Whitesail Lake Map-Area

maintained a good trail from Ootsa Lake opposite Wistaria to Mount
Wells, Tweedsmuir Peak, Glatheli Lake, Michel Peak, and Goodrich Lake.
These trails were used mainly for hunting parties but were excellent means
of access to the plateau area between Ootsa and Eutsuk Lakes known as
the ‘Circle’.

A good trail ascends the northwest shoulder of Chikamin Mountain,
servicing the various mineral showings there, and an excellent trail leads
to Deer Horn mine on Lindquist Peak. Recently a road was constructed
from Lindquist Lake to the property.

From Copps cabin on Tahtsa River just above the confluence of
Kasalka Creek an excellent trail leads to the mineral showings on Swing
Peak. ‘Trappers’ trails used mainly in winter were encountered in most
valleys but were of little use during the summer season.

The main means of transportation in Tweedsmuir Park prior to the
flooding was by open river and lake boat and outboard motor. The river
boats used by the inhabitants were 20 to 35 feet in length and of narrow
beam. They were commonly propelled by outboard motors of 22 or 25
horsepower. Whitesail River was not difficult to navigate, but Tahtsa
River, particularly in its upper 8 to 10 miles, required experienced river
men with knowledge of the channels. Both rivers were fast and tortuous
towards their heads. In August and September, during the period of low
water, they were shallow and difficult to navigate. With the raised water
level travel on these rivers will be easier and it will be possible to use
much larger boats.

All parts of the area between Eutsuk, Whitesail, and Ootsa Lakes may
be reached by pack-train with relative ease. Pack-trains were used also in
those parts of the area south of Eutsuk Lake and east of Pondosy Lake,
between Nadina Lake and Newcombe Lake, and on the north side of the
Tahtsa Range.

Much of the area may be reached by aircraft from Burns Lake where
Pacific Western Airways maintains a base. The party was landed on
Kitlope, Ear, Kimsquit, Tesla, and Morice Lakes.

Population and Industries

Previous to the commencement of the Alcan project in this part of
British Columbia about 150 people were living in the area. Most of them
lived in the northeast corner in the settlements of Ootsa Lake and Wistaria.
As the work on the project progressed the population increased, but this
was only temporary as those living along the shores of Ootsa Lake were

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