Kamloops Lake Access

Accessing Kamloops Lake can be difficult due in part to the rugged nature of Lake and to the fact that the CP and CN Railways run on either side of it. This is further compounded by the fact that what good access points due exist are mostly private property where very little consideration was put into preserve quality public access points. Sadly this beautiful 40 km long lake only 10 minutes from Kamloops has only 1 good quality public access point, Steelhead Provincial Park, and it is at the very far end of the Lake in Savona. No other community in BC has such a wasted opportunity as this - much is needed to be done here.

Tranquille/ Cooney Bay

  • Priority for improvement: High
  • Best Feature: Spectacular scenery, fascinating history, complex ecology and access to Lake Kamloops make this a prime location for recreational activities of all kinds!
  • Special Concerns: Trains and private ownership of Tranquille farm and several other issues made this a spot that has proven very complicated to develop...
  • Parking: Fair
  • Access to Water: Fair
  • Signage: Poor

Kamloops Lake Wetlands

  • Priority for improvement: Moderate
  • Best Feature: Amazingly productive fish and waterfowl habitat
  • Special Concerns: This sensitive area needs more protection from boaters and better trail access for birders and nature lovers. Only accessible during high water.
  • Parking: Fair
  • Access to Water: Fair
  • Signage: Poor

Tobiano

  • Priority for improvement: Low
  • Best Feature: Excellent access to middle Kamloops Lake
  • Special Concerns: This is a private boat launch and far from Kamloops
  • Parking: Fair
  • Access to Water: Good
  • Signage: Fair

North Side Kamloops Lake (Frederick Road Network)

  • Priority for improvement: Low
  • Best Feature: The only access points on the North Side of Kamloops Lake
  • Special Concerns: These access points are rough and undeveloped
  • Parking: Poor
  • Access to Water: Fair
  • Signage: Poor

Steelhead Provincial Park

  • Priority for improvement: Low
  • Best Feature: Excellent access to the outflow of Thompson from Lake Kamloops
  • Special Concerns: There park is a little small and under a large amount of pressure
  • Parking: Fair
  • Access to Water: Good
  • Signage: Good

Walacheen Bridge

  • Priority for improvement: Low
  • Best Feature: A usable access point to Thompson below Savona when Juniper Provincial park is closed
  • Special Concerns: This spot could use some better signage
  • Parking: Fair
  • Access to Water: Fair
  • Signage: Poor

Juniper Beach Provincial Park

  • Priority for improvement: Low
  • Best Feature: Access to a fantastic section of moving water up and downstream
  • Special Concerns: This location is closed for several months each year
  • Parking: Good
  • Access to Water: Good
  • Signage: Good

Ashcroft

  • Priority for improvement: Low
  • Best Feature: Two access points to a fantastic section of moving water: at boat launch above town and in the civic park in Ashcroft .
  • Special Concerns: The civic park access point is rough and tricky at higher water levels.
  • Parking: Fair
  • Access to Water: Good
  • Signage: Poor