Douglas Plateau

Beautiful backcountry trails, well-stocked fishing lakes and the largest working cattle ranch in Canada make the Douglas Plateau one of Gold Country’s most distinctive areas.

History

The Douglas Lake Ranch was founded in 1872 by John Douglas Sr.  In 1886, Charles Beak, Joseph Greaves, Charles Thomson and William Ward, who had purchased the land from Douglas, established the Douglas Lake Cattle Company.  While the fortunes of the ranch rose and fell over the years, it is currently the largest working cattle ranch in Canada, with approximately 20,000 cattle and 300 horses on ½ million acres of land.

Recreation

Douglas Lake Ranch.

The vast Douglas Lake Ranch has plenty to offer visitors. Hunting, boating and still water fly-fishing are all popular activities with guests.  There are also hiking and mountain biking trails on the property.

Pennask Lake Provincial Park.

At the Pennask Lake Provincial Park fishery, 3-5million rainbow trout eggs are spawned annually.  Visitors can experience canoeing, kayaking, fishing and swimming while taking in this incredible natural environment.  Eskers, ridges formed by glaciers, can be seen to the north of the park.  The last portion of the access road is 4x4 only.

Many of the lakes on the Douglas Plateau are ideal for camping, fishing and hiking.  Paradise Lake (North of Hwy 97C) is surrounded by smaller lakes that are all easily accessible.  Hatheume Lake, meaning ‘big fish’ in the native language of the area, is a popular spot for fishing rainbow trout.

Winter Fun

Douglas Lake Ranch offers guests cross-country skiing and snowshoeing experiences on the property.  Other areas on the plateau are suitable for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, skating and ice fishing.

Accommodation

Accommodation on the Douglas Lake Ranch varies from lodges with meeting facilities to lakeside yurts.  Rental accommodations are available at Paradise Lake.  Camping is possible at the Pennask Lake Provincial Park, but a 4x4 vehicle is recommended.