Nelson Parks
Hiking in Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, Tourism BC/Albert Normandin photo
It only takes an hour to drive from downtown Nelson to the alpine gem that is Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, and it's accessible by family car. The park is large, comprising 32,035ha/79,160ac of mountain peaks, glaciers, creeks and lakes. Forests cover the lower slopes, while alpine flowers bring a profusion of colour to the meadows at higher elevations.
Hiking in Kokanee Glacier
Hiking and wildlife viewing start right at the park boundary. The most accessible hike is a short and easy boardwalk trail that circumnavigates Gibson Lake. This 30- to 40-minute hike, which is suitable for the whole family, can be combined with a picnic at the Gibson Lake hut.
For a more vigorous hike, follow the trail to Kokanee Lake (4km/2.5mi). Watch for marmots and picas on the rocks on the west side of the lake. A further 3km/2mi will bring you to the Kokanee Glacier Cabin near Kaslo Lake.
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Inexpensive overnight accommodation at the cabin can be arranged in advance through the Alpine Club of Canada.
Kokanee Creek Provincial Park
Situated on the West Arm of Kootenay Lake, Kokanee Creek has a nice beach, extensive playground facilities and 160 vehicle campsites. If planning to camp here in peak season, make a reservation as the campground can be busy.
Next to Kokanee Creek, there is a spawning channel with interpretive signage that describes the fascinating life-cycle of the kokanee – a variety of salmon. Prior to spawning, the fish go through an extraordinary transformation – their heads turn green and their bodies red. Typically, the channel is full of colour in early September.
Follow the trail upstream along the east side of the creek to a viewing platform, and watch the glacially fed stream as it squeezes through a narrow canyon.
Practical Points
- Always carry extra clothing, food and water, and be aware that encounters with wildlife are not uncommon in this wilderness area.
- Check with the Visitor Centre for updated information about the parks and their amenities or visit the BC Parks website for more information.
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Hwy 3A 19 Km NE Of Nelson
Nelson, British Columbia
V8T 6X2
Perhaps the best known alpine park in the Kootenay region. The boundaries encompass 32,035 ha of some of the most scenic country found in the Selkirk Mountains, comprising a picturesque mosaic of high peaks, snowfields, cirques & colourful lake basins ideal for hiking and fishing.
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