Good Hope Lake

Good Hope Lake
Good Hope Lake Location of Good Hope Lake in British Columbia
Coordinates: 59°16′55″N129°18′10″W / 59.28194°N 129.30278°W / 59.28194; -129.30278
Country	Canada
Province	British Columbia
Area codes	250, 778

Good Hope Lake is a First Nations community in northwestern British Columbia, Canada, located on Highway 37 not far south of the border with the Yukon and located east of the semi-abandoned mining town of Cassiar, British Columbia. As of the July 2021 Canadian Census, Good Hope Lake had a population of 75, returning to its 2001 level after a decline to 41 in 2016. The community contains the Dease River First Nation band office (and its Development Corporation), a general store, gas bar, a post office, a highway maintenance yard, a volunteer fire hall and a community hall. Residents rely on Dease Lake for healthcare and schooling.

Geography and Climate

Good Hope Lake lies at an elevation of approximately 770 m above sea level in the Boreal Cordillera ecozone. It experiences a subarctic climate characterized by short, cool summers—August averages range from 5 °C to 13 °C with about 39 mm of rainfall over nine days—and long, snowy winters, where temperatures commonly drop below –20 °C and snowpack persists from October through April. The surrounding landscape is dominated by boreal forest, wetlands, and nearby lakes, all set within the traditional Kaska Dena territory.

Wildlife and Environment

The area supports a rich tapestry of wildlife including moose, woodland caribou, elk, mountain goats and migratory waterfowl. Predators such as wolves and black bears are also present, along with semi-aquatic species like beavers. Local stewardship programs merge traditional Kaska ecological knowledge with western science to monitor and conserve these populations throughout the seasons.

Culture and Community Life

Good Hope Lake is home to the Dease River First Nation, one of five Kaska Dena bands in the region. The band council and its Development Corporation operate out of the community, managing local governance, economic development, and social programs. Seasonal gatherings—hosted in the community hall—feature language classes, fish-and-game distribution and celebrations that reflect the Dene principle of “Dene Kʼéh Kusān” (Always Will Be There), underscoring the enduring connection to the land. Visitors often use Good Hope Lake as a gateway to nearby provincial parks. T’a Ch’il’a (Boya Lake) Provincial Park, celebrated for its striking turquoise waters and camping facilities, lies to the south, while Hyland River Provincial Park offers rugged riverfront wilderness experiences. Hiking trails such as the Beaver Lodge Trail and Lakeshore Trail feature interpretive signage and ample wildlife-viewing opportunities, making the area popular for eco-tourism and outdoor enthusiasts.

Access

Highway 37, known as the Cassiar Highway, provides the primary road link through Good Hope Lake, connecting northward to Watson Lake in the Yukon via the Alaska Highway and southward 115 km to Dease Lake. While there is no local health clinic or school, scheduled passenger flights operate from Whitehorse (approximately 512 km northeast), and charter services are available from Watson Lake and Dease Lake airports.

See also

• McDames Creek IR No.2 (Liard First Nation)

References

• "Good Hope Lake". BC Geographical Names .