Birken BC Canada

Birken H

A Unique Mountain Community

In the north east of the Pemberton Valley, visitors will find Birken, a diverse and artistic community located at Birken Lake in the Gates valley in the Southern interior of BC, 20 minutes drive from Pemberton.The stretch of Portage Road from Pemberton through to Birken & D'Arcy encompasses spectacular scenery and is a popular route for drivers and road cyclists.

The road meanders through an eclectic mix of homes, hobby farms and artist studios. There are numerous recreational residential homes surrounding the lake and a small lodge and cabin and the areas only store (the Birkenhead Resort) on it's north west side adjacent to the main road to D'Arcy. A campground (Whispering Falls Resort) is just north east of the lake. The tracks of the Canadian National Railway run along the lakes north west shore.

Birken's name is derived from the Birkenhead River and adjacent Birkenhead Peak which overlooks the settlement. It is one of the few places in the province where salmon enter from 2 sides. From the north, they enter the valley, from Anderson Lake into Gates River system, and from the south, from Lillooet Lake into the Birkenhead River system.

Great places to see the salmon are at the hatchery on the N'Quatqua Reserve near D'Arcy and from the suspension bridge across the Birkenhead River just past Mt. Currie.The best times of year to watch the salmon run are late August and early September.

Birken Artists & Studios

The valley is home to several artists' studio's and some are open to the public:

  • The Mute Raven Studio shows photographs, feather collages and paintings by Wim Tewinkel.
  • Our Glass Works Studio, opened in 1979 is operated by Judy & Hugh Bourhis. They specialize in custom design, some jewelry and ornaments. 604 452 3273

When driving up to the community look for open signs on the road or call ahead to make an appointment to avoid disappointment.

Cafe with Traditional Native Flair

Events

  • On the 3rd Saturday of every month from May to September you may enjoy local produce, baked goods, jams, novel artisan products, jewelry and photography at the Birken Country Market.
  • The annual Gates Lake Shinny Tournament held in February offers a complete family day of Canadian Fun. Cross country ski, skate or snowshoe on this versatile lake
  • The Birken 4X4 Off Road Rally. An annual event held the first weekend of June featuring a Tow Test, Hill climb & large mud pools!

Birken Accommodation

Birken offers a variety of unique accommodation:

  • Birken Lake Resort offers six housekeeping cabins offering wood stoves and kitchenettes. Peddle or power boats are available for rent. Camping sites offered. 604.452.3255
  • Birkenhead Lake Provincial Park Campground's amenities include picnic area, fire pits, hiking trails, boat launch and sandy beach. The campground is 50 km from Mt. Currie, turn and drive along 17km gravel road to the park.
In the north east of the valley, visitors will find Birken, a diverse and artistic community located at Birken Lake in the Gates valley in the Southern interior of BC, 20 minutes drive from Pemberton.The stretch of Portage Road from Pemberton through to Birken & D'Arcy encompasses spectacular scenery and is a popular route for drivers and road cyclists. The road meanders through an eclectic mix of homes, hobby farms and artist studios. There are numerous recreational residential homes surrounding the lake and a small lodge and cabin and the areas only store (the Birkenhead Resort) on it's north west side adjacent to the main road to D'Arcy. A campground (Whispering Falls Resort) is just north east of the lake. The tracks of the Canadian National Railway run along the lakes north west shore.
Birken's name is derived from the Birkenhead River and adjacent Birkenhead Peak which overlooks the settlement. It is one of the few places in the province where salmon enter from 2 sides. From the north, they enter the valley, from Anderson Lake into Gates River system, and from the south, from Lillooet Lake into the Birkenhead River system. Great places to see the salmon are at the hatchery on the N'Quatqua Reserve near D'Arcy and from the suspension bridge across the Birkenhead River just past Mt. Currie.The best times of year to watch the salmon run are late August and early September.
The valley is home to several artists' studio's and some are open to the public:
The Mute Raven Studio shows photographs, feather collages and paintings by Tim Tewinkel. www.wimtewinkel.com
Our Glass Works Studio, opened in 1979 is operated by Judy & Hugh Bourhis. They specialize in custom design, some jewelry and ornaments. 604 452 3273
Red Beard Glassblowing Studio is located in Poole Creek. Opening in the summer with pre booked glass blowing tours.
Garden Scepters - Garden Art. Unique plant stakes made from cedar and recycled stained glass. 
When driving up to the community look for open signs on the road or call ahead to make an appointment to avoid disappointment.
The Red Barn Cafe at the end of Portage Road serves up lunches with a touch of traditional native flair including bannock and x'osum slushies (berries). The restaurant also features local art and craft including medicinal botanical and herbal concoctions form Sharon's Old Fashioned Natural Products. Also offering waterfront campsites and boat launch
Summer Market
On the 3rd Saturday of every month from May - September you may enjoy local produce, baked goods, jams, novel artisan products, jewelry and photography at the Birken Country Market.
The annual Gates Lake Shinny Tournament held in February (date ?) offers a complete family day of Canadian Fun. Cross country ski, skate or snowshoe on this versatile lake
The Birken 4X4 off road rally. An annual event held the first weekend of June featuring a Tow Test, Hill climb & large mud pools! 
Accommodation
Birkenhead Resort
6 housekeeping cabins offering wood stoves and kitchenettes. Peddle or power boats are available for rent. Camping sites offered. 604 452 3255
Birkenhead Lake Provincial Park Campground
Amenities include picnic area, fire pits, hiking trails, boat launch and sandy beach. 50 km from Mt. Currie, turn and drive along 17km gravel road to the park
Poole Creek Station
3 bedroom plus loft home on a 5 acre ranch. 604 790 6676
Moon Farm
75 acre working farm, one hour from Whistler. 3 bedrooms, one family suite. 604 452 3419
Whispering Falls Resort
Rustic cabins situated on Anderson Lake. Canoes, fishing & swimming. 604 452 3363
Notes
There are a number of great videos on youtube of the Birken 4x4 rally. If you search the Birken 4x4 rally several come up including one impressive hill climb. Also there is a lovely youtube video called Pemberton Horses showing horses on the highway and a cowboy herding them. I do not know how to embed these videos or even if you can without permission? Anyway, if possible, it would be good to include a couple.
Pemberton Snowmobiling Promotion

Get Our Newsletter!

We Respect Your Privacy

Twitter Facebook Flickr YouTube TripAdvisor RSS Addthis
  • Events
  • News
  • Twitter

Pemberton Film Club
February 16
The Pemberton Film Club will be showing their second film at the Pemberton Public Library on Thursday Feb 16 from 7pm to 9pm. This month the movie is titled “Free Men”(French with English subtitle).

Nimby Fifty Mountain Bike Race
May 26
This will be the third annual Nimby Fifty mountain bike race. This epic bike race covers many of the world class single track trails and climbs that Pemberton has to offer.

Pemberton Slow Food Cycle
August 19
This is the one event of the year that you can’t miss! Slow Food Cycle Sunday is pedal-powered trip up the beautiful Pemberton Meadows road.

Pemberton Distillery featured in National Geographic
February 03
The Pemberton Distillery was recently included in The Top 10 Eats & Drinks in Whistler by National Geographic's Digital Nomad. The article gives kudos to Pemberton's farms as the source for Whistler's top restaurants.

Pemberton Film Club
January 23
The Friends of the Library are pleased to announce the successful start of the Pemberton Film club. Every third Thursday of the month at the Pemberton Public Library, from 7pm to 9pm, the Pemberton Film Club will be showing internationally award winning, domestic and foreign films.

2012 Pemberton Winterfest
January 07
This fun annual festival takes place at various locations throughout the lovely town of Pemberton between the 19th and 22nd January 2012. 12 great events over the course of 4 big days will take place. Locals and tourists alike are all welcomed to join the fun and action of this wonderful community celebration.

Tourism Pemberton 2011 at a Glance
January 04
Tourism Pemberton would like to thank those businesses who joined us in 2011. Learn about TP accomplishments during 2011 and plans for 2012.

What is MADE in Pemberton?
November 21
This 4th annual celebration will occur at the Pemberton Community Centre on Saturday, November 26th, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Over 50 local artists will be participating in this highlight of Pemberton Arts Council's annual arts calendar. Learn more...

The Best of Pemberton 2011
September 29
Pique Newsmagazine has unveiled the results of its annual poll, "The Best of Pemberton" - 2011 Edition.

Nairn Fall Park Vehicle Closure
September 27
Please be advised that Nairn Falls Park will be closed to vehicles from October 4 to October 14, 2011. Learn more.

Best Slow Food Cycle Sunday!
August 29
What an amazing day! The Slow Food Cycle Sunday which was held on August 21st was the best event yet. There were over 4000 riders which blew away the event organizers, who were delighted yet surprised by the huge turnout.

Slow Food Cycle
August 16
The annual Pemberton Slow Food Cycle is happening this Sunday August 21st! Participants bike up the beautiful Pemberton Meadows road (50km round trip) and stop off for food and drink at a number of farms along the way.

Organic Foodie Heaven
August 11
Pemberton is an organic foodie heaven... from events like as Araxi Longtable at North Arm Farms & Slow Food Cycle Sunday to the weekly Farmers' Market & U-Pick opportunities.

  • Pemberton Chamber
  • Pemberton Economic Development
  • Squamish Lillooet Regional District
  • HelloBC.com
  • BC Visitor Centre
  • Village of Pemberton