Burns Lake is a rural village in the North-western-Central Interior of British Columbia, Canada, incorporated in 1923.

[5] The village is known for its rich First Nations heritage, and for its network of mountain biking trails, which have received acclaim by becoming Canada's first IMBA Ride Centre.

There are two First Nations reserves that are part of the town, and another four nearby, making it one of the few communities in the province that have almost equal populations of persons of native or European descent.

There are three pubs, several cafes and restaurants a selection of stores, hotels and motels, and services including a library and a hospital.

Burns Lake, as pertains to the municipality of today, began as a small rest stop for travellers on their way to the Yukon Gold Rush.

Burns Lake acquired its name after Michael Byrnes, who was an explorer for the Collins Overland Telegraph scheme.

[8]: 33  Recent research indicates that Byrnes was also a miner during the Cariboo Gold Rush and had staked a claim on William's Creek earlier, in 1861.

Burns Lake received nationwide attention on January 20, 2012, when a fatal explosion destroyed Babine Forest Products, a wood mill which was one of the town's primary employers.

A number of historic buildings still stand including: First built in 1931 by the Women's Missionary Society of the United Church of Canada.

Located adjacent to the Lakes District Museum, this square-cut log building is a former fur trade post which later became a gambling den.

In 2014 The Village of Burns Lake completed work on the Lakeside Multiplex and renovations to the Tom Forsyth Memorial Arena.

The 1.9 kilometre Opal Bed Trail leads to an active rock hounding destination, where users can look for precious minerals.

[24] Burns Lake is considered to be the gateway to Tweedsmuir North Provincial Park and Protected Area.

[26] The book Unmarked: Landscapes Along Highway 16, written by Sarah de Leeuw, includes a short essay on Burns Lake titled "Screamed on a Fence, Beside a Passing Train".