In This Park
On This Page
During a campfire ban, smoking is restricted in all public areas of a park or protected area. Please read this Information Bulletin.
Moyie Lake Provincial Park
About This Park
Located 20 kilometres south of Cranbrook off Highway 3/95, Moyie Lake Park day-use area, boat launch and 111 site campground provides the only public access to the deep blue mountain waters of Moyie Lake.
This vacation friendly park features 1,300 metres of developed sandy beach, backed by a large grassy area. Swimming, wind surfing, sailing, boating, wildlife and bird viewing and a variety of fishing experiences enhance Moyie Lake Park. As well, an adventure playground and hot showers are on site.
Established Date: July 7, 1959
Park Size: 90.5 ha
Know Before You Go
Stay Safe
- Mountain and lake weather can change rapidly – be prepared. Visitors should be aware that high winds can come up quickly.
Special Notes
- Quiet time is 11:00 pm to 7:00 am. Please refrain from the use of power equipment such as generators during these hours.
Reservations
All campsite reservations must be made the BC Parks reservations system. When reservations are not available all campsites function as first-come, first-served.
Campsite Reservations:
Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.
Campsite Reservations:
Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.
Location
Approximately a 20 km (15 minute drive) south of Cranbrook on Highway 3/95. The small community of Moyie is located 5 km south of Moyie Lake Provincial Park.
Maps and Brochures
Nature and Culture
- History: It is from the prevalence of water that Moyie received its name. Previously known as McDonald’s River and the “Grand Quete,” the name that endured was Moyie, a derivative of the French “Mouille” meaning “wet.” Moyie Lake Park was established in 1959 to provide day-use and camping for local visitors as well as the traveling public.
- Conservation: A small wilderness area on the north shore of Moyie Lake consisting of lightly-forested land on the lower eastern slopes of the southern reaches of the Purcell Mountains, Moyie Lake Park protects vibrant riparian areas and features pond and forest trails. The preserved habitat is home to beaver, muskrat, water fowl, whitetail deer and numerous woodland birds.
Moyie Lake is a unique “kettle pond” lake, the result of a depression created at the outflow of a glacier.
The 90.5 hectare park contains two distinct types of plant life based on moisture regime. Larch, Douglas fir, lodgepole pine and white spruce flourish in the drier areas. Predominate along waterways are black cottonwood, trembling aspen, willow and alder.
Management Planning
Activities Available at this Park
Canoeing
Canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing and sailing are popular on this lake.
Cycling
Bicycles must keep to roadways or on permitted trails. Observe regulatory signs. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Fishing
Kokanee and burbot are two of a number of species are found in Moyie Lake. Ice fishing opportunities are popular during the winter season. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
Moyie Lake Park has two nature trails that offer interpretive signage. The “Kettle Pond” Trail starts at the amphitheatre behind site #1. The “Meadow Trail” can be accessed near the park entrance across the road from the information shelter. There are 2 km, approximately 45 minutes, of trail, that takes you through a forest community typical of the Moyie Valley. Bicycles are only permitted on the main section of this trail. For your own safety and the preservation of Moyie Lake Park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroy plant life and soil structure.
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
This park offers a sandy beach and day-use area, backed by a large grassy area. Moyie Lake water is cool and refreshing.
There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
Windsurfing
Moyie Lake provides good windsurfing opportunities at this park.
Winter Recreation
Ice fishing opportunities are popular during the winter season. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Facilities Available at this Park
Accessibility
Three washroom facilities, one shower facility and one washroom building (in the day-use area) are exclusively wheelchair-accessible.
Boat Launch
The boat launch is a concrete double ramp launch located at the end of the campground. Milfoil plants must be removed from your boat prior to travelling through the park. Main gate to boat launch is open all year.
Park visitors should be aware of fluctuating water levels and the presence of underwater gravel deposits at the boat launch. Use caution while loading and unloading - look before you launch.
Campfires
Firewood can be purchased from the Park Operator or you can bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please do not gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented and some parks may use communal fire rings. Bring a portable stove for cooking.
Drinking Water
Ten cold water taps are located throughout the campground and operational during the operating season.
Picnic Areas
This park has a large day-use/ picnic area and beach backed by a grassy play area. A change house and flush toilets are provided. The buoyed swimming area is shallow so is suitable for children’s waterplay. Roofed picnic tables allow for a shady lunch spot.
Pit or Flush Toilets
Two flush toilet buildings are located centrally at the north and south loops of the campground. Pit toilets are located throughout the campground. A flush toilet building and one pit toilet are located at the day-use area.
Playground
The playground in this park is located near the shower building at the north end of the campground.
Sani-Station/Dump
A sani-station/dump is located adjacent to the gatehouse on the main
access road in the park which is available during the operating season.
Sani-station Use Fee: $5.00 per discharge
Showers
Hot showers are available in the campground in this park. There is no additional fee for their use. The 4 unit (2 men, 2 women) shower building is located at the north end of the campground near campsite number 56. Shower facilities are for campground visitors only.
Vehicle Accessible Camping
This park offers vehicle accessible campsites. There is a public telephone and information shelter at the park entrance. Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.
A minimum of 4 consecutive weeks must be booked. The long stay program is from opening date until June 15th, and again after the Labour Day long weekend until the park closes for the season. Please contact the park operator to book one of these sites.
Information on other parks participating in this program, or a link to the Long Stay Policy document, is available on the Frontcountry Camping Policies and Fees webpage.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $33.00 per party / night
BC Senior’s Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $16.50 per senior party/night. Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.
Long stay camping
Sites 54 to 62 & 65 are designated as “long-stay” sites.A minimum of 4 consecutive weeks must be booked. The long stay program is from opening date until June 15th, and again after the Labour Day long weekend until the park closes for the season. Please contact the park operator to book one of these sites.
Information on other parks participating in this program, or a link to the Long Stay Policy document, is available on the Frontcountry Camping Policies and Fees webpage.
Long-stay camping available $140/week
