Christina Lake
Beach at Christina Lake, Bob Dupee photo
Christina Lake (population 1,435) is a resort town. Best known for sunny summers and reputedly the warmest tree-lined lake in Canada, this community swells in July and August to more than twice its winter size. Enjoy water activities, golf, hiking and biking, and go camping, fishing and trekking in provincial parks.
The fishing is excellent in spring and the lake is serene and the colours beautiful in fall, perfect settings for idyllic getaways. Winter also attracts visitors who come to take advantage of uncrowded trails in a snowy forest.
Christina Lake doesn't have a compact centre. Instead, services for those who are staying in accommodations such as private vacation homes, motels, B&Bs, resorts, RV parks and campgrounds are strung along Highway 3. Because the area has been established as a local summer retreat for many decades, the lakeshore is lined with generations-old cottages and newer vacation homes. Unless staying in a lakefront property, access to the beach is limited to public parks, road-end rights-of-way and one marina.
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Natural Resources
Christina Lake, local creeks, the Kettle River and the Monashee Mountains are this area's most treasured natural resources. They form the backdrop for every activity; every point of the compass presents a striking panorama. One special highlight is the easy hike to stand on Rainbow Rock for the best view of Cascade Falls.
Outdoor Activities
Spending time outdoors is a must. Warm waters beckon swimmers, paddlers, wakeboarders and boaters. Trout, bass, kokanee and their cousins tease eager fishers. Monashee Mountain trails await hikers, mountain bikers, cross-country skiers, snowshoers and snowmobilers.
Rail Trails
The Trans Canada Trail, which follows the rail bed of the Columbia & Western Railway, passes right by Christina Lake with many local access points. People don't have to be hard-core rail fans to get a thrill from crossing the longest trestle on the former line (152m/500ft), traversing the Cascage Gorge span or diving into a cold, dark tunnel.
First Nations Heritage
Pictographs (rock paintings) on the rocky shoreline at the north end of Christina Lake attest to the long established heritage of the Sinixt First Nations Group. Take a boat out to see these important artefacts.
Getting Started
In summer, stop by the Christina Lake Visitor Centre, located in the new Welcome Centre in the community park at Highway 3 and Kimura Road. Staff will provide brochures and maps and can offer information on accommodations, dining, and things to do.
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