“Explore the Unspoiled”
Entering Gold Country from the east, you will be welcomed by a land of rugged scenery; mountains with multi-hued lava cliffs, crystal blue lakes and sage filled desert.
History
Savona.
Savona Ferry, as it was then known, was established in the 1800s, and served as the last stop on the Cariboo Wagon Road from Cache Creek. Travellers would disembark the BX stagecoach to board the steamship for their journey up the lake to Kamloops, or continue on to the Shuswap Lakes. When the Canadian Pacific Railway line was built on the south side of Kamloops Lake in 1885, the community was moved across the ice-covered lake, building by building, to the new south-shore site of Savona.
Deadman Valley.
The Deadman Valley is a traditional gathering place of the people of the Shuswap (Sequa’pmug or Secwepemc) First Nation. With European settlement and the diminishing of First Nations land, a reserve was formed around a traditional winter settlement in the Deadman Valley. The Skeetchestn Reserve was founded in 1877.
As for the “Deadman” name, it reportedly dates back to 1817, when Pierre Charette of the North West Company (a fur trading outfit based in Montreal) was murdered by his travelling companion.
Things To Do
Savona Community Heritage Centre
(6640 Tingley St. Phone: 250-373-2538). Journey down memory lane at the nearby Savona Community Heritage Centre, where the folklore and history of the region are shared. Open year round on Wednesdays, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Centre of the Universe.
In 1980, a Tibetan monk was sent by his master to Vidette Lake in the Deadman Valley, to help determine whether this location could be the centre of the universe. The monk stayed at the Vidette Lake Gold Mine Resort, a former 1860’s Fur Trading Post. Further tests conducted by a group of monks in 1984 and 1988 led to the conclusion that the centre of the universe was located on the resort’s property. It continues to be a site of pilgrimage for Tibetan monks. Call the resort in advance to book a tour of the “Centre of the Universe”.
Deadman Valley Hoodoos.
Situated in the Castle Rock Hoodoos Provincial Park, these spectacular formations are some of the finest examples of hoodoos that can be seen from a public roadway in British Columbia. According to ancient First Nations folklore, the hoodoos represent invading warriors who broke a promise and were turned to stone. Due to erosion, please admire the hoodoos from a distance to help preserve them for future generations.
Deadman Falls.
Visit the Deadman Falls, a spectacular display of water cascading down 200 feet into a narrow canyon. The falls are approximately 5km north of the Vidette Lake Gold Mine Resort on the Deadman Vidette Road.
'$100 View' Lookout & Rest Stop.
Heading east from Savona along the beautiful shores of Kamloops Lake, you'll arrive at a stop that offers 180 degrees of spectacular views. From the pull-off approximately 1/2km west of the Lookout, visitors can view the 'Balancing Rock': a boulder perched atop a clay Hoodoo pillar that has been eroded over thousands of years. This structure is susceptible to erosion and is of special significance in First Nations heritage, so please help to preserve this site by keeping your distance!
GeoTourism.
The Gold Country GeoTourism Program is the perfect way to begin your explorations of Copper Desert Country. With hidden caches placed at carefully selected sites of interest, you can discover the rugged trails once taken by fur traders, an abandoned gold mine and much more.
Recreation
Tobiano Golf.
East of Savona, on a bluff overlooking Kamloops Lake, is Tobiano – a golfer’s paradise. Cliffs, canyons and a dusting of sagebrush make this course one of the most picturesque in British Columbia, and an unforgettable experience for any golf enthusiast. Open from April to October.
Savona Community Park.
Swim or relax on the beach on a sunny day, enjoy a picnic or a friendly game of horseshoes.
Water sports.
Launch your boat at Savona and set out for some great fly-fishing or an exhilarating day of waterskiing.
Situated with a beach on Kamloops Lake, Steelhead Provincial Park is a beautiful spot for camping and fishing.
Swimming, fishing, boating, hiking and biking can all be enjoyed at Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park. With a campground and resort onsite, this getaway has all the amenities you need.
A great spot for trout fishing, Tunkwa Provincial Park has some first rate amenities on offer for visitors year round. For hiking, biking, horseback riding and ATV riding, head to the large trail network behind Leighton Lake (accessible from the parking lot just beyond the entrance to Leighton Lake).
Mount Savona & Savona Caves.
Stunning views as well as beautiful seams of agate and green opals make this area extremely popular with hang-gliders, hikers and rock hounds. The caves are situated at the summit of the mountain, an ancient volcano, and were once used for ancient rituals and celebrations. Please respect the pictographs that can be seen in the caves.
Deadman Valley.
Take in incredible volcanic lava cliffs and rolling ranchland as you travel up Deadman Creek Road. This landscape is perfect for hikers, bikers, and rock hounds.
Cherry Creek.
This picturesque farming area is home to equestrian opportunities, hiking, and biking. Popular dirt biking and mountain biking trails can be discovered on Greenstone Mountain, accessible via Greenstone Mountain Road in Cherry Creek.
Chuwhels Mountain.
Located near Paska Lake, Chuwhels Mountain is covered in trails for hikers, dirt bikers, ATV riders and horse riders.
Winter Fun
Skiing.
The Overlander Ski Club maintains popular cross-country ski and snowshoe trails around Stake Lake. Kids’ ski equipment rentals and snowshoe rentals for all ages are available. Some of Stake Lake’s cross-country ski trails extend to Lac Le Jeune. Cross-country skiing is also available at Tunkwa Provincial Park.
There are numerous snowmobile trails in Copper Desert Country, including Lac Le Jeune, Tunkwa Provincial Park. Greenstone Mountain and the Tranquille Lake/Porcupine Meadows Snowmobile Trail System.
Dining and Accommodation
Visit the Tobiano Golf Course Restaurant (Phone: 1-877-373-2218) for a fine dining experience with Mediterranean and Latin flavours. For casual fare, visit the Roadhouse Café in Savona (1171 Trans-Canada Hwy. Phone: 250-373-2352).
From campgrounds to ranches, B&Bs and lakeside resorts, your stay in Copper Desert Country can be as relaxing, action-packed and scenic as you desire. The picturesque Lakeside Country Inn is ideally located in Savona. Deer Run Bed & Breakfast overlooks the scenic Tobiano Golf Course. The land around the Vidette Lake Gold Mine Resort has a fascinating history, aside from being considered the centre of the universe! Travel by boat to a secluded rustic cabin at the Circle W Hi Hium Fishing Camp. Anglers will also enjoy the Tunkwa Lake Resort. The Lac Le Jeune Resort and Conference Centre is ideal for a fishing trip or a family getaway. Steelhead Provincial Park is a popular location for camping on Kamloops Lake.
Events
The Deadman’s Creek Rodeo takes place annually on Easter weekend. This family-friendly adrenalin fueled event is held at the Skeetchestn First Nation Band rodeo grounds.
See the Events Calendar for more event listings.
Key Facts:
Population 700,
Area Population 1750,
Elevation 343m
Amenities include:
• Accommodations
• Camping
• Restaurants
• Grocery Store
• Museum
• Service Stations/Auto Repair
• Post Office
• Recreation: Beach/Swimming, Boat Launch, Community Park, Fishing (Savona & area lakes), Golf (Tobiano), Playing fields, Marina (Tobiano)
More Info
http://www.copperdesertcountry.com
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