Welcome to Burns Lake!
Burns Lake is a rural village in the North-western-Central Interior of British Columbia, Canada, incorporated in 1923. The village has a population of 1,779 according to the 2016 Census. The Village is renowned for its rich First Nations heritage, and for its extensive network of mountain biking trails, which have received international acclaim by becoming Canada's first IMBA Ride Centre. In winter, cross-country skiing trails and snowmobile wilderness trails are created. Burns Lake is located in the midst of large networks of lakes called the Lakes District, with fishing and hunting year-round, and water activities in the summer months.
There are two First Nations reserves that are part of the town, and another four nearby, making it one of the few communities in the province that have almost equal populations of persons of native or European descent. Local nations include Wetʼsuwetʼen First Nation, Lake Babine Nation, Cheslatta Carrier Nation, Ts'il Kaz Koh First Nation, Skin Tyee First Nation, and Nee-Tahi-Buhn Band.
The town serves as a hub for the local logging, saw-milling, mining and tourist industries. It also serves as the main commercial center for the surrounding area including François Lake, Colleymount, Grassy Plains, Rose Lake, Topley, and Granisle. There are three pubs, many cafes and restaurants a selection of stores, and services, numerous hotels and motels, a library, and a hospital. The famous musician, Stuart McCallum, grew up in Burns Lake and attributes its influence to his music. It is also the location of the head offices of the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako.