Park overview
McConnell Lake is popular with fishermen and it is noted for rainbow trout to 1.5+ kg.
Advisories
Safety info
Special Notes
BC Parks and the BC Wildfire Service are working year-round to minimize the amount of fallen trees across the Lakeshore Loop Trail (as per the direction provided by the Wildlife Danger Tree Assessor: Parks and Recreation Module). Please respect the signage and staff when they are carrying out this work in the area.
If you experience fallen trees across the trail that do not allow for reasonable movement around/through – please contact the Kamloops office at 250 371-6200
- Campfires are not permitted; observe posted signs.
- The Lakeshore Loop Trail is 3.5 km in length. If you are enjoying the trail with your four-legged companion, please ensure he/she is on a leash and under control – we want to make sure this is a trail that everyone can enjoy. Please make sure to clean up after your dog, including bringing his/her waste out of the park – outhouses are for human waste only (not bags, diapers, garbage, etc.).
- The nearest public telephone is at the entrance to Lac Le Jeune Park, approx. 5 km away.
- Please help to prevent the spread of Eurasian Water Milfoil by removing all weeds from your boat and motor before launching and after removing it from the lake.
Facilities
Accessibility information is available for this park.
This is a very rustic day-use area. There is one picnic table near the boat launch.
This park has one pit toilet; no flush toilets.
There is one cold-water hand pump available in the park.
There is a small gravel surfaced boat launch suitable for small boats. This is a small, quiet fishing lake. High-speed operation of boats is discouraged.
Activities
There is a primitive trail around the lake. There are extensive hiking trails available at nearby Stake Lake. This area offers over 45 km of trails.
There is no developed beach or swimming area. There are no lifeguards on duty in provincial parks.
McConnell Lake is popular with canoeists and kayakers.
McConnell Lake contains 1.5 kg and larger rainbow trout. This is a regionally significant rainbow trout fishery. The lake is known for its clear water. Check fishing regulations. The lake is popular for ice fishing. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
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.
Informal snowshoeing can occur depending on snow levels and access. Cross-country skiing is available at nearby Stake Lake where there are over 45 km of trail.
The lake is popular for ice fishing. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Maps and location
This park is located 35 km south of Kamloops and 49 km north of Merritt. To access this park, take the Lac le Jeune Exit off Hwy #5.
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: April 30, 1996
- Size: 102 hectares
Park contact
This park proudly operated by:
Brandywine Environmental Management Ltd.
parkinquiries@telus.net
250 320-9305
Nature and culture
- History: Through the LRMP McConnell Lake was established in 1996 as a Class “A” park; McConnell Lake has been protected as a Recreation Area for many years.
- Conservation: The park represents a typical plateau lake surrouonded by hilly forested uplands. There are Montane Spruce and old growth specimens of Douglas Fir. The riparian and shoal areas provide critical habitat and feeding areas for rainbow trout.
- Wildlife: McConnell Lake is noted for rainbow trout.
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.