Affordable. Uncrowded. Crystal-clear lakes around every bend. If you’ve been searching for the kind of BC road trip that actually feels like an escape—not a battle for a campsite or a scenic pullout—BC’s Land of Hidden Waters is calling your name.
Stretching across the South Cariboo, the Lower North Thompson Valley, Kamloops, and up along BC’s famous Fishing Highway 24, this region has the highest density of lakes in the province, most of which you’ll have entirely to yourself. We recently spent a full week exploring this part of BC—seven days, seven lakes, three resorts, one unforgettable diner, and more sunsets than we could count—and it’s safe to say we’re already planning our return.
Here’s the day-by-day itinerary so you can do the same.
Days 1–3: Settle In at Fawn Lake Resort
Where: Fawn Lake, off Fishing Highway 24 near Lone Butte
Stay: Fawn Lake Resort
There’s no better way to start a week in the Land of Hidden Waters than waking up at Fawn Lake Resort. Tucked just 4 km off Highway 24 in a quiet wilderness setting, this is the kind of place where only electric motors are allowed on the lake—so the only soundtrack is birdsong, paddle strokes, and the occasional loon call.
The resort offers charming lakefront log cabins (some dating back to the 1940s and lovingly updated) as well as campsites for those who prefer sleeping a little closer to the stars. The real magic, though, was our cabin’s deck. Consider it your second living room for the duration of your stay. Coffee at sunrise, a book in the afternoon, a glass of something cold at sunset—you won’t want to be anywhere else.
During the day, grab a canoe, boat, or paddleboard and explore the lake. There’s a rope swing that’s absolutely worth seeking out, and the fly fishing here is outstanding—Fawn Lake is stocked with several strains of Rainbow Trout. In the evening, light up the fire pit, watch the sunset paint the water in shades of gold, and let the stillness sink in. Pets are welcome, and honestly, your dog will love it as much as you do.
Day 4: Lake Hopping & a Coffee Stop Worth the Drive
Where: Valentine Lake, Irish Lake & 108 Mile Ranch
One of the best things about basing yourself along Highway 24 is how many hidden gems are within a short drive. Today is all about exploring the local recreation sites—and discovering just how “hidden” these waters really are.
Start the morning with a drive out to Valentine Lake, a recreation site west of 100 Mile House that’s popular with anglers but blissfully uncrowded during the week. Only electric motors are permitted here, so the water stays glassy and peaceful. This is a welcoming spot for everyone, featuring accessible first-come, first-served campsites and a low-mobility trail. If you didn’t bring a boat, a fishing dock is also available.
From there, continue your lake-hopping adventure to Irish Lake—another one of those spots where you’ll likely have the entire shoreline to yourself. We stopped here for a quick jump in the lake from a particularly nice dock. That’s the magic of this region: lakes that feel like they were put here just for you.
Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: Rusty Iron Coffee Co.
After all that lake hopping, reward yourself with a stop at Rusty Iron Coffee Co. in 108 Mile Ranch. This charming log cabin coffee shop serves incredible coffee (roasted by Smoking Gun Coffee Roasters), house-baked muffins, scones, and some of the best breakfast wraps in the Cariboo. The quirky decor and cozy fireplace make it worth a visit on their own, but it’s the view of 108 Mile Lake from the patio that really seals the deal. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
While You’re in 108 Mile Ranch: Explore the Past
While our schedule didn’t allow a visit on this trip, the 108 Mile Ranch Heritage Site is literally next door to the Rusty Iron Coffee Co. and comes highly recommended. You can explore the historic Cariboo Gold Rush buildings, immerse yourself in stories at the museum, and find unique treasures in the charming gift shop. They also host markets, celebrations, and even ghost tours! Plan to set aside an hour or so if you want to stretch your legs and step back in time.
Day 5: Moosehaven Resort on Hathaway Lake
Where: Hathaway Lake, Lone Butte
Stay: Moosehaven Resort & Campground
Pack up and make the short drive to Moosehaven Resort on Hathaway Lake—and prepare to have your jaw hit the floor. Hathaway is one of those lakes where the water is so crystal clear you can see straight to the bottom, and the surrounding 12-acre resort is a family paradise.
If you’re travelling with kids (or you’re a kid at heart), the in-lake waterpark is an absolute highlight—think trampolines, climbing icebergs, and a walk-the-plank launch bag, all right in the lake. There are also kayaks, canoes, boats, and paddleboards included for guests. The lakefront cabins come fully stocked with everything you need, and the covered decks overlooking the water are the perfect spot for a lazy afternoon.
Keep your eyes (and ears) open for wildlife. Moosehaven is known for visits from deer, foxes, eagles, herons, and loons—the loon calls echoing across the lake at dusk are something you won’t soon forget. Note that Moosehaven is a dog-free resort to protect the abundant wildlife that visits the property, so plan accordingly if you’re travelling with a furry friend. Because we travel with a dog, we just passed through, but if you don’t have a pet, we definitely recommend staying here for more than 1 night!
Days 6–7: The Rustic Resort at Thuya Lakes
Where: Thuya Lakes, near Little Fort (about 1.5 hours north of Kamloops)
Stay: The Rustic Resort
En Route: Lac Des Roches Rest Area
Before you reach Thuya Lakes, don’t skip the Lac Des Roches Rest Area along Highway 24. Even by Land of Hidden Waters standards, this viewpoint is something special. Stretch your legs, snap a few photos, and soak it in—because even the rest stops here have gorgeous views.
Your Final Stop: Thuya Lakes
The Rustic Resort is exactly what the name promises—a true wilderness retreat with lakefront log cabins, private docks, and access to over 30 remote mountain lakes stocked with wild Kamloops Rainbow Trout. Situated on two very private lakes, this is the kind of place where your cabin comes with a rowboat and electric motor, and the fishing is as good as anywhere in BC.
Note that much of the journey up is on a Forest Service Road that is pretty long and bumpy, so we recommend a vehicle with good clearance—but it is absolutely worth it.
These last couple of days are made for slowing all the way down. Fish at sunrise. Swim in the afternoon. Nap on the dock. Paddle to a new cove. Watch the stars come out from your fire pit. The resort runs on generator power from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., which means evenings are genuinely quiet—no screens, no distractions, just the sound of water lapping against the shore and the occasional splash of a rising trout.
If you’re itching for a day trip, Wells Gray Provincial Park is about two hours away and offers some of the best scenery in the world. But honestly? You might just want to stay put and soak up the peace.
The Perfect Send-Off: High Five Diner in Little Fort
No Land of Hidden Waters road trip is complete without a stop at the High Five Diner in Little Fort. This family-run retro diner on Highway 5 is the kind of place where the portions are enormous, the pies are baked from scratch, and even the ketchup is homemade. The 1950s decor—vintage signs, country music, classic diner booths—sets the scene for what is, frankly, the most satisfying comfort food stop on any highway in BC.
Order breakfast, save room for pie, and toast a week well spent. After seven lakes in seven days, you’ve earned it.
Holly Louwerse Photography
Plan Your Own Hidden Waters Road Trip
Whether you’re looking for a week-long lake-hopping adventure or a quiet long weekend at a single cabin, BC’s Land of Hidden Waters has something for every kind of traveller. With cozy resorts, hidden recreation sites, world-class fishing, and the kind of peace and quiet you just can’t find at BC’s more crowded destinations, this is the road trip your summer needs.
Explore more places to stay and things to do at landofhiddenwaters.com.
Quick-Reference Itinerary
Note: The duration of this itinerary can totally be changed to suit your preference! This is just what we did!
Days 1–3: Fawn Lake Resort – Lakefront cabins, canoeing, paddleboarding, fly fishing, campfires, rope swing
Day 4: Lake hopping at Valentine Lake & Irish Lake + coffee at Rusty Iron Coffee Co. in 108 Mile Ranch
Day 5: Moosehaven Resort on Hathaway Lake – Crystal-clear water, in-lake waterpark, wildlife spotting
Days 6–7: The Rustic Resort at Thuya Lakes – Log cabins, private docks, 30+ fishable lakes, total wilderness tranquility
Scenic stop: Lac Des Roches Rest Area – The most gorgeous lakeview
Final stop: High Five Diner in Little Fort – Homemade comfort food, enormous portions, retro diner vibes
Frequently Asked Question
Summer is the sweet spot. Late June through early September offers the warmest water temperatures, the longest days, and the best conditions for swimming, paddling, and fishing. That said, the region is also beautiful in late spring and early fall if you prefer cooler weather and even fewer crowds.
Yes. If you plan to fish anywhere along the route, and you absolutely should, you’ll need a valid BC freshwater fishing licence. These can be purchased online through the BC government website or at sporting goods stores before you head out. Non-residents and residents have different licence requirements, so check the current regulations ahead of your trip.
Service is patchy in places and non-existent in others, particularly at The Rustic Resort at Thuya Lakes. Download offline maps before you leave (Google Maps and Maps.me both work well), and let someone at home know your itinerary. Consider it a feature, not a bug.
For most of the route, a regular passenger vehicle is fine. The exception is the Forest Service Road leading to Thuya Lakes, which is long, bumpy, and best suited to a vehicle with good clearance. Think SUV or truck rather than a low-riding sedan.
Each resort handles bookings independently. Visit their websites directly to check availability and reserve, especially if you’re travelling in July or August, when popular cabins can book up weeks in advance.
Absolutely. Moosehaven Resort in particular is a family highlight, with its in-lake waterpark and calm, crystal-clear water. Fawn Lake Resort is also great for kids, with canoeing, paddleboarding, and a rope swing. Just note that Moosehaven is dog-free, so plan accordingly if you’re travelling with pets.
Beyond the usual road trip essentials, we’d recommend a good bug spray (mosquitoes are real), layers for cool evenings, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and any paddling or fishing gear you want. The resorts provide boats and watercraft, but having your own rod and tackle is always a bonus. An offline map or downloaded route is strongly recommended.
Costs will vary depending on your accommodation choices and travel style. Cabin stays at the resorts range from moderate to premium depending on size and season, and you can expect to pay more for peak summer weekends. Meals and coffee are reasonably priced throughout, and the region generally offers excellent value compared to more heavily touristed parts of BC.
