Likely

Previously known as Quesnelle Dam and renamed in 1923 after notable prospector John Likely, the town of Likely is just 85 km east of 150 Mile House nestled on the shores of the west arm of Quesnel Lake, the largest lake in the Central Cariboo and the deepest fjord lake in the world situated in a rare inland temperate rainforest environment at the foot of the Cariboo Mountains.

Likely is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts with a wide variety of activities available such as hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, canoeing, boating, waterskiing, or snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing in the winter months. Visit the marvelous Cariboo Falls or just relax at the lovely beaches on Quesnel Lake.

Experienced kayakers will thoroughly enjoy an exhilarating jaunt from Likely, cruising down the Quesnel River, to Quesnelle Forks and people come from near and far to fish for trophy sized rainbow trout on world-renowned Quesnel Lake, only one example of several world-class fishing opportunities that exist in the many lakes, rivers and streams in the area.

Guided eco-tour adventures will take you into the rainforest, or to the alpine and glaciers in the area and there are exhilerating wildlife viewing possibilities where you may observe grizzly bears, black bears, a plethora of birdlife, millions of salmon and various other indigenous species.

There are relics of the illustrious Gold Rush mining era evident throughout the Likely area and if you are a history buff, you will be quite pleased with all of the interesting attractions. There is the Cedar City Mining Museum and Info Centre, the largest man-made bullion pit in North America with a lookout and a picnic area, Cedar Point Provincial Park has an array of bygone mining equipment on display, and nearby is the Quesnelle Forks Restoration Site and Ghost Town where you can explore the remnants of a once booming gold rush town and adjacent cemetery.

You can stay at one of an assortment of hotels, motels, inns, B&B’s, resorts, lodges, cabins, campsites and RV parks scattered around the Likely area and there is a community hall, chapel, post office, pub, restaurant, general store, gas station and guide services available for visitor’s comfort and convenience.

There are a number of entertaining local events to participate in such as the Likely Mayday celebration and parade, fishing derbies, the Unlikely Paddlefest, several yearly sporting events and the Likely Christmas Craft Fair.

Likely is uniquely memorable, utterly charming and is one of the very few Cariboo Gold Rush towns remaining in the Central Cariboo, making it a fun and fascinating tourist destination.