The new public access sites on the Nááchę Mege (formerly Site C reservoir) are ready to open, marking a major milestone following the safe completion of reservoir filling in fall 2024.
Public access opened on June 26, 2026 at the Lynx Creek and Halfway River boat launches. A floating dock at the D.A. Thomas Recreation Area also opened the same day, giving residents and visitors new ways to recreate on the reservoir.
Reservoir filling began in August 2024 and was completed safely and on schedule in November 2024. Since then, BC Hydro and its geotechnical contractor have continued monitoring slope stability, erosion, and overall reservoir conditions. That work shows the reservoir and nearby slopes are performing as expected.
To help keep people safe, BC Hydro had asked the public to stay off the reservoir for about a year after filling. Opening the new boat launches is the result of that careful monitoring and planning.
The new access points are part of BC Hydro’s commitment to creating recreational opportunities as part of the Site C Clean Energy Project.
Find answers to common questions about boating on the Peace River
Three new recreation areas have been built along Nááchę Mege. These include boat launches at Lynx Creek and Halfway River as well as a small craft launch at the D.A. Thomas Recreation Area.
D.A. Thomas recreation area
As part of our community investment program in Hudson's Hope, BC Hydro developed a recreation site featuring a new small craft boat launch at the bottom of D.A. Thomas Road.
The new D.A. Thomas recreation area
The site features a gangway and floating dock which allows for car topper-type boats, such as kayaks and canoes, to be launched.
The floating dock opened on June 26, 2026.
Lynx Creek boat launch
The new Lynx Creek boat launch replaces the previous boat launch, which was no longer accessible after the reservoir was filled.
The new Lynx Creek boat launch
The new boat launch includes:
- Safe road access and pull-through parking for vehicles with trailers
- Double-wide concrete boat ramp
- Turnaround area for trailered, motorized boats longer than five metres
- Day use area with picnic site, cultural installation, information kiosk and pit toilet
The Lynx Creek boat launch opened on June 26, 2026.
Halfway River boat launch
The new Halfway River boat launch replaces the previous boat launch, which was no longer accessible after the reservoir was filled.
The new Halfway River boat launch
The new boat launch includes:
- Safe road access and pull-through parking for vehicles with trailers
- Double-wide concrete boat ramp
- Turnaround area for trailered, motorized boats longer than five metres
- Day use area with picnic site, information kiosk, and pit toilet
The Halfway River boat launch opened on June 26, 2026.
Boating FAQ
Reservoir filling began in August 2024 and was completed safely and on schedule in November 2024. Since then, BC Hydro and its geotechnical contractor have continued monitoring slope stability, erosion, and overall reservoir conditions. That work shows the reservoir and nearby slopes are performing as expected.
To help keep people safe, BC Hydro had asked the public to stay off the reservoir for about a year after filling. Opening the new boat launches was the result of that careful monitoring and planning.
All persons intending to operate a boat on the reservoir should always:
- Obey all boater safety laws, which include carrying emergency equipment and wearing life jackets.
- Inform others of your destination and when you are to return.
- Observe all warning signs and stay well away from BC Hydro's dams and structures.
Extreme caution, awareness, and appreciation of hazards are essential for safe boating on the reservoir.
The banks of the reservoir are easily eroded and subject to sloughing from reservoir actions. If wave action is severe and you need to reach shore, it may be difficult to make a safe landing due to cliffs, unstable banks and/or floating or submerged debris along the shoreline.
Public access opened on June 26, 2026 at the Lynx Creek and Halfway River boat launches. A floating dock at the D.A. Thomas Recreation Area also opened the same day, giving residents and visitors new ways to recreate on the reservoir.
BC Hydro operates a boat launch on Dinosaur Reservoir, upstream of the Peace Canyon dam near Hudson's Hope. There is also a boat launch at Peace Island Park in Taylor, downstream of the John Horgan Dam.
Please call 911 if you see someone in danger on the reservoir.
In addition to the boat launch and recreation areas, there is a lookout point at Halfway River, overlooking the Peace River. This lookout provides a panoramic view of the reservoir area.