Kootenay. 
Know before you go
Advisories
Safety information
Lake weather can change rapidly, be prepared. Visitors should be aware that high winds and spring squalls could come up quickly.
Special notes
Wi-Fi: This park offers wireless internet for $4 per 24 hour period. This service can be arranged with the on-site park operators.
Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.
Visit responsibly
Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:
Maps and location
Getting there
Davis Creek and Lost Ledge sites are located in south central BC, on Highway 31 adjacent to Kootenay Lake. Both sites are north of Kaslo, Lost Ledge 25 km and Davis Creek 30 km. The driving time to Kaslo is 30 minutes.
Midge Creek site is located 38 km south of Balfour, on the southwest shore of Kootenay Lake across from Sanca Creek.
Things to do
Davis Creek and Lost Ledge
For the very brave, some swimming does take place. The water is considered cool to refreshing. The beaches are pebbly with coarse rocks.
There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.
There are opportunities for canoeing and kayaking on the lake.
Davis Creek and Lost Ledge
Access is from the lake front campsites or the boat launch at Lost Ledge. Shoreline canoeing is recommended, due to unpredictable winds and sudden squalls.
Kootenay Lake Paddle Sports on site offering Canoe, Kayak, and Paddle Board Rentals off the beach at Davis Creek.
There are opportunities for kayaking on the lake.
Davis Creek and Lost Ledge
Access is from the lake front campsites or the boat launch at Lost Ledge. Shoreline canoeing is recommended, due to unpredictable winds and sudden squalls.
Kootenay Lake Paddle Sports on site offering Canoe, Kayak, and Paddle Board Rentals off the beach at Davis Creek.
Visitors can enjoy angling for kokanee, bull and rainbow trout. Check the BC fishing regulations synopsis for restrictions and quotas.
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.
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Kootenay Lake Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
Davis Creek and Lost Ledge
There are windsurfing opportunities on Kootenay Lake.
About this park
These small designation sites were formerly log dumps for Kootenay Forest Products. With the closing of KFP, the land was reverted to the crown and the Parks were established in 1987. Lost Ledge and Davis Creek lie in the Ktunaxa/Kinbasket and Shuswap First Nation traditional territories.
With 38 hectares, Lost Ledge protects a small creek fan and frontage on the north-west shore of Kootenay lake. The five hectares of Davis Creek, also protects a natural creek fan with limited ungulate winter range. Flowers, trees and shrubs are part of the parks natural heritage, please do not damage or remove them.
Loons, mallards, and Canada geese are often observed on the lake or along the shoreline with small mammals such as squirrels and chipmunks seen amongst the campsites and forest. Kokanee spawn in Davis Creek. Park users should always be aware of bears and other wildlife in our park environment. Never feed or approach bears or other wildlife. Please view all wildlife from a distance.
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.
Contact
| Reservations, changes, and cancellations | Our call centre is open from 7 am to 7 pm Pacific Time. There is a $5 fee for reservations, changes, or cancellations made by phone.
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| Park operator | This park is operated by RAP Park Contracting Ltd. |
| General questions and feedback for BC Parks | We answer emails weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Time. |
