Bridesville
Mountain Haven
Good to know before you go
- Accommodations in Bridesville include home rentals, B&Bs, and campgrounds
- There are freshwater fishing regulations in BC. You do require fishing licenses. Visit Boating & Fishing for information on local regulations
- Visit Trails for more information about hiking and biking the Trans Canada Trail and other area trails
- Winter Recreation offers additional information on snowmobiling and skiing in Boundary Country
Bridesville is surrounded by rich agricultural lands, rolling hills and pristine mountain views. It’s a great place to stop and take in the mountain scenery or watch animals roam on nearby ranches.
You’ll love your time in the community of Bridesville. It’s rich in history and has some interesting backcountry road trips for you to enjoy. Relax amongst rich agricultural lands, rolling hills and pristine mountain views.
Enjoy the Mountain Views
Disconnect from the online world and plug into nature. There are no services in Bridesville, which makes it a great place to stop and unplug. Take in the mountain scenery, or watch animals roam on nearby ranches. Peaceful is the best way to describe Bridesville. Come and visit, you’ll be glad you did.
Getting Here
The Bridesville Townsite Road (the main and only road) runs parallel to and enters and exits Highway 3 at both ends. It is 15 km (9 mi) west of Rock Creek and 36 km (22 mi) east of Osoyoos on Highway 3.
Rich in History
When the Vancouver, Victoria & Eastern Railway Lines came through the southern part of British Columbia, Bridesville came to be. The route took the railway through Bridesville, then south to Washington State, where it connected with the Great Northern Railway.
Back in 1905, the community was called Maud. It was named after Maud Edwards, the wife of the first postmaster, Hozie Edwards. Five years later, a local man started to put pressure on officials to change the name. He owned a good portion of land in the community, and he held the local hotel and saloon. The powers that be relented and changed the name of the town to Bridesville in 1910.
The community thrived with ranches and farms as well as a wood mill. The area was known for its cattle ranching and hay farming. The local mill provided railway ties to the Vancouver, Victoria and Eastern Railway. This growing community’s life was cut short in 1931 when both the freight and passenger railway service stopped. It was the depression era, and by 1933, 30% of Canada’s labour force was out of work. One in five Canadians were dependent upon government relief for survival. Then, in 1940, the border crossing and customs post between Canada and the United States closed down. It signalled the end of an era for Bridesville.
Adventure in Our Great Outdoors
Come and enjoy the type of outdoor adventure that involves serenity, kicking back and enjoying the views of the great outdoors.
Take the Back Roads
There are two rustic forest service recreation sites northeast of Bridesville. Jolly Creek has a grassy field ideal for picnics and suited for groups. Little Fish Lake is quite secluded. You can find it near the 1,920 m (6,300 ft) high Storm Hill, which offers a trail into Conkle Lake’s south end.
Going into Little Fish Lake requires a 4×4 on the sometimes muddy Little Fish Lake Road found east of Bridesville. It’s just past the Rock Creek Canyon Bridge and the turnoff to Mount Baldy Ski Hill Road.
Take your time and enjoy the ride on the Johnstone Creek Forest Service Road. The road goes to Conkle Lake and if you keep going, it circles down to the small community of Rhone Valley near the Kettle River and Highway 33 just north of Westbridge.
There’s the Rock Creek-Bridesville Road that starts just east of the Bridesville Townsite Road for more back-country adventure. The gravel road travels directly south of Bridesville, coming close to the US border, then circles north and comes out just east of Rock Creek on Highway 3.
Come Stay with Us
We may be small, but we have some great places for you to stay while you recharge and reconnect with nature. There are several B&Bs and a guest ranch in the surrounding area.
Arosa Guest Ranch Resort
Arosa Guest Ranch Resort is just outside of Bridesville. They have camping, rooms, cabins and a small RV Park with 30 amp services. Soak up the gorgeous views of Anarchist Mountain, ever-present wherever you go on the Ranch. Swiss hospitality in a rustic Canadian setting.
Second Breakfast Hideaway
Lords of the Rings fans can stay in the Hobbit-inspired Second Breakfast Hideaway located on a 400-acre ranch.
Mountain Valley Ranch Bed and Breakfast
Located a mere 4 km from Bridesville, come and enjoy a peaceful mountain setting with stunning views, good food and a warm family environment. Three small apartments are available for nightly and weekly rental. Open year-round. English and German spoken.
Boundary Service Directory
