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Chase
Chase
is located 56 km (35 miles) east of Kamloops
and 53 km (33 miles) west of Salmon Arm
on the Trans-Canada Hwy 1.
'Gateway
to the Shuswap'
Chase is located on the west end of Little Shuswap Lake and where
the South Thompson River empties towards Kamloops.
Adams River, one of British Columbia's major salmon runs, and Shuswap
Lake are located very close by at Squilax. Chase is often referred
to as the 'Gateway to the Shuswap.'
Very
Ideal Scene
Chase is set in a very ideal scene. Beautiful lakes, clean rivers
and magnificent mountains lend to a very relaxed atmosphere. Recreation
abounds with every outdoor pursuit possible. Boating, cross-country
skiing, hiking, fishing, hunting and mountain biking are all
available.
All
the Amenities
Chase also has all the amenities: accommodation, a good mixture
of stores and restaurants. One favourite is Craigs Bakery/Deli &
Coffee Shop which features daily breakfast and lunch specials. Chase
also has the district's local museum housed in the historic Catholic
Church.
Big
City Requirements
Sorrento, another small community towards
the east, is also close by giving you good access to Shuswap Lake.
Plus, for big city requirements, you are only 40 minutes in either
direction of Kamloops or Salmon
Arm.
Large
Wildlife Population
Being situated next to little Shuswap Lake and located near Shuswap
Lake and Adams Lake the area supports a large wildlife population.
If you enjoy the viewing of birds it is exceptional with Bald Eagles,
Canada Geese, Osprey, Trumpeter and Tundra Swans everywhere.
Roderick
Haig-Brown Park
The annual Adams River sockeye run is also close by at Roderick
Haig-Brown Park. If you haven't seen this miracle, you've missed
one of nature's greatest events.
Neskonlith
Meadows
If your time schedule permits, try venturing out on some of the
trails that are in the region. One favourite is the walk up through
Neskonlith Meadows to the lookout point of Chase. For photographers
the view of Chase next to the Little Shuswap and Thompson River
is spectacular.
Beautiful
Wild Flowers
The meadows are full of beautiful wild flowers that start in April
with Glacier Lilies. Then, all the way to September, there are Bluebells,
Shooting Stars, Buttercups, Balsam Root, Violets, Chocolate Lilies,
Delphiniums and Lupines.
Chase
Falls
If you are limited in time, walk into Chase Falls located on the
east side of Hwy 1 at the Chase Creek rest area.
Boating on the Shuswap Lake
If you enjoy boating or floating in the water this is the place.
Located on the east side of Chase the section of Shuswap Lake from
Lee Creek and the mouth of the Adams River to the Little Shuswap
Lake is absolutely incredible.
Great
Tubing
If you want a rush, take whatever you have that floats and give
this a try. Lots of people float down with a tube, mask and snorkel.
Try kayaking or canoeing - the river is clean, fast-flowing and
very scenic.
Chase
Lions Campgound
If you're looking for RV camping in the Chase area one place
that is highly recommended is the Chase Lions Campgound. Reasonably
priced the campround offers full hookups, boat launch and is situated
right next to the Thompson River near Little Shuswap Lake.
Neskonlith
Provincial Park
If you travel in this section of Thompson River near Chase, please
try canoeing or kayaking to Banana Island. Located here is Neskonlith
Provincial Park - one of British Columbia's environmentally sensitive
areas. This is a great place to explore through the beautiful scenery
along the river and the ponderosa pine providing nesting areas for
raptors and other wild fowl. The area around and including Banana
Island has always been considered sacred to the Secwepemc Nation's
Neskonlith band.
Secwepemc
or Shuswap Nation
The Secwepemc or Shuswap Nation has been stewards of the Shuswap
Lake area for at least ten thousand years. The Chase area of the
Shuswap has three local Secwepemc Nation bands - the Neskonlith,
Adams Lake and Little Shuswap. "Waytk," or welcome in
the Shuswap language, is an invitation to you to explore this proud
First Nations people.
Quaaout
Resort & Conference Centre
By visiting the Quaaout Resort & Conference Centre you will
find off firsthand the warmth and friendliness of the Secwepemc
Nation.
Cross-Country
Ski Trails
Cross-country ski trails are located at West and East Skmana Lakes
only 14 km (9 miles) from Chase. You can get here by taking Pine
Street north to the Niskonlith Lake Road, then travel west along
this gravel road for 3 km 2 miles) where you will come to a fork
- take the right fork, the Loakin-Bear Creek Road - which runs from
Chase to Squilax, to the parking lot and enjoy the wide range of
trails.
Backcountry
Roads to Kamloops
Rather than taking Trans-Canada Hwy 1 to Kamloops,
there are a few backcountry dirt roads that could take you there
as well. One of the roads follows the north side of the South Thompson
River called the McGillivray
Forest Service Road.
Niskonlith
Lake Recreation Area
Another road takes you through the backcountry to Niskonlith Lake
Recreation Area. This road affords a panoramic view of Chase, Little
Shuswap Lake and the Thompson Valley. You can fish for kokanee and
rainbow trout in Niskonlith Lake and there is also a rustic-style
provincial campground there.
Recreation
Sites
If the campsite at Niskonlith Lake is full, follow the McGillivray
Creek Road for 30 minutes and you can stay at the forest service
recreation sites at McGillivray Lake, Little McGillivray Lake or
Morrisey Lake. The road eventually comes to Heffley Lake then to
Heffley Creek on Hwy 5. Take Hwy 5 south to Kamloops
for about an hour. Another road goes through to Pinantan Lake, Paul
Lake then down Paul Creek into Kamloops.
Chase
Visitor Info Centre
So you don't get lost on your ventures throughout the countryside,
make sure you stop at the Visitor Info Centre located at 400 Shuswap
Avenue in Chase. The Centre is operated by the Chase and District
Chamber of Commerce. Accommodation, maps and other free information,
especially driving directions, are readily available.
Chase
Links
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