Park overview
Denison-Bonneau Park is located approximately 60 kilometres east of Vernon on a subalpine plateau above the Creighton Valley within the North Okanagan Regional District.
As a small backcountry park, Denison-Bonneau Park provides a unique opportunity for recreationalists to enjoy pristine subalpine lakes and vestiges of remaining old-growth forests in the Okanagan Highlands. Anglers are awarded with excellent fishing opportunities in both Denison Lake and Bonneau Lake, whereas day use hikers and self-sufficient backcountry campers can explore the park’s unique forested environment, geological features, and viewscapes.
The importance of Denison-Bonneau Park to First Nations has been further researched and the park continues to provide an important association to food, social and ceremonial harvesting activities of First Nations as well as preserving other important spiritual and cultural values.
Owing to the industrial land uses that have historically occurred outside of the park, such as logging and road building, the park assists greatly in providing habitat connectivity and refuge, especially in an era of climate change.
Primary access is a 2 kilometre hiking trail off of the Bonneau Lake Forest Service Road.
Advisories
Special notes
- The Denison Lake Trail commences outside of the park and is managed cooperatively by the Vernon Outdoors Club, BC Parks and Sites and Trails BC.
Camping
Rustic camping available. No facilities are provided.
Activities
Fishing is available in this park.
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 and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. 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.
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: June 27, 2008
- Size: 376 hectares
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.