The
village of Chase is named after Whitfield Chase, an American who
headed to the Cariboo in search of gold in the 1860's. After the
goldrush, he headed into the Adams River area while exploring,
and had to be rescued by the Shuswap First Nation people of the
area. They brought him to the end of Little Shuswap Lake known
as the Shuswap Prairie, where he stayed and homesteaded.
The
town of Chase was established in 1908 when the Adams River Lumber
Company purchased land from the Chase family and developed the
townsite. Until 1925 the Adams River Lumber Company logged exclusively
along the Adams River and along Adams Lake. Once they had exhausted
their resources they closed the mill and the owners headed back
to the U.S.A. During the railroad days, Chase was used as a turnaround
point for steam engines.
In
1969 the town was incorporated, and Chase became known as a tourism
and retirement destination.
Today
visitors can visit First Nations Kekulis (winter houses)
near the rest area. Campsites, beach, picnic and boat launch facilities
are located at the end of Little Shuswap Lake. Canoeists can launch
at Chase for the 60km canoe ride to Kamloops down the Thompson
River.
Nearby,
the Squilax Pow Wow attracts tourists annually in the third weekend
of July. The Pow Wow celebrates the traditions of three local
bands. An array of dances, including the jingle dress dance and
the grass dance, are performed. Every four years salmon spawning
on the Adams River is a major event in September. Spawning grounds
can be seen at Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park along the Adams
River. Whitewater rafting is also popular along the river, and
whitewater kayakers also take advantage of the rapids.
Chase
has been the filming location for several major movies and television
commercials. Local area businesses number over 200, and provide
everything from groceries to accommodation.
