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Granisle
Granisle
was founded in the 1960's by the Granisle Copper Mine to help service
and house the employees working at the mine on Babine Lake. The
mine operated until 1992 and then it closed for good.
Retirement
community
Since then, Granisle has transformed itself into a recreational
and retirement community in north-central British Columbia.
Babine
Lake
Granisle is home to Babine Lake, British Columbia's longest
natural freshwater lake. Babine Lake stretches from just north of
Endako to Fort Babine for a length of 117 km (110 miles). Babine
Lake plays an important role in stocking British Columbia's fishing
industry.
Salmon
enhancement
With the assistance of Salmon enhancement, Babine Lake now has the
world's largest sockeye salmon run. This rare event happens every
year and you can witness part of it at either Pinkut Creek or Fulton
River hatcheries that are located in Granisle.
Free
Tours
You can visit these salmon enhancement facilities and completely
enjoy the free tour and watch this incredible event.
Recreation
Granisle plays host to a vast array of recreational activities
which include a hockey arena, curling rink, snowmobile and hiking
trails, houseboating and, of course, the fishing derby held every
year on Fathers' Day weekend.
Eco-tourism
A number of eco-tourism operators can also offer you float plane
tours, fishing charters, and guided lake tours along the 250 km
(156 miles) of scenic shoreline featuring rare petroglyphs by the
First Nations in certain areas.
Accommodation
If you're traveling with an RV and require a place to stay,
Granisle has a couple of spots. There is the British Columbia Provincial
Campground called Red Bluff.
Lions
Beach Park
Another place is a campground at the Lions Beach Park. For a real
adventure, try the wilderness lodge, Ookpik that is very secluded
and quiet.
Granisle
Resort
Granisle
also features the Granisle Resort a local hotel complete with restaurant
and pub. This is a really good spot to meet the locals and learn
where the fish are biting.
Granisle
Services
Granisle has various other services including a liquor outlet,
grocery store, public boat launch and emergency clinic. For a historical
attraction, there is a local museum that depicts Granisle's mining
past.
Traveling
and Driving
The route to Granisle and Topley Landing is reached by taking
the junction at Topley on Yellowhead Hwy 16. It's 49 km (31 miles)
from Topley to Granisle and should not take you anymore than 30
minutes, depending on the season.
Fulton
Lake and Fulton River
If you like exploring and don't mind dirt roads, take a detour at
Granisle to Fulton Lake and Fulton River. Continue on this road
until you see the Babine Lake Road. It is at this point you can
either go to Smithers Landing that is on Babine Lake or to Smithers.
This makes a great circle route back to Topley or, if you decide
to return to Granisle.
Smithers
Landing
There is a Provincial Marine Park at Smithers Landing. This lakeshore
campground is very nice and relaxing. Campsite has only 6 spots
and is on first come first served basis. For fishing and boating
information go to the Tukii Lodge located right in Smithers Landing.
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