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Park Contact
This park proudly operated by:
Quartz Contracting
northquartz@aol.com
250 964-3489
During a campfire ban, smoking is restricted in all public areas of a park or protected area. Please read this Information Bulletin.
Purden Lake Provincial Park
About This Park
Nestled in the rolling mountains east of Prince George, Purden Lake Provincial Park, on the north shore of Purden Lake, is dominated by the Cariboo Mountains to the south and the McGregor range of the Rockies to the north.
Densely forested upland with open areas near the lakefront provide pleasant surroundings for a shoreline stroll, swimming or angling for the lake’s resident rainbow trout.
Established Date: August 21, 1971
Park Size: 2,521 hectares
Know Before You Go
Stay Safe
- For safety reasons, firearms are not permitted in the park. Purden Lake Park is closed to hunting.
- Boaters are cautioned to keep a close eye on the weather, as Purden Lake is subject to sudden, heavy winds which can transform the lake surface into dangerous whitecaps.
- Safe swimming practices are a must! No lifeguard is on duty therefore children should be closely watched at all times and solo swimming should be avoided.
Special Notes
- No alcohol is allowed on the beach or in the day-use area.
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.
Maps and Brochures
Bathymetric Maps:
Nature and Culture
- History: Surveyors searching for a route for the Canadian Pacific National Railway traversed the area in 1879 and named the lake for their supervisor, M.H. Purden Bell.
- Conservation: Purden Lake Provincial Park is situated within the Fraser River Basin, an irregularly shaped depression of gently rolling hills and shallow lakes covering much of North Central B.C. Here, visitors will find a remarkably diverse range of vegetation growing atop the glacial drift that blankets the landscape. White spruce and lodgepole pine can be found at lower elevations with Douglas, balsam and subalpine fir higher up. Willow, alder and birch thrive along the lakeshore. Bunchberry (dwarf dogwood) and false Solomon’s Seal carpet the forest floor while Indian paintbrush and lupine add a splash of colour to the roadsides in spring and early summer.
- Wildlife: Purden Lake Park is home to black bear and moose year-round. Visitors may observe beaver, snowshoe hares, squirrels and porcupines. Bald eagles and ruffed grouse may be seen in the park and the haunting call of the common loon often breaks the evening silence. At Purden Creek the mature forest provides a natural umbrella shading the stream channel and creating excellent habitat for the spawning and rearing rainbow trout.
Management Planning
Activities Available at this Park
Canoeing
Canoeing and kayaking are popular on Purden Lake.
Cycling
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Fishing
Fishing for rainbow trout and burbot is popular at Purden Lake Park. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
Lakeside walking trails travel through a great diversity of plant life and provide scenic views of the area. 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.
Hunting
Portions of this park are open to hunting. All hunters should refer to the current BC Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis for regulations and further information.
Pets on Leash
Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in park buildings or beach areas except for the area set aside for pets on the west end of the day-use area (Boaters beach) as indicated by signs. You are responsible for their control, 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
Safe swimming practices are a must! Visitors are encouraged to remain within the designated area. An abrupt drop-off is marked with floats. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
Waterskiing
There are waterskiing opportunities in this park. For boaters and waterskiers, a special separate beach has been developed adjacent to the swimming area.
Wildlife Viewing
Lakeside walking trails afford a panoramic view of the picturesque area. Visitors may observe beaver, snowshoe hares, squirrels and porcupines. Bald eagles and ruffed grouse may be seen in the park and the haunting call of the common loon often breaks the evening silence.
Windsurfing
There are windsurfing opportunities in this park.
Facilities Available at this Park
Accessibility
Some facilities in the park are wheelchair-accessible.
Boat Launch
A concrete boat launch, complete with parking allows easy access to productive angling for rainbow trout and burbot. For boaters and water-skiers, a separate beach has been developed adjacent to the sandy swimming area.
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
Cold water taps are located throughout the park. Taps are shut off during the off-season.
Picnic Areas
A large beach-side day use area features 48 picnic tables and a log picnic shelter complete with a wood stove. Swimming in the clear waters of Purden Lake and sunbathing on the sandy beach are favoured activities of visitors. Change houses are located in the day-use area.
Pit or Flush Toilets
Pit and flush toilets are located throughout the park.
Playground
There is a playground located in the campground.
Sani-Station/Dump
A sani-station/dump is available during the collecting season. The sani-station is located at the campground entrance.
Sani-station Use Fee: $5.00 per discharge
Vehicle Accessible Camping
The campground features paved roads to 78 sites, including 7 double units and 12 tent sites. Purden Lake can also accommodate larger RVs. Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $22.00 per party / night
BC Senior’s Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $11.00 per senior party/night. Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.
