Park overview
West Arm Park extends along the shore of Kootenay Lake, from Nelson to Harrop and up to the peaks behind. The creek fans and pocket beaches are popular with boaters and there is a historic trail (not maintained) up Lasca Creek. The park is largely undeveloped and there are no facilities or designated campsites.
Advisories
Camping
There are sites for short-term camping, which are accessible by boat. They are available on a first come, first served basis. This is an undeveloped park and any campsites are to be user-maintained. Please practice “Leave No Trace” camping ethics.
Facilities
We encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead.
To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.
Campfire bans may be in place. Before lighting a fire, check for bans or restrictions on BC Wildfire Service and on local or Indigenous government websites.
Activities
Lasca Creek trail is not maintained and leads through prime bear habitat. Please use caution. Click here to read about bear safety.
Do not cut new trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails.
There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
There are a few mountain bike trails, in varying condition. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia. Do not cut new trails.
For details on e-biking within West Arm Park, see the e-biking section.
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are permitted on signed or designated trails within West Arm Park, provided they meet the definitions and criteria for e-bike use as outlined in the BC Parks cycling guidelines.
Ski mountaineering is available. Users are responsible for their snow stability evaluation (avalanche hazard) route finding, self rescue and first-aid. View the Safety guide for information on staying safe in winter weather.
There is Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) mapping available for a portion of West Arm Park on the Avalanche Canada webpage. Please refer to the Avalanche.ca Trip Planner to assist in winter trip planning.
This park is situated east of Nelson and south of the West Arm of Kootenay Lake.
Park and activity maps
- There are no digital maps or brochures for this park
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: July 12, 1995
- Size: 26,199 hectares
Nature and culture
History
This park was identified for protection in the West Kootenay-Boundary Land-Use Plan.
Cultural Heritage
The park protects important First Nations cultural values, such as the archaeological sites situated along the lake shore. Important heritage values are associated with railway development and sternwheeler ships.
Conservation
The park contains a diverse range of habitats from lakeshore to subalpine. It protects high-elevation forests and alpine areas. West Arm Park features old-growth forests, internationally significant habitat for grizzly bear and for a mountain caribou recovery program. The park protects important watersheds, which supply the city of Nelson with water.
Wildlife
The area was protected for its biodiversity value as the natural habitat for several endangered species while also protecting Nelson’s water source.
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.