In This Park

Activities Available at this Park
Facilities Available at this Park

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Park Contact

This park proudly operated by:
West Kootenay Park Management Inc.
info@westkootenayparks.com
Fire Restrictions in Effect for this Park
Smoking is prohibited
During a campfire ban, smoking is restricted in all public areas of a park or protected area. Please read this Information Bulletin.

Arrow Lakes Provincial Park

About This Park

Arrow Lakes Provincial Park

Shelter Bay Site is one of four small sites in Arrow Lake. Park management of the other three sites (Burton, Eagle Creek and Fauqier) is by local community groups.

Upper Arrow and Lower Arrow Lakes are a widening of the Columbia River and lie between the imposing Selkirk Mountains on the east and the Monashee Mountains on the west.

Narrow strips of beachland varying in width from a few metres to several thousand metres are interspersed with rocky headlands and steep cliffs along both shorelines of the lakes. These give way to heavily forested mountain sides that rise rapidly to elevations averaging 2,500 metres on the west and 2,700 metres on the east.

Water-oriented activities dominate the scene. Angling for kokanee, Dolly Varden and rainbow trout is a popular pastime.

Established Date: May 8, 1981
Park Size: 93 hectares; Shelter Bay Site is 21 hectares

Location and Maps

Please note: Any maps listed are for information only; they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

Please note: Any maps listed are for information only; they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation. Highway 6 traffic crosses the lake by ferry between Fauqier and Needles and Highway 23 traffic by ferry between Galena Bay and Shelter Bay where the park is located. Ferry information »

Management Planning

Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing

Canoeing

There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park.
Cycling

Cycling

Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Fishing

Fishing

Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Horseback Riding

Horseback Riding

Horse and/or horseback riding opportunities in this park.
Pets on Leash

Pets on Leash

Pets/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.
Swimming

Swimming

The park has a picturesque swimming beach along the shores of Upper Arrow Lake. The water temperature is cool and refreshing. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.

Facilities Available at this Park

Boat Launch

Boat Launch

The park has a concrete boat launch with a breakwater and has a large, gravel vehicle/boat trailer parking area. Boat trailers can be parked overnight in this lot. Overnight, boats are sometimes left in the water in a partially sheltered lagoon due to high water in July and August.
Campfires

Campfires

While campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite, we encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead. Firewood can be purchased in the park or you may bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary from park to park. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. 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.
Drinking Water

Drinking Water

Drinking water will not be available at Shelter Bay for the foreseeable future. Free water and $5 sani-dump is available at Blanket Creek Provincial Park, 15 minutes North of Shelter Bay. If water is needed for washing purposes, visitors may want to bring a small container to carry water from the lake.

Picnic Areas

Picnic Areas

This park has a day-use/picnic area.
Pit or Flush Toilets

Pit or Flush Toilets

This park only has pit toilets.
Vehicle Accessible Camping

Vehicle Accessible Camping

This park offers vehicle accessible campsites on a first-come, first-served basis – campsite reservations are not accepted.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $20.00 per party / night
BC Senior’s Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $10.00 per senior party/night. Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.