The Lodge Origins
The story of Tatogga Lake began in 1948 when Tommy and Marion Walker journeyed over 800 miles by horseback from Bella Coola into the remote Spatsizi wilderness. Drawn by the region’s abundant wildlife and untouched beauty, Tommy established one of Northern British Columbia’s first guide outfitting operations.
Working alongside local Tahltan families, the Walkers built the original buildings at Tatogga Lake, creating the foundation for what would become Tatogga Lake Resort.
Over the decades, the lodge has evolved through the dedication of the families who have cared for it, remaining a welcoming destination where wilderness, history, and practicality come together.
history of ownership
Tommy & Marion Walker
In the 1960's, Tommy helped establish the original buildings at Tatogga Lake, after selling his Cold Fish Lake hunting guiding territory. A passionate conservationist, Tommy later championed the protection of the Spatsizi wilderness.
The Hales
Through their dedication, they helped preserve the property's unique character from 1990-1994. They aided to build the switch back trial from the west side of Tatogga Lake, to the top of the Klastine Plateau.
Flemming Family
The Flemming family proudly carried on the legacy of Tatogga Lake in the 70's. Their dedication helped maintain the lodge as a memorable destination for travelers, hunters, and adventurers exploring Northern BC.
Hal & Bunty Althaus
The Althaus couple continued the rustic lodge along the highway after 1994. They helped people travel through the north, and were a staple in aiding in float plane adventures.
Mike Jones
Mike Jones was a prominent biologist, bush pilot, trapper, and the 3rd owner of Tatogga Lake from 1980-1989. Mike was a talented mechanic and pilot that flew his Beaver Float Plane through the mountains, and visited the remote lakes.
The Wright Family
John & Teena Wright purchased Tatogga in 2007. They built a kitchen, and a motel. This expansion helped to propel Tatogga to new heights, welcoming travellers from far and wide.
Highway 37
The Stewart-Cassiar Highway, or Highway 37, is more than just a route; it is the lifeline of the north. Carved through rugged wilderness, its completion opened a gateway for those seeking the untamed spirit of British Columbia. From the early road crews who battled the elements to the hunters, fishers, and families who follow their tire tracks today, the highway has brought a generation of travelers to the north.
For decades, our lodge has stood as a vital waypoint on this odyssey. It provides a warm meal and a soft bed for the weary, a staging ground for epic mountain hunts, and a place where stories of the road are shared over coffee. Highway 37 isn't just how you get here—it's the beginning of the adventure itself.
Ancestral Lands
The land surrounding Tatogga Lake is part of a living history that stretches back millennia. We acknowledge that we operate within the traditional territories of local Indigenous communities, whose deep connection to these waters and forests continues to shape the spirit of the region. This landscape is a shared legacy of wildlife corridors and ancient paths, a wilderness that was here long before our lodge and will remain for generations to come. We strive to be respectful stewards of this heritage, honoring the ancestors and the natural evolution of the Tahltan region.