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Endako
Endako is located 57 km (36 miles) east of Burns
Lake and 16 km 10 (miles) west of Fraser
Lake on Hwy 16.
Grand
Trunk Pacific Railway
Endako has a European history that dates back to when the Grand
Trunk Pacific Railway created a switching-off point for the trains
going towards Smithers and eventually
to the Pacific Ocean at Prince Rupert.
The main centre of Endako was surrounded by an array of tracks,
bunkhouses and a roundhouse that allowed for ease of switching including
the highest water tower on the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway line.
Hwy
16
As you travel through Endako one building that stands out on Hwy
16 is the Endako Pub. Originally starting off as the Hotel Annan
during the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway era, the Endako Pub serves
as one of the main meeting places for the residents of Endako. Other
businesses in Endako on Hwy 16 include the Endako Auto Wrecking
Towing, Endako Taxidermy, Forget-Me-Nots Antiques & Gift and
the Canadian National Railway bunkhouse.
Endako
Mine
Endako Mine, a massive open pit open since 1962, is located 8.5
km (5.3 miles) south-west of the village of Endako on Endako Mine
Road. The Endako Mine, Canada's largest and once one of North America's
largest producer of molybdenum is operated by a joint venture between
Sojitz Corporation, of Tokyo, Japan, and Thompson Creek (formerly
Blue Pearl Mining Ltd.) of Toronto, Ontario. During the summer time
tours are offered to view the mine's operation.
Glenannan
Also close by to the Endako Mine Road is the eastern end of Francois
Lake at the small settlement of Glenannan, the site of a large electrical
substation operated by BC Hydro. Glenannan also serves as a tourist
destination with the 18-hole Molyhills Golf Club, fishing resorts
and Francois Lake Provincial Park nearby.
Francois
Lake Provincial Park
For a government campground, the facilities at Francois Lake Provincial
Park are good but fairly rustic. Included at the park are a number
of first-come, first-served vehicle-accessible campsites, swimming
opportunities, a day-use area with picnic tables and a gravel boat
launch at Sawmill Point. Unfortunately, there is no drinking water
available and only pit toilets at Francois Lake Provincial Park.
For one that has better facilities the closest is at Beaumont
Provincial Park.
Fishing
Resorts
Some nearby fishing resorts are located near Glenannan including
Birch Bay Resort, Nithi Resort and Stellako Lodge.
Other
Lakes
For other lakes in the area you can also travel south on gravel
roads south of Francois Lake Provincial Park to Borel Lake and Anzus
Lake. Both lakes have old Forest Service recreation rustic campgrounds
available. From here you can take backcountry roads to the west
towards Southbank and find Wapoose, Binta and Uncha Lakes.
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