Overview
Chase is a small community of roughly 2,500 people situated at the western end of Little Shuswap Lake, where the Little South Thompson River flows westward toward Kamloops. It sits in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District of British Columbia, about 50 km east of Kamloops along the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1).
The town is perhaps best known among British Columbians as a quieter gateway to the broader Shuswap lake system — a network of interconnected lakes that draws boaters, anglers, and houseboaters each summer. The surrounding landscape transitions between dry, open grassland and forested hillsides, giving Chase a distinctly interior BC character that differs sharply from the coast.
Chase is a working community rather than a polished resort town. Visitors generally come for nature, not nightlife — expect a genuine, unhurried pace that suits those looking to slow down rather than be entertained.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Canada's entry requirements vary by nationality. Visit TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to confirm what applies to your passport before booking travel.
When to Go
- Summer (June–August): Peak season. Warm, sunny days make this ideal for swimming, kayaking, and hiking. Accommodation in the wider Shuswap area books up well in advance — reserve early.
- September: Temperatures ease, crowds thin, and the sockeye salmon run on the Adams River (nearby Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park) can be spectacular in dominant-run years. Confirm run strength locally before planning your trip around it.
- Winter: Chase experiences cold winters with snowfall. Most visitor-facing services remain open, but outdoor recreation shifts to snowshoeing and quiet walks. The lake is less of a draw.
What to Pack
Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle are essentials in summer. If you plan to hike, bring layers — temperatures can drop significantly after sunset even in July. Water shoes are useful for rocky lakeshore access.
Getting There
By Road
Chase is directly on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), approximately 50 km east of Kamloops and about 360 km east of Vancouver. It is a straightforward drive and the most common way visitors arrive. The Rogers Pass and Coquihalla routes both funnel traffic through or near this corridor.
By Bus
Interior BC has regional bus services connecting communities along the Highway 1 corridor. Verify current schedules and operators locally or at the Kamloops transit authority, as rural service routes and frequencies change.
By Rail
VIA Rail's Canadian transcontinental service passes through the Shuswap corridor, with a stop at Chase. This is a scenic option for those traveling between Vancouver and points east, though the train does not run daily — confirm current schedules on the VIA Rail website.
Nearest Major Airport
Kamloops Airport (YKA) is the closest airport with scheduled commercial service, approximately 50 km west of Chase. Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is a larger hub for international arrivals, with a roughly 4-hour drive to Chase depending on route and conditions.
Getting Around
Chase is a compact town and the central area is walkable. That said, reaching the lake, provincial parks, and surrounding attractions typically requires a vehicle. There is no local public transit network within Chase itself.
A private car or rental vehicle (picked up in Kamloops) is strongly recommended for exploring the region. Cycling is possible on quieter roads and some trails, but Highway 1 through town is a busy route and not particularly cycle-friendly. If you plan to get out onto the water, boat rentals and houseboat charters are available in the broader Shuswap region — verify current operators locally or through Shuswap Tourism.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in Chase is limited but functional. Options include a small number of motels along or near the highway, as well as vacation rentals (verify availability on standard rental platforms). Camping is a popular and well-suited choice for the area, with provincial park campgrounds within a short drive.
For summer travel, book well ahead — the Shuswap region as a whole sees high demand in July and August, and available rooms in Chase are limited. Kamloops, 50 km west, offers a significantly wider range of hotel accommodation if Chase options are full.
Houseboat rentals on Shuswap Lake are a distinctive local experience favored by families and groups; these are typically booked out of Sicamous further east. Verify operators and pricing directly.
Things to See & Do
Water Activities
Little Shuswap Lake and the connected Shuswap Lake system are the main draw. Swimming, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and powerboating are all popular from late spring through early fall. There are public beach areas near Chase; confirm current access and facilities with the District of Chase or BC Parks.
Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park
Located a short drive from Chase on the Adams River, this park is one of the most significant salmon viewing sites in Canada. During dominant sockeye runs (which occur on a four-year cycle), millions of salmon return to spawn. Even outside dominant years, some salmon are present in September and early October. Check BC Parks for current conditions and any access updates.
Hiking and Nature
The hills surrounding Chase offer trail access into dry interior forest. Chase Creek and the surrounding benchlands have informal trail networks. Conditions and trail markings can be variable — ask locally before heading out.
Shuswap Lake Provincial Park
A larger provincial park further east along the lake system, reachable by road or boat, with campgrounds, beaches, and hiking. Reserve campsites through the BC Parks reservation system well in advance for summer visits.
General Relaxation
Many visitors come simply to sit by the lake, fish, and decompress. Chase rewards a slower itinerary. The town holds community events in summer — check the District of Chase website for current programming.
Food & Drink
Chase has a modest selection of local restaurants, cafés, and convenience options suited to a town of its size. Expect Canadian diner-style fare, pizza, and pub food rather than an extensive culinary scene. A few locally operated cafés serve coffee and light meals.
For grocery shopping, there are stores in Chase for self-catering, which is practical if you are camping or staying at a vacation rental with a kitchen. Larger grocery and restaurant options are available in Kamloops for those willing to make the drive.
Alcohol is available through BC Liquor stores. Verify the location and hours of the nearest outlet locally, as smaller towns sometimes have limited retail options.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
In any emergency in Canada, call 911. Chase has RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) detachment coverage. The nearest hospital with full services is in Kamloops.
Connectivity
Cell coverage in Chase town center is generally available through major Canadian carriers, but can be patchy in surrounding rural and park areas. Download offline maps before venturing into the backcountry.
Money
Most businesses accept major credit and debit cards. Carry some cash for smaller vendors, farmers markets, or in case of connectivity issues. ATM availability is limited in small communities — withdraw cash in Kamloops if needed.
Fuel
Fuel is available in Chase, but prices in smaller interior communities can be higher than urban centers. Fill up when you have the opportunity if you are doing significant driving in the region.
Safety
Chase and the surrounding Shuswap area are generally safe for travelers. Standard common-sense precautions apply.
- Wildlife: Black bears are present in the interior BC region. Store food securely when camping and be aware of bear safety protocols available through BC Parks and the provincial government.
- Water safety: Lake water can be deceptively cold even in summer. Wear life jackets when boating and supervise children near water. Drowning risk increases with alcohol consumption on the water.
- Wildfire: Interior BC is subject to significant wildfire activity, particularly July through September. Monitor BC Wildfire Service updates and be aware of any evacuation alerts or orders that may affect the region during your visit.
- Road conditions: Winter driving on Highway 1 through mountain passes requires adequate tires (winter tires are mandatory in BC on many routes from October 1 to April 30). Check DriveBC for current road conditions.
