In This Park
James Chabot Provincial Park
About This Park
Nestled between the towering peaks of the Purcell and Rocky Mountains, this day-use area provincial park is situated at the north end of 15 kilometres long Windermere Lake.
A broad, sandy beach backed with open, grassy play areas offers pleasant surroundings for families who enjoy lakeshore recreation. Windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming are popular activities. There is an adventure playground and a volleyball court.
Know Before You Go
Special Notes
- Storage of buoys and moorage of watercraft overnight within James Chabot Provincial Park is prohibited.
- The park boundary extends 100 metres into Windermere Lake from the high water line.
- Equipment found to be stored overnight in the park will be removed and owners will be subject to a fine.
- For more information, contact BC Parks in Cranbrook, B.C. at 250 489-8540.
Location
This park is located 3 km off Highway 93/95 at the Invermere access road. The park is situated 2 km from Invermere town centre.
Nature and Culture
- Cultural Heritage: The area now known as Althamer and the north end of Lake Windemere, were know to have sustained large numbers of First Nations encampments (pre-colonial Period). These settlements were frequented during salmon runs along the Columbia River. The runs are now extinct because of dams on the lower reaches of the river. The park is located within close proximity to the salmon beds along the Columbia River, known traditionally as “Kwataqnuk”, meaning “where the water leaves the lake.”
- Conservation: The diversity of life and geography preserved in the nearby Columbia Wetlands offer spectacular canoeing, landscape viewing, wildlife and birding opportunities.
- General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information
Management Planning
- Management Planning Information
- The approved management direction statement for James Chabot Provincial Park [PDF]
Activities Available at this Park
Canoeing
There are paddling, canoeing and kayaking opportunities at this park. Windermere Lake is a popular motor boating area; use caution.
Cycling
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Fishing
Fish species resident in Lake Windermere include trout (bull, rainbow, cutthroat), kokanee and whitefish. Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
Swimming
There are swimming opportunities at this park. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
Waterskiing
The lake provides excellent waterskiing opportunities. No boating is allowed inside the buoyed areas.
Wildlife Viewing
A newly constructed 350 metre elevated boardwalk, allows pedestrians to view wildlife and appreciate the wetland within the park. The boardwalk is part of a initiative by the Columbia Rivers Greenways Alliance to link natural habitat and green spaces along the Columbia River. Here is a copy of the James Chabot Dragonfly Boardwalk Information Release [PDF] and copies of the Welcoming Sign [PDF] and Thank You Sign [PDF].
Dogs must be leashed at all times on the Dragonfly boardwalk and gravel path leading to the boardwalk.
Windsurfing
The large, open lake provides good opportunities for windsurfing.
Facilities Available at this Park
Accessibility
The washrooms, one picnic table, and two parking stalls are wheelchair-accessible. There is also a concrete ramp that provides access to the lake.
Drinking Water
Two cold water taps are located in the park and available during the operating season.
Picnic Areas
This park has a day-use/picnic area with 40 picnic tables, 360 metres of sandy beach backed by a grassy area and 171 parking stalls.
Pit or Flush Toilets
Flush toilets and a change room are located adjacent to the parking lot.
Playground
There is a children's adventure playground at this park.
