Welcome to Rainbow Lake Castle Resort
Sit back and enjoy the warm country decor; Take a breath of fresh air from the balcony; Stroll down to the picnic cabin on the lake; Be soothed by the beautiful lake reflections and the flowing sound of the creek; Relax in your Jacuzzi tub or soaker tub; Take part in the outdoor recreation options that abound in this natural setting... All at Rainbow Lake Castle.
Situated just 5 minutes outside of Princeton, BC, in the Cascade Mountains, this little known pristine area surprises all new visitors with its amazing natural beauty and abundant recreational opportunities.
Princeton's little gem in BC is nestled in its own 108 acre valley with Allison creek gently flowing alongside the traditional log cabins. With rustic cabins and RV park, the resort is perfect for a romatic getaway or family vacation. Escape to Rainbow Lake Castle Resort and stay in relaxed comfort at the Lodge or Chalets.
Our beautiful castle ruins are the result of the abandonment of a cement plant built in 1910. The lodge, chalets, cabins and gazebo circle these amazing ruins. Located near the large enclosed "gazebo" event hall - which holds up to 100 people - is the outdoor games area.
Within the grounds of Rainbow Lake Castle is a little jewel called Rainbow Lake, just large enough to take a rental pedal boat or kayak around the perimeter taking photos of the ducks and turtles. In need of exercise? Walk our natural trails around the lake and through the woods. Need MORE? Cycle the adjacent Trans Canada Trail to Princeton BC, Tulameen or gently uphill to Osprey Lake and beyond.
Ready for quiet time – light your BBQ at your chosen accommodation – sit back and enjoy the sound of the creek, listen to the birds, watch the deer amble by, sip on a cold drink and enjoy!
Rainbow Lake Castle Resort BC offers many recreational activities during both summer and winter.
Resort Info
In 1910 there began a gigantic industrial dream to build a "Great Cement City" called East Princeton, with an enormous cement plant and a complete powerhouse.
The dream was to cost over a million dollars. It also cost a number of workers their lives. Four years and hundreds upon thousands of man-hours from skilled craftsmen, stone masons, carpenters and engineers, resulted in a colossal architectural achievement known as The Portland Cement Plant.
Nine short months later the dream fell into silence; the plant was closed down. Some say they ran out of limestone from the on-site mountains; some say the coal they needed for the operation failed to appear because of conflicts with the needs of the First World War, and some say it was never meant to succeed. Prior to the closure of the cement plant, a Mr. George Edwards surfaced in Princeton to great admiration by Princeton's townfolk.
The ladies found him to be a great dancer, the men found him to be a great horseman (and a big spender).
No one ever suspected that Mr. George Edwards was actually Bill Miner, the notorious train robber. The Canadian Pacific Railway, Wells Fargo and other American railways had all been victimized by him! He was the first train and stagecoach robber in North America and Bill Miner's hideout was known to be on the hillside near Rainbow Lake Castle. Rumours have it, his unfound treasure still resides there.
For the next eighty years, Time and Mother Nature had their run on Rainbow Lake Castle. The cement plant crumbled into ruins and Bill Miner faded to memory and legend. With a gallant project underway to save the rich history and beauty of Rainbow Lake Castle, some 80 years later, people are again returning to experience the magic of what has become known as Rainbow Lake Castle.
See the historic ruins of the cement plant, which now resemble gigantic walls of a medieval castle. See the fossil stairway, pan for gold, or fish in the running creek. See first-hand the local wildlife of deer, beavers, chipmunks, squirrels and marmots living in their natural environment.
Nature lovers can hike our numerous scenic trails or relax by the lake and soak in the serene beauty of Rainbow Lake Castle.