D'arcy: Anderson Lake and Gold Rush History

D’Arcy on Anderson Lake

D’Arcy connects Anderson Lake with a history that reaches back to the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush. At the lake’s southern end, two wooden docks stand at the end of Koocha Road, separated by a concrete boat launch. This setting makes the water and shoreline a natural focus when planning a trip. When choosing a vacation rental, you might consider whether you want to center your stay on the lake, the Sea to Sky Trail, or the area’s historical connections.

The public docks and boat launch at the end of Koocha Road reopened in 2017. They served the public and Anderson Lake property owners as access to the lake. Since current conditions may differ, it’s best to check them before visiting.

Lake and Sea to Sky Trail

The Sea to Sky Trail stretches 180 kilometres from the waterfront in Squamish to D’Arcy, connecting 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 brings two scales together: views of the lake along the local trail section and a route connecting the southern part of the region with the Coast Mountains. If you’d like to include the trail in your plans, check the latest route and conditions information before setting out.

Away from the trail, the water is also a focal point. Anderson Lake offers good fishing, and is also known for its many salmon. Heritage Beach on Anderson Lake offers opportunities for swimming and picnicking. When planning, you can consider different ways to enjoy the water: fishing, swimming, or taking a break for a picnic. Check current local conditions before visiting Heritage Beach.

Gold Rush and Local History

D’Arcy was first established as Port Anderson during the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush of 1858–1859, and became one of the major ports on the Douglas Road. The present-day name commemorates D’Arcy Tate, the vice president of the Pacific Great Eastern Railway, in whose honour the settlement was named. The area’s history brings together two specific connections: its founding as Port Anderson during the Gold Rush and its naming after a railway representative. This history adds another perspective on D’Arcy to the scenic views of Anderson Lake.

Squamish-Lillooet as the Wider Setting

The broader Squamish-Lillooet destination offers nature and hiking experiences beyond D’Arcy. The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District manages and protects an extensive network of parks and trails that includes ocean views, river access, forested paths, and wetlands. At Brandywine Falls Park, a 70-metre-high waterfall and views of the surrounding mountains are among the landscape’s highlights; visitors can also hike, picnic, mountain bike, and see the waterfall.

The hiking trails also offer a range of experiences across the region: Garibaldi Park has more than 90 kilometres of designated hiking trails. South Chilcotin Mountains Park has more than 200 kilometres of trails through broad valleys, alpine meadows, and ridgelines, suitable for hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers. The park also includes mid-elevation grasslands, subalpine and alpine meadows, lakes, and mountain peaks. These examples are part of the Squamish-Lillooet destination as a whole; D’Arcy has its own focus, with Anderson Lake, the trail section, and its local history.

Explore more destinations

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

Go to the main travel overview: Squamish-Lillooet.