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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 177 km (111 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 travelling with an RV and require a place to stay,
Granisle has a couple of spots. There is the British Columbia Provincial
Campground on the way to Topley Landing called Red Bluff or located
right close to Granisle at New Beach and Lions Beach Park.
Ookpik
Wilderness Lodge
For a real adventure, try the wilderness lodge, Ookpik that is very
secluded and quiet.
Granisle
Resort
Granisle
also features the Granisle Resort a one bedroom or studio units
all with kitchens units in a motel type setting. This is a really
good spot to relax and meet the locals and learn where the fish
are biting.
Granisle
Services
Granisle has various other services including the Granisle General
Store which has some convenience items, fishing gear and license
plus the odd hardware item, public boat launch and emergency clinic.
For a historical attraction, there is a local museum that depicts
Granisle's mining past.
Babine
Lodge
For entertainment there is the Babine Lodge situated in Topley Landing
only 12 km (7.5 miles) away. The Babine Lodge has a small pub and
liquor off sales.
Travelling
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.
Bear
Country
Just remember if you are enjoying the provincial parks and the countryside
around Granisle, please remember this is bear country. Try to avoid
the rivers during heavy salmon spawning times unless you feel comfortable
with bears around and take the usual precautions. There is also
the possibilities of encounters with wolves or cougars so please
play it safe.
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. A caution note logging is very active in
the backcountry and you could run into large logging trucks travelling
at high speeds so be very aware when driving and keep it slow. Also
before you venture off make sure you have a good spare tire and
your vehicle is well maintained.
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.
Information
on Granisle and Area
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