 Jewel Lake Provincial Park, Laurie Carter photo
Christina Lake Provincial Park Christina Lake Provincial Park, located 21.5km/13.4mi east of Grand Forks, is a popular day use area.
Beach & Swimming The park's 350m/1150ft of sandy beach provides access to what is reputed to be the warmest tree-lined lake in Canada. The buoyed swimming area is shallow, ideal for children, and there are plenty of tree-shaded picnic tables near the beach.
Boating & Fishing No boat launch is available at Christina Lake Provincial Park, but the level beach makes it easy to carry and launch canoes and kayaks. The park is located at the southern end of the lake and the area is generally very good for small boats.
Gladstone (Texas Creek) Provincial Park Encircling the north end of Christina Lake and protecting the unique Selkirk Foothills ecosystem, Gladstone Provincial Park offers a wide range of outdoor recreational and wilderness activities. Vehicle access is via Highway 3, 33km/20.5mi east of Grand Forks.
Camping and Water Activities The Texas Creek Campground is most easily accessible, with 63 campsites, a boat launch and beach for swimming, boating and fishing for Kokanee, rainbow trout and small-mouth bass. Xenia Lake in the backcountry is accessible by 4x4 vehicle. Several secluded pocket beaches and eight rustic campsites are accessible by boat only on Christina Lake.
Hiking Gladstone Park offers 48km/30mi of excellent backcountry hiking, however the steep terrain generally makes for trails rated as difficult. The Xenia Lake, Mt Faith, Mt Gladstone and Peter Lake Trails, ranging in length from 4km/2.5mi to 18.4km/11.4mi, are all in this category. Only the Deer Point Trail to Troy Creek, 11.3km/7mi is rated easy. Many more trails in the wilderness areas are unmarked and unmaintained.
Wilderness and Wildlife With elevation changes from lakeshore to alpine, the park contains diverse habitats unique to the Selkirk Foothills ecosystem. Check out the giant cedars in the low elevation old growth cedar/hemlock forest. Hikers watch for wildlife including deer, elk, California bighorn sheep and grizzly bears. Creeks entering Christina Lake in this area are excellent spots for viewing spawning Kokanee salmon in autumn.
First Nations Habitation & Pictographs Aboriginal home sites and a semi-permanent village are located near traditional fishing spots in the park. Look for three shoreline pictographs (rock paintings), approachable by boat only on the east shore of the lake.
Heritage Sites The historic Dewdney Trail passed through this territory along with a section of the CPR rail line, important in Doukhobor history. There is also an old gold mine and a heritage cabin.
Jewel Lake Provincial Park Very popular with locals in summer and winter, Jewel Lake Provincial Park is easily accessible, 49km/30mi northwest of Grand Forks.
Canoeing & Kayaking Jewel Lake is 3km/1.9mi long with a 10hp motor restriction, making this an excellent venue for canoeing and kayaking. Car-top boat launching facilities are available.
Fishing Fly fishers cast a line or troll for trout. The lake is stocked with both brook and rainbow. Boat rentals are available at Jewel Lake Lodge at the south end of the lake. In winter, bundle up and try the ice fishing.
Camping Campers looking for some privacy will like these 26 vehicle accessible campsites, well screened from neighbours in the heavily wooded park.
Swimming The sand and grass beach is also secluded, a short walk through the forest from the campground and day-use picnic areas. The swimming area is not marked.
Practical Points - The Monashee Mountains are habitat for both grizzly and black bears. Black bears are not uncommon even at lower elevations and definitely on the sub-alpine slopes where they feed in summer.
- When hiking in bear country, carry bear spray, make enough noise to announce your presence and be aware.
- The best time to hike in the mountains is late June through September, depending on snow conditions. Trails in the valley are accessible year-round.
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