Kootenays · this weekend

Kootenay Lake Park is truly an undiscovered Kootenay gem. Are you in need of a working sabbatical? With its newly installed WiFi, Davis Creek is the perfect place to hunker down and get it done, between fishing, paddling, hiking, and biking, of course. The new group site can be booked for your private function up to one year in advance, check it out on the BC Parks reservations system . In addition to the opportunities listed above, this park offers numerous other recreational opportunities. Nestled between the Selkirk’s and the Purcell’s, visitors can also discover Mount Buchanan Look Out, Hamill Creek (Earl Grey) Trail, Fry Creek Canyon, Monica Meadows, or Idaho Peak. Visit the Kaslo Tourist Information Centre located in the restored SS Moyie. This beautifully restored sternwheeler is…

This secluded park is found in the Okanagan Highland east of Osoyoos. Set amid a forest of mainly western larch and lodgepole pine that cover the surrounding hills. Conkle Lake, named for W.H. Conkle, an early settler in the nearby Kettle Valley. The lake is noted for its rainbow trout. Visitors have come for many years to fish as well as swim and hike to various viewpoints.

This 35 site campground situated among a lakeside Douglas fir and larch forest, is a peaceful and welcome retreat near the city of Cranbrook. The campground was rebuilt in 2001 to accommodate recreational vehicles. Sunbathing, swimming, non-motorized boating and picnicking are popular activities at Jimsmith Park. The day-use gates are open from 8am to 10pm. This is the perfect setting for nature study and wildlife viewing. In winter, the park is transformed into a snowy playground for tobogganing and ice skating.

Summit Lake Park is a beautiful 6 hectare park located with in the Nakusp range of the Selkirk Mountains. Park visitors enjoy canoeing, fishing for rainbow and cutthroat trout or swimming in the lake’s clear, refreshing water. The mountainous backdrop of the park is a stage to the wonders of nature. A natural spectacle occurs as thousands of toads emerge from the lake and migrate to the nearby forest to hibernate for the winter. Mountain goats can often be viewed on rocky outcroppings and in late summer, while birds in flight paint the skyline.

An ideal destination for family fun, Champion Lakes Park offers an all-inclusive recreational package to visitors. This includes fishing, canoeing, mountain biking, swimming and hiking. Over 6 km of trails link three lakes together. 3 rd Lake, with its two day-use areas, is known for warm water and is popular with the local communities. Champion Lakes Golf and Country Club is a quick 20 minute drive from the park. Champion Lakes Park takes its name from the lakes and creek within it. It is located in the Selkirk Mountains, 18 km north-west of Fruitvale. The special features of this park include the chain of picturesque small lakes, old growth forest and an example of forest succession.

Syringa Park is located in south central B.C. near the southeast end of the Lower Arrow Lake. The lake is a part of the Columbia River that was widened and deepened with the construction of the Hugh Keenleyside Dam at Castlegar. Recreation opportunities on the Arrow Lake Reservoir have made the park a long time popular destination. This park offers a comfortable base camp for visitors to pursue a variety of activities including fishing, boating and swimming. Explore local history and visit the Doukhbour Village Museum and Zukerberg Island located in nearby Castlegar. The park protects not only provincially significant interior Douglas fir forests but also preserves one of the few remaining examples of grassland ecosystems in the Kootenays. A variety of wildlife are at home in the park i…

Located 40km north of Creston on Highway 3A, this park and adjacent Lockhart Creek Park extend from the sunny shores of Kootenay Lake to the headwaters of Lockhart Creek. This small park provides the only easy access to public camping along the south arm of Kootenay Lake. An 18 site campground and day-use area are located near a sand and fine gravel beach where visitors can relax and enjoy the clear waters of Kootenay Lake.

Located 20 kilometres south of Cranbrook off Highway 3/95, Moyie Lake Park day-use area, boat launch and 111 site campground provides the only public access to the deep blue mountain waters of Moyie Lake. Take a virtual tour of Moyie Lake Park This vacation friendly park features 1,300 metres of developed sandy beach, backed by a large grassy area. Swimming, wind surfing, sailing, boating, wildlife and bird viewing and a variety of fishing experiences enhance Moyie Lake Park. As well, an adventure playground and hot showers are on site.

With over a kilometre of sandy beaches and four campgrounds, Kokanee Creek Park has provincial significance and is the number one choice for tourists’ coming to the West Kootenays. There is always lots to do with an adventure playground, visitor centre, spawning channel, boat launch, group camp site, viewing platform, hiking trails, and a marina nearby. Want more? All within an hour’s drive you can explore historic Nelson, Ainsworth Hot Springs, Balfour Golf Club, Kaslo with the SS Moyie stern wheeler, and finally Kokanee Glacier Park. Discover south central B.C. but save some time for Kokanee Creek Park. If you don’t, you’re going to wish you did. Special Features Kokanee Creek canyon and old-growth western cedar and grand fir. Kokanee Spawning channel and viewing platform. Redfish run…

Just for camping, Rosebery Park is located just north of New Denver, on Highway 6. To the west, across Slocan Lake, is the magnificent Valhalla Park . Tucked along the banks of Wilson Creek, this park has an intimate, forested creek setting that offers secluded camping for overnight travelers or visitors seeking more adventure. It is a good staging area for backcountry exploration of nearby Valhalla , Kokanee Glacier and Goat Range Parks. Visitors can also explore the numerous ghost-mining towns nearby and after an exciting day, relax in the many commercial or undeveloped natural hot springs in the area.

The shining waters of two mountain lakes, Whiteswan and Alces, and a natural hot springs are the focal points of Whiteswan Lake Park. Five lakeside or riverside campgrounds, three boat launches, an historic lakeside hiking trail, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities makes this a perfect setting for a camping holiday. Take a virtual tour of Whiteswan Lake Park Visitors may watch a moose feeding in the fog-shrouded water of Alces Lake, admire spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains and enjoy angling in some of the most productive lakes in the region for trophy rainbow trout. After a day in the backcountry or on the lake, relax in the soothing waters of Lussier Hot Springs located near the park entrance at the 17.5km marker on the Whiteswan forest service road.

Gladstone Park is most well known for the vehicle-accessible Texas Creek campground. The park also has significant wilderness value. It provides a diversity of habitats in the Selkirk Foothills eco section of the province that is found nowhere else. These include Kokanee spawning areas, winter range for deer and elk, and of particular importance, low elevation habitats and old growth cedar and hemlock forests. There are several short trails that lead from the campground to the lake. Christina Lake has a reputation as one of the warmest and clearest lakes in Canada. There are several pocket beaches that provide great opportunities for privacy and quiet moments. The Monashee Mountains surround the lake and it is a perfect backdrop for a variety of water-oriented recreational activities. F…

Begbie Falls is a waterfall at the mouth of Begbie Creek on the Upper Arrow Lake. The day use site is located at the end of the Begbie Falls Forest Service Road (FSR). <BR> Access the falls by vehicle on Begbie Falls FSR or trail access from the Begbie Bluffs Parking area on Highway 23S via the Bluff Trail. The trail is a shared multi-use trail.<BR><BR> The Begbie Falls campground is located 2km down Begbie Falls FSR (just before the falls). There are 26 sites and there is a $18.00 fee. <br>Debit and Credit card payment options are available. <br><strong>NOTE: Water is not easily accessible…

Just south of Fort Steele, Norbury Lake Park encompasses Peckham’s Lake and fronts on Norbury Lake. Beach areas, water sports and pleasant walking trails are available to visitors. Rainbow trout in Peckham’s Lake and the Kootenay Fish Hatchery at Wardner is a short distance away. The Steeples, a distinctive feature of the Hughes Range of the Rocky Mountains, stands clear against the sky to the east of this lightly wooded area.

All recreation sites in the Kootenay Boundary district are first come first serve, there are NO reservation systems in place. Site expansion completed fall of 2019. The site now has 28 vehicle campsites and 7 tent sites. Wragge Beach is one of the prettiest beaches on Slocan Lake. The spacious campsites along the lake shore are shaded by trees. A wide beach curves gently for several hundred meters in both directions, inviting beach walking. A rocky outcrop extends out into the lake, making a scenic shoreline. This site is a popular destination campsite for vacationing families. The lake off…

This large lake provides excellent fishing opportunities, as well as camping opportunities.<BR><BR> A collaboration with the Duteau Creek Watershed/Regional District of North Okanagan allows for the recreational enjoyment of this site. <BR><BR>There are three areas in which to choose from, each offering lake access. Please respect the signage posted regarding the use of the dams adjacent to the recreation site. The three areas have had major works completed in 2018. The sites are larger to accommodate longer trailers and motor units. Steel fire rings and new tables have been added to each s…

Taite Creek flows into Lower Arrow Lake. The recreation site is located on the north side of Taite Creek, on the shore of Lower Arrow Lake. It is a great spot to camp while fishing Lower Arrow Lake. During low water, there is a sand and cobble stone beach. The campsites are in a semi-open stand of mature trees. There is lots of opportunity to camp on the beach. The water warms up later in the summer and is quite pleasant for swimming and board sailing. Perennial sweet peas along the shore hint at the old settlements that were here, before the area was flooded by the Hugh Keenleyside Dam. Fo…

With over a kilometre of sandy beaches and four campgrounds, Kokanee Creek Park has provincial significance and is the number one choice for tourists’ coming to the West Kootenays. There is always lots to do with an adventure playground, visitor centre, spawning channel, boat launch, group camp site, viewing platform, hiking trails, and a marina nearby. Want more? All within an hour’s drive you can explore historic Nelson, Ainsworth Hot Springs, Balfour Golf Club, Kaslo with the SS Moyie stern wheeler, and finally Kokanee Glacier Park. Discover south central B.C. but save some time for Kokanee Creek Park. If you don’t, you’re going to wish you did. Special Features Kokanee Creek canyon and old-growth western cedar and grand fir. Kokanee Spawning channel and viewing platform. Redfish run…

Well off the beaten track, nestled in a beautiful mountain setting are the quieter, sandy beaches of Mabel Lake Park. Lush forests offer a pleasant retreat from the more crowded urban centres. The park’s sandy shoreline is backed by a cool forest of hemlock, red cedar and birch, in sharp contrast to the drier ponderosa pine and Douglas fir forests to the west. Squirrels often visit the campsites and painted turtles can be seen at Taylor Creek. Deer, black bear and even moose can be seen occasionally as well as a variety of birdlife and water fowl. Mabel Lake is a fisherman’s destination park as several local fishing derbies are held in the park each year. It is not uncommon to find a handful of fisherman enjoying the peaceful spring months, fishing off the beach. Opportunities for rainb…

Situated just south of Nakusp, McDonald Creek Park is one of a system of four provincial parks on the Arrow Lake reservoir. With facilities on the eastern shoreline, it is a holiday destination for swimming, boating, jetskiing, waterskiing and fishing opportunities. It features several kilometres of fine sandy beach, waterfront sites and open grassy meadows. You can always find a quiet spot for yourself, try some beachcombing, or join in the fun at the main swimming area. A boat launch is available, offering good fishing opportunities for kokanee, bull and rainbow trout. The Arrow Reservoir bisects McDonald Creek Park and protects lakeshore riparian habitat on the east side and forested upland habitat on the west side. This combination offers outdoor recreational opportunities in a uniq…

Situated just south of Nakusp, McDonald Creek Park is one of a system of four provincial parks on the Arrow Lake reservoir. With facilities on the eastern shoreline, it is a holiday destination for swimming, boating, jetskiing, waterskiing and fishing opportunities. It features several kilometres of fine sandy beach, waterfront sites and open grassy meadows. You can always find a quiet spot for yourself, try some beachcombing, or join in the fun at the main swimming area. A boat launch is available, offering good fishing opportunities for kokanee, bull and rainbow trout. The Arrow Reservoir bisects McDonald Creek Park and protects lakeshore riparian habitat on the east side and forested upland habitat on the west side. This combination offers outdoor recreational opportunities in a uniq…

All recreation sites in the Kootenay Boundary district are first come first serve, there are NO reservation systems in place. FEE COLLECTION BEGINS APRIL 1ST. A recently developed (with upgrades in 2021) campsite on the shores on Upper Arrow lake just North of Nakusp BC. There are 48 campsites available for tent and trailer camping. There is some beach access and a day use area. The campsite is connected to a network of adaptive and regular mountain biking trails. The campsite and trail network is managed by the Nakusp and Area Bike Society. CAMPING FEES IN EFFECT STARTING SUMMER 2019. A si…

This beautiful lake is found in the narrow valley of Fitzstubbs Creek, backed by the 2300 m peaks of the Nakusp Range. It is popular with family groups, as it offers something for everyone. The level sites beneath trees are suitable for tents, campers or trailers. Long weekends find folks coming from far and wide to gather for reunions, do some fishing for Kokanee and rainbow trout, swim, bike ride, play bocce and horseshoes. For those who want to get away from the crowds, a small hidden lake joined to Beaver Lake by a narrow stream, is accessible by canoe. Canoeists will also find the inle…

All recreation sites in the Kootenay Boundary district are first come first serve, there are NO reservation systems in place. Garland Bay is a large open beach site on the east shore of Kootenay Lake. Great area for swimming, camping, fishing and boating.

Bannock Point, on the shores of Slocan Lake has special appeal. Walk-in camping is accessed via a 700 meter (1/2 mile), moderately steep trail. Upgrades to the campsite were completed in 2024 and there is now 12 campsites on the upper level and 22 down near the water. Early in the morning expect to see eagles and osprey fishing. A small pebble beach catches the afternoon sun. A summer day can easily be whiled away diving in the clear water of Slocan Lake or sun bathing on the huge boulders. At the end of the day, listen for Canada geese settling down for the night as you watch the sunset be…

Looking for a family holiday destination? Plan your next weekend to Blanket Creek Park just south of Revelstoke. Popular with local residents, this park was originally a farm now developed to provide recreational opportunities. It is one of a system of four provincial parks on the Arrow Lake Reservoir. With its warm man-made swimming lagoon, adventure playground, historic homestead site and easy access to scenic Sutherland Falls, this park offers enjoyment for the entire family. Blanket Creek Park makes a great staging area for other recreational explorations. Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks both close by, offer hiking trails for all skill levels. Travel south, take a ferry ride and discover Nakusp Hot Springs. The variety of opportunities both in and around this park beckon…

Cedar Lake is a small popular site for beach activities just out of Golden. It has a sandy beach and a dock. It is a convenient staging spot for mountain biking on the Moonraker trails. Recent upgrades include an enlarged day use area, a new dock, and 10 improved campsites. A $15 fee is charged for overnight camping. No camping is permitted in the day use area.

A medium-sized site on the east shore of Mabel Lake. Good road access. There is a sandy beach for swimming and boating activities. Boat launch access is best with all wheel or 4 wheel vehicles. <BR><BR> Mabel Lake is located North of Lumby BC. Nestled on the northern edge of the Okanagan, the town's location provides an excellent starting point for outdoor adventures. <BR><BR>Dogs must be under control at all times, and Generator Use is restricted from 9-11am and 6-8pm. Quiet hours are 11pm-7am. Do not hold campsites. There are no reservations, and sites must be occupied for the purpose of …

Boundary lake is a large forested site next to a sub-alpine lake. This site offers fishing (esp. Rainbow trout), boating, swimming, hiking and viewing. This valley is also popular for ATV's.

Taurus Lake is an attractive, medium-sized, shallow lake lined with reeds. It has a muddy shoreline broken by a few small sandy beaches that offer swimming opportunities. The site is a very popular spot for campers and fishers in the summer.

This site is set on a bench above a shelter and secluded bay on Lake Koocanusa. There are limited opportunities for boat launching here, depending on fluctuating water levels. The steep access is generally limited to car top boats. The site boasts both shaded and sunny sites as well as a horseshoe pit.

Located along Highway 3/95, 70km south of Cranbrook and 14.5km north of the US and Canadian borders at Kingsgate, Yahk Park is a traveller’s rest place. Near the Moyie River in a quiet well spaced forest this 26 site campground and day-use area is a great introduction to BC Park visitor facilities. Yahk Park was established in 1956 to provide camping and picnicking opportunities for the travelling public. As well it conserves a short scenic section of the Moyie River. The adjacent town of Yahk has services and tourist supplies. The area was once a major supplier of railroad ties for the Canadian Pacific Railway.

All recreation sites in the Kootenay Boundary district are first come first serve, there are NO reservation systems in place. Arlington Lakes is a very popular, picturesque recreation site situated on the southern most lake of the Arlington Lakes chain adjacent to the Kettle Valley Railway grade. The recreation site has three seperate camping areas around the lake for a total of 29 campsites. The sites were completely rebuilt in 2006. A great spot for families and seniors. This site has good access to the Kettle Valley Rail Trail - expect a wide range of surface conditions, from hard packed…

Lassie Lake is an attractive, medium-sized lake with a weedy, shallow shoreline with a few tiny coarse sand beaches. As you first enter the campsite you will find a gravelled boat launch straight ahead of you. The first campsite is located to the right of the boat launch, and the remainder lie further along the access road. The campsites are located in a medium-aged forest with huge veteran larches towering above. This site is very popular and full to capacity for most of the summer, and is also popular with hunters in the fall.

This shady site, near the north end of Whatshan Lake, is a good family site with opportunities for boating and fishing. The boat launch provides good access to the lake. Later in the season, the water of Whatshan Lake warms and is very pleasant swimming. There is a pea gravel and sand beach.

Whatshan Lake is a boating and popular fishing lake with more to offer than just big fish. In summer the lake warms up to very pleasant swimming temperature. Stevens Creek is very scenic. Whatshan Peak is directly across the lake and the Pinnacles loom in the distance. Large white pine trees shade level campsites. Some of the sites are clustered together, making them perfect for group camping. There is a day use area for picnicking and enjoying the pea gravel and sand beach.

Situated not far off the Mabel Lake Road, the campground offers the crystal clear waters of the Shuswap River for excellent fishing, swimming, and scuba diving. The salmon run provides an added autumn attraction. Many natural trails lead through the trees and along the river to other beaches and swimming holes. The campsites are located right on the river near a rock pebble beach. <BR><BR>Dogs must be under control at all times, and Generator Use is restricted from 9-11am and 6-8pm. Quiet hours are 11pm-7am. Do not hold campsites. There are no reservations, and sites must be occupied for th…

Two campsite areas are located on the north and south shores of Johnson Lake. The campsites are set in an open Ponderosa Pine and bunchgrass landscape. The north site is accessed by skirting the gravel pit along its south and west boundary. The lake edge here is marshy. The south site is more popular with its small sandy beach and picnic day use area and is accessible taking the left fork in the road at the gravel pit. There is a short steep pitch trailers should approach with caution at this site. Fencing has been installed to keep range cattle out from the campsite areas. Please use road …

This small lake is busy in the summer months. The sunny, open campsites provide scenic lake views. Great spring time fishing conditions-check the fishing regulations for specifics. <br> <br> A fee for camping is in effect at Larchwood Lake. Campsites can not be reserved, they are available on a first-come-first-served basis. An operator is on site to maintain the site and collect fees. Most sites can accommodate trailers. <br><br> Motorized vehicles including ATV's and dirt bikes are permitted on the gravelled roads and sites only. Off-road vehicles are to use areas outside of the Larchwood…

This is a popular sunbathing, swimming, and camping site. It is located in a small protected bay on the east shore of Kootenay Lake with a pebble beach surrounded by exposed rock. The site offers fishing, hiking, camping, picnicking, and swimming.