Columbia Lake

Columbia Lake Park (between Fairmont and Canal Flats) is used in summer by windsurfers, paddlers (canoeists and kayakers) and motorized water craft.

The 2,758 hectare lake is the largest warm water lake (18C in July) on the east-side of the Kootenay Rockies. Approximately 3 km of undeveloped beach area allows for non-consumptive recreation opportunities (wildlife viewing, paddling, nature appreciation).

Fishing on Columbia Lake is popular year round (favoured sport fish are mountain whitefish, burbot, kokanee, rainbow trout, bull trout and cutthroat trout).

The wetland/marsh component of the park offers excellent opportunities for nature appreciation, viewing and photography.

Hiking and mountain biking are also common in the upper grasslands on logging roads and along the park access road.

The park is open for day-use possibilities, but there are currently no day-use facilities in the park. The undeveloped, pristine lakeside setting offers recreation opportunities without high volumes of people. Alternative locations on Columbia Lake (such as Tilley Memorial Provincial Park in Canal Flats) possess a high level of facility infrastructure.