. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.

Pets on Leash

Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.

Scuba Diving

There are scuba diving opportunities in Horsefly Lake.

Swimming

There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks. There is a swimming beach with change rooms and the swimming area is roped off. Be cautious of the steep drop off. There are snorkelling and scuba opportunities but no rental places nearby.

Waterskiing

Waterskiing is a popular activity on Horsefly Lake.

Wildlife Viewing

The trail up to the viewpoint, looks out over the lake.

Windsurfing

There is a possibility to windsurf on Horsefly Lake.

Facilities Available at this Park

Accessibility

There is one pit toilet at the campground with wheelchair accessibility.

Boat Launch

There is a single-wide concrete boat launch at this park. It is located at the far end of the campground. There is parking available for vehicle/boat trailers and it is possible to leave them overnight there. Boats should not be left in the water or beached overnight.

Campfires

While campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite, we encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead. Firewood can be purchased in the park or you may bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary from park to park. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.

Drinking Water

Cold water taps are located throughout the park; one at the entrance and one at the boat launch area. Taps are shut off during the off-season. Water taps do not have hose hook-ups for campers/trailers.

Picnic Areas

This park has a day-use/picnic area. It is a grassy area with a pebbly beach on the lake. There are two change houses, horseshoe pits, basketball net, feather ball, BBQ, and a dock for swimming. Firewood is available for purchase.

Pit or Flush Toilets

This park has only pit toilets which are located throughout the campground.

Playground

This park has a play area composed of a basketball hoop, feather ball and horseshoe pit. These are located in the day-use area.

Showers

There is a coin operated shower and laundry facilities at the Park Operator’s site.

Vehicle Accessible Camping

This park offers 23 vehicle accessible campsites – with both first-come, first-served and reservable campsites. There is a mixture of 23 shaded, treed, and open sites, most of medium size, 1 of which is a double site. There are no pull through sites but the overflow area is a large grassy area where large rigs will fit. There are also 7 tent sites on the lakeside and parking available for extra vehicles.

Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $23.00 per party/night

BC Senior’s Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $11.50 per senior party/night. Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.

Walk-In/Wilderness Camping

There are seven walk-in tent sites situated along the shoreline of the lake.

Walk-in/Wilderness Camping Fee: $23.00 per party / night

BC Senior’s Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $10.50 per senior party/night. Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.

In This Park

On This Page

Visitor Information

Park Contact