Find Us

You won’t find the SOUTHSIDE on any official map, but you’ll understand this local name easily when you’re waiting in the ferry line-up on the northern shore of Francois Lake. Spreading 144 km (90 miles) from east to west, Francois Lake is a natural barrier – and all the land south of it is simply called “The Southside”. Another long east-west aligned lake, named Ootsa Lake, defines the southern border of the SOUTHSIDE and the northern border of Tweedsmuir Park which is British Columbia’s largest Provincial Park.

From Burns Lake

From Burns Lake, the “Heart of the Lakes District”, 27 km south on Hwy 35 will take you to the terminal of the “Francois Forester”. This free (!) ferry, leaves the northside daily for 20 runs between 5:30 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. Enjoy the 20-minute ride across one of British Columbia’s longest natural lakes to the SOUTHSIDE, where Southbank is the first community to greet you.

  • Coming off the ferry you can continue straight ahead traveling southwards to the communities of Danskin, Grassy Plains, Tatalrose, Takysie Lake, Ootsa Lake, and Wisteria.
  • Or you can turn left and head east to Uncha Lake, a famous char fishing place.
  • Or you turn right into Southbank where a new golf course is being built.

Faced with making the decision where to go from the ferry, you may choose visiting the SEDA Centre. Turn left above the ferry landing.

Here you’ll find:

  • Friendly help in the Tourist Information Centre
  • Fresh vegetables to take along at the Farmer’s market
  • Samples of the SOUTHSIDE’s craftmanship in the gift store
  • Internet access in SEDA’s office.
  • KEEFE’s LANDING CAFÉ across the road will serve you excellent food.
Burns Lake on Highway 16 is your gateway to the SOUTHSIDE.
You can reach it by vehicle from the east where regular flights arrive at Prince George Airport. If you prefer not to do the driving and just relax and enjoy the scenery of Northern B.C., you may opt for a train or bus ride or a charter flight to Burns Lake’s Baker Airport.
  • Via Rail’s Skeena Train with its dome car for the great views will stop on demand in Burns Lake.
  • Greyhound Canada offers daily arrivals and departures in Burns Lake.
  • Car rentals are available at Eagle Automotive Centre, Phone: (250)692-3744