Spring has Sprung in the Thompson Okanagan which means it’s time to pull out our camping gear. With the Thompson Okanagan region being 71, 600 km² / 27,644 mi², there is no shortage of beautiful provincial parks and natural attractions to explore. 

Whether you’re spending the day or a few nights in a tent, trailer, or under the stars, there is no better way to escape the city than to enjoy the calming beauty of the region’s diverse nature and wildlife. While exploring, be mindful of the trace you are leaving behind. Sticking to the trails, cleaning up after yourself, and giving wildlife their space are just a few simple and sustainable practices that will go a long way. 

There are so many provincial parks within our region, it can be hard to decide which ones to visit first. Here are few great parks to add to your bucket list this year. Remember to respect travel restrictions and find parks to explore within your community.

Overnight Campers 

Boundary Creek Provincial Park

This park is located along the Kettle River offering 16 spaced out and well covered campsites. These campsites are run on a first-come, first-served basis. Enjoy cycling, fishing, and walking the trails. While out walking see if you can spot the remainders of the B.C. Copper Company smelter that once employed 400 men from 1901 to 1918.

The park is accessible to all, has running water, and can accommodate larger RV’s.

Jewel Lake Provincial Park

Jewel Lake Provincial Park is a hidden gem within Boundary Country. It offers a chance for visitors to immerse themselves in nature, along the 3km lake and the dense surrounding forest. Here, you can fly fish for trout, swim, cycle, and canoe.

While not suitable for fifth wheels and RV’s, there are 26 vehicle-accessible campsites. This park is accessible to all.

Silver Beach Provincial Park

Silver Beach Provincial Park is located on the north end of the Seymour Arm of Shuswap Lake. This is the site of a historical gold rush town called Ogden City (now called Seymour Arm). Along with its beautiful fir trees, there are sandy beaches on the banks of the lake. Here, you can enjoy your time next to the water or in it, doing water sports, swimming, house-bating, and fishing for over 19 different species of fish.

The park is accessible to all and has pit toilets, it can be accessed by boat or car.

Silver Beach is operated by Silvertip Park Services Ltd.

Email: parkinquiries@telus.net

Phone: 250 320-9305

Bridge Lake

With a small campground located on the south end of the lake, near the Bridge Lake community, this park protects a large amount of untouched shoreline. It is a great place to catch a glimpse of many species like the river otter, black bear, fox, bald eagle, etc. Horseback riding, hiking, fishing, and canoeing are all popular activities here.

The park is accessible to all with no running water and is only accommodating to tents.

Daytime Visitors

Christina Lake Provincial Park

If you are looking to spend the day by the water where you can picnic, swim, fish, and maybe even water ski, then you should check out Christina Lake Provincial Park. With 350 meters of sandy beaches, a lake with a reputation of being the warmest in Canada, and over 200 vehicle parking spots, this location is the perfect place to spend a sunny day.

The park is accessible to all and has plenty of trees to offer a shady spot to escape the sun.

Boothman’s Oxbow Provincial Park

Surrounded by the rare riparian black cottonwood tree, grasslands, and wildlife, this park is the perfect place to enjoy a nature walk and a picnic. Swimming, angling (a style of fishing), kayaking, hiking, and wildlife watching are all favourite activities here. Grab your fishing gear along with a picnic and enjoy a relaxing day on the lake.

All of the provincial parks above welcome your furry friends to tag along with you, just be sure they are on a leash when they do.

Once again while travel restrictions are still in effect, we encourage you to explore B.C. Provincial Parks within your community. Sometimes the greatest sights are just outside our door.