Lakes and Rivers
Come play in our Rivers and Lakes
BC’s Crowsnest scenic Highway 3 runs along rivers and is surrounded by lakes creating a relaxing drive with lots of places to enjoy water activities. Whether you’re looking to relax by the warmest lakes in the region – and the country! – or follow winding rivers by stand-up paddle, boat or tube, you can do it here. From beaches to fishing, to all sorts of water fun, each community along the Crowsnest has something for families, couples, and friends alike.
Hope, Cascades & Canyons is where the Coquihalla and Fraser Rivers meet. It is also home to a variety of lakes such as Silver Lake, Kawkawa Lake and Schkam Lake (Lake of the Woods), which are popular for kayaking and swimming. Watch salmon spawning in Sucker’s Creek at Thacker Regional Park, or enjoy the rush of whitewater rafting on the Fraser or Nahatlatch rivers.
The Similkameen River runs throughout our valley, uniting the communities and hamlets along the way. Fishing, floating, or just relaxing riverside, 197 km (122 mi) long is yours to explore. The Similkameen River runs from its western headwaters at Manning Park to the village of Cawston, directly above the US border. Princeton has the best fishing in the lakes nearby. Be sure to explore Cathedral Lake which boasts 360-degree views and while off the main road, it’s worth the adventure. Bromley Rock is a family favourite for a cool dip on a hot day.
No visit to Osoyoos is complete without a dip in Osoyoos Lake – known as Canada’s warmest due to its unique desert climate. Osoyoos Lake provides a stunning vantage point to take in the scenery of the rolling hills surrounding you, and can easily be accessed from downtown for fishing, sightseeing or water activities. Hitting the lake via one of the pristine sandy beaches for some water fun is the best way to dive into Osoyoos’ lake life culture.
The lakes and rivers in Boundary Country were made for relaxing summer days and long summer nights. Christina Lake is the perfect place to visit with the family, bringing along your own boat or renting one at the Christina Lake Marina. You could spend a whole day exploring the shores by kayak, canoe, stand-up paddle, whatever your water exploration mode of choice. Floating along the Kettle River by morning and fishing at Jewel Lake by afternoon is another ideal way to spend a day in Boundary Country waters.
