Chase, a quaint village nestled in the Interior of British Columbia, Canada, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With a population of 3,399, Chase thrives on its forestry and tourism industries. The village is situated at the outlet of Little Shuswap Lake, the source of the South Thompson River. Chase Creek, a charming waterway that cascades over three small waterfalls before flowing through the town, enters the South Thompson just below the lake's outlet.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Chase had a population of 2,399 living in 1,175 of its 1,249 total private dwellings. This represents a 4.9% increase from its 2016 population of 2,286. With a land area of 3.75 km2 (1.45 sq mi), Chase had a population density of 639.7/km2 (1,656.9/sq mi) in 2021.
The Village of Chase Fire Department provides fire services to the community, ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.
The Trans-Canada Highway, running adjacent to the south side of the community, provides easy access to the nearby regional centres of Kamloops (57 km [35 mi] west) and Salmon Arm (52 km [32 mi] east). Minor routes connect Chase to Falkland and Barriere. There is an ongoing proposal to construct a winterized road between Chase and nearby Sun Peaks to boost Chase's economy by offering a shorter route for visitors arriving at the resort community from the east.
The Canadian Pacific Railway mainline travels through Chase, accommodating both freight and passenger traffic.
The closest commercial airport to Chase is the Kamloops Airport. The Shuswap (Skwlax Field) Aerodrome is conveniently located on the northeast side of Little Shuswap Lake.
The primary attraction in Chase is Little Shuswap Lake. Beaches, boat launches, and a large pier provide access to the lake and South Thompson River. The Sunshore Golf Club offers a nine-hole golf course for golf enthusiasts. Chase residents often quip, "There are two seasons in Chase; Corn season, and waiting for corn season." The town is known for its fertile farmland and celebrates the production and sharing of local food.
Chase was named after Whitfield Chase, one of the first settlers in the district who established a ranch where the South Thompson River runs out of Little Shuswap Lake in 1865. When the Adams River Lumber Company laid out the town in 1902, James A. Magee, secretary of the company, named the town after Chase.
