D'arcy at Anderson Lake: Trail and History

Three features stand out when planning a trip to D'arcy: its location at the southern end of Anderson Lake, the Sea to Sky Trail, and the settlement's history. The lake, route, and historical background offer different ways to get your bearings and understand the area for your trip.

Anderson Lake and the Docks

At the end of Koocha Road, on the southern end of Anderson Lake, two wooden docks flank a concrete boat launch. The public docks and boat launch reopened in 2017 and are used by the public and Anderson Lake property owners to access the lake. Check current conditions before visiting.

The location of the docks and boat launch provides a specific landmark on the lake. When planning, you can compare this connection to the water with the longer route of the Sea to Sky Trail: in D'arcy, local access to Anderson Lake meets a route with a regional north-south orientation.

The Sea to Sky Trail

The Sea to Sky Trail stretches 180 kilometres from the waterfront in Squamish to D'arcy. It connects the Pacific Ocean in the south with the Coast Mountains in the north. Highlights of the D'arcy section include views of Anderson Lake. This gives the trail a different perspective on the area than the town's direct connection to the lake: here, the focus is on the route's long course and the landscape along the section. Check current trail information before setting out.

Port Anderson and Local History

The settlement was first established as Port Anderson during the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush of 1858–1859. D'arcy developed into one of the major ports on the Douglas Road. The settlement is named in honour of D'arcy Tate, vice-president of the Pacific Great Eastern Railway. This history connects the area with the gold rush and the Douglas Road transportation route. It adds a historical perspective on the settlement's development to today's points of reference at the lake and on the trail.

Swimming, Picnicking, and Fishing

Heritage Beach on Anderson Lake offers opportunities for swimming and picnicking. This brings beach activities into view alongside the docks and the trail. Find out about current local conditions before visiting.

Anderson Lake also offers good fishing opportunities. If fishing is part of your trip, check current conditions before heading out.

Squamish-Lillooet: Landscapes in the Wider Destination

In the wider Squamish-Lillooet destination, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District manages and protects an extensive network of parks and trails. These include spectacular ocean views, river access, forested trails, and pristine wetlands. This regional setting offers another perspective alongside D'arcy's immediate connection to Anderson Lake.

Brandywine Falls Park features a 70-metre waterfall and views of the surrounding mountains. The park offers opportunities for hiking, picnicking, mountain biking, and viewing the waterfall. Garibaldi Park has more than 90 kilometres of designated hiking trails. The two parks offer different highlights: Brandywine Falls Park combines a waterfall, viewpoints, and several activities, while the stated trail length identifies Garibaldi Park as a hiking destination.

The landscape of South Chilcotin Mountains Park includes mid-elevation grasslands, subalpine and alpine meadows, lakes, and mountain peaks. More than 200 kilometres of trails run through broad valleys, alpine meadows, and ridgelines, and are suitable for hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers. Wildlife sightings may include grizzly bears, mountain goats, and deer; sightings are not guaranteed. Conditions in the wilderness area can change, so it is helpful to check current information before a trip.

Discover more destinations: Pemberton, Lillooet, Gold Bridge, Squamish, Shalalth, Furry Creek, Whistler.

Go to the wider travel overview: Squamish-Lillooet.