Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park
If camping is your vacation style, Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park has the ideal combination of rugged mountains, forests, two lakes, (Whiteswan and Alces) and a delightful, natural hot spring. Situated just 8km south of Canal Flats BC, the park is nearly 3,000 acres (1,194 ha) in size.
Cultural Heritage
What, today, is Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park, was an important seasonal hunting ground of the Ktunaxa people at least 5,000 years ago. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the hot spring was a popular spot for trappers, prospectors and guides who came to the area. Today, logging and mining are the major employers in the area around the park.
Park Features
- Five lakeside or riverside campgrounds
- 4 boat launches
- An historic lakeside hiking trail.
- Campfires – purchase firewood from park facility or bring with you
- Drinking water
- 3 day-use picnic areas at Packrat, Home Basin and White River campgrounds
- Pit of flush toilets in each campground
- Sani-station dump in season at the entrance to Alces campground
- Vehicle-accessible camping
Wildlife
The Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park area abounds in wildlife (remember to pack your camera!). You may see moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, deer, grizzly and black bears. Common loons, red-necked grebes, belted kingfishers, blue herons and golden eagles too. Bring along a canoe or kayak to really enjoy your wilderness experience.
Pets
Pets must be leashed at all times within the boundaries of Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park. They are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings and owners must pick up after them.
Note: There is no public phone or cell phone service at Whiteswan.
Featured image and slideshow photos credit: Bonnie-Lou Ferris (NatureWildLifePhotography.Rocks)
Lussier Hot Springs
Soak in the Lussier Hot Springs beside the river, at the edge of the park. It is comprised of three gravel-bottomed rock pools, rather like large bathtubs, the top pool being the hottest. The water cools as it flows down through the other pools to the river. If you think you are a bit too relaxed after your soak, take an icy plunge in the river afterward. Guaranteed to bring you right to attention!
Fishing
With no towing allowed on Whiteswan Lake and no powerboats on Alces Lake plus the bonus of an abundant fish population, especially trophy rainbow trout, this is a fisherman’s paradise. If you come in May or June, you may see spawning rainbow trout in the creeks of Whiteswan Lake.
Hiking
You can take the North Shore Trail through the Douglas fir forest with plenty of views of Whiteswan Lake and the mountains.
Hunting
Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park is open to hunting management unit 4-24. Check BC’s hunting and trapping regulations before you plan your trip. Visit: http://env.gov.bc.ca/fw/wildlife/hunting/regulations/1416/docs/region_4.pdf.
Swimming
There is a beach suitable for swimming at Home Basin day-use area. It is not marked as such, however, and users are advised to use caution as there are no lifeguards on duty in the park.
Boating
Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park is a mountain park, with changeable weather the norm. High winds can quickly come up over the lakes so be careful when in a boat.
Take the Whiteswan Forestry Road east off Hwy 93/95 about 8 km south of Canal Flats and travel 17km to the park. In summer, the road is accessible with any type of vehicle. In winter, accessibility is dependent upon snow depth. ATV vehicles and chains are necessary.
Drivers should use extreme caution on the Whiteswan Lake road access to the park. The road, for the most part, is well-maintained and fairly easy to drive; however, the portion that runs through the Lussier gorge is treacherous at best. Large logging trucks and mine ore trucks also use the road so be safe and allow them the right of way. Use headlights at all times as a precaution.