 Windsurfing on the lake Head to the warm waters of Wasa Lake for swimming, canoeing, camping, fishing, boating, cycling, windsurfing, waterskiing and nature walks. The cool, deep blue waters of Moyie Lake draw fun-lovers to its sandy beach and welcoming park. Windermere Lake in James Chabot Provincial Park features swimming, picnicking, canoeing, kayaking, trout fishing and windsurfing. The rugged setting of Upper and Lower Arrow Lakes makes them popular for hiking, swimming, fishing, cycling and horseback riding.
The best time for sunning and swimming at these beaches is in July and August.
A word or two on your excursion:
- If travelling with pets, be aware that restrictions may apply
A word or two on safety:
Wasa Lake
Take a dip in Wasa Lake and see if you agree that it's the warmest swimming lake in the Kootenays. There are four buoyed swimming-access zones in the day-use areas of the park. Warm waters and 2,000 m (6,562 ft) of gently sloping beaches draw sunbathers and swimmers to the lake's shores. Families flock to this scenic recreation spot for swimming, canoeing, camping, fishing, boating, cycling, windsurfing and waterskiing. Several of the park's sandy and pebbly beaches have picnic tables, grassed areas and pit toilets. Kids will enjoy the adventure playground. There are four day-use areas and 45 picnic sites. There is also an eight-km (5-mi) bike-accessible trail around the lakeshore and a 2.7-km (1.7-mi) self-guided interpretation trail.
Wasa Lake Provincial Park is located approximately 30 minutes north of Cranbrook, off Highway 93/95.
> Wasa Lake Park website
Moyie Lake
The deep, blue waters of Moyie Lake draw swimmers and fun-lovers to this welcoming park, which features 1,300 m (4,265 ft) of developed sandy beach backed by a large grassy area. Children will love the buoyed, shallow swimming area. If you like gliding through water, try windsurfing, sailing and boating. On shore, you can dig your heels into the sandy volleyball court or just relax.
Public access to the lake is through the park's large day-use area, boat launch and 111-site campground. Roofed picnic tables allow for a shady lunch spot. A change house and flush toilets are provided. An adventure playground for the kids and hot showers are also on site.
Moyie Lake is a 15 minute drive south from Cranbrook, on Highway 3/95.
> Moyie Lake Park website
Windermere Lake
Windermere Lake is located between the Rocky and Purcell Mountains. The lake's broad, sandy beach is backed by open grassy fields; they offer an idyllic retreat for swimming, picnicking, canoeing, kayaking, trout fishing and windsurfing. Amenities include picnic tables, toilets and drinking water as well as a playground.
The lake is located off Highway 93/95 at Invermere and Windermere.
> James Chabot Park website
Arrow Lakes
You'll find the Upper and Lower Arrow Lakes where the Columbia River widens, which is between the Selkirk and Monashee Mountains. Noted for their beauty, the lakes feature strips of beach that vary from a few to several thousand metres in width. The beaches are interspersed with rocky headlands and steep cliffs along both shorelines. Heavily forested mountainsides rise from the shores, reaching elevations as high as 2,700 m (8,858 ft). The rugged setting makes this scenic area popular for hiking, swimming, fishing, cycling and horseback riding.
The Arrow Lakes are accessible at various points along Highways 6 and 23.
> Arrow Lakes Park website
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