Park overview
Located in the Kootenay Okanagan region, Christina Lake is one of Canada’s warmest lakes. The park features 350 metres of sandy beach and parking for over 200 vehicles. Trees, picnic tables, and a warm shallow swimming area make this sandy beach a perfect day-use area for families.
Advisories
Dates of operation
The park is open year-round
- Facility type
- Picnic areas
- Main operating season
- 2024: May 3 to September 15
- 2025: May 2 to September 14
- Winter season
- No services
Safety info
- Always be aware of bears and other wildlife. Never feed or approach bears or other wildlife. To learn more about staying safe in bear country, visit our wildlife safety page.
- Wood ticks are common from March to June, living in grass and shrubs. They carry diseases and should be avoided. Protect yourself with gaiters or pants tucked into socks. After outdoor activities, check yourself, children, and pets for ticks. Remove ticks gently with tweezers and disinfect the bite.
Special notes
Christina Lake has two public boat launches. Christina Lake Marina is closest to the park. This marina is about 10 km away, located on the east side of Christina Lake. Camping is available at Texas Creek Campground in Gladstone Park. This campground is also on the east side of Christina Lake, about 13 km away.
Facilities
Accessibility information is available for this park.
There is a mobi-mat and mobi-chair available for swimming. See the swimming section for details.
There is an information board on the side of the change building.
The grassy picnic area contains over 30 picnic tables, and six benches. A paved parking lot accommodates 200 cars. Forest provides some shade for the picnic area and separates the day-use area from the parking lot.
Pit toilets are available at this park year-round.
A change building stands between the parking area and beach. It contains changing stalls and flush toilets. It opens during May long weekend and peak summer months.
Activities
As one of the warmest lakes in Canada, Christina Lake is a desirable swimming location. There is a shallow swimming area by the beach, marked with buoys.
A mobi-mat and mobi-chair are available for swimming. See accessibility section for details.
There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.
Christina Lake offers excellent canoeing opportunities. Come prepared with necessary safety gear and familiarize yourself with any potential hazards.
Christina Lake offers excellent kayaking opportunities. Come prepared with necessary safety gear and familiarize yourself with any potential hazards.
There are fishing opportunities at this park.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
Dogs and other domestic animals must always be on a leash. They are not allowed in the beach area, picnic area, or park buildings. You must always be in control of your pets and dispose of their excrement in the waste bins provided.
Cyclists must stick to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Any bike with an electric assist motor (e-bike) is not allowed on the trails in Christina Lake Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and motorized vehicle areas, except for authorized BC Parks personnel.
The park is located on Park Road, just off Highway 3, in the town of Christina Lake. It is about 8 km from the American border, under a 10-minute drive.
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: April 26, 1971
- Size: 6 hectares
Park contact
Nature and culture
History
The area has been popular for fishing, swimming, and other summer activities for many years. In the 1920s, the Christina Lake community grew to be known as a recreation and tourism destination. The park was established in April 1971.
Conservation
Nestled within the Monashee Mountain range, pine, fir, and cedar forests surround the area. Flowers, trees, and shrubs are part of the park’s natural heritage. Do not damage or remove them.
Wildlife
Many species of mammals inhabit this area. It is home to large herds of Mountain Sheep, mule deer, and whitetail deer. Within the park boundary, it is common to see marmots, squirrels, and chipmunks.
Various bird species inhabit the area depending on the time of year. You can see ducks, herons, and loons along the shoreline. Eagles and hawks soar in the sky and perch in trees. You can also find woodpeckers, flickers, blue jays, whiskey jacks, magpies, and songbirds like finches, sparrows, grosbeaks, bluebirds, and nuthatches.
Park users should always be aware of bears and other wildlife in our park environment. Never feed or approach bears or other wildlife.
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.