Thompson. 
Know before you go
Advisories
Safety information
- Frequent sudden windstorms happen on Nicola Lake, posing a very real danger to small boats.
- The lake bottom drops off suddenly between the swimming area buoys, and close to shore in other areas of the lake. Use caution.
- Extreme hot, dry climate can result in overexposure to the sun. Visitors should wear sunscreen and a hat with a brim.
- Wood ticks are most prevalent between March and June. These parasites reside in tall grass and low shrubbery and seek out warm-blooded hosts. Although they are potential carriers of disease, they are a natural part of the environment and can be easily avoided. Protect your legs by wearing trousers tucked into socks or gaiters. After outdoor activity, thoroughly examine yourself. Check your pets for ticks as well.
Special notes
- Major credit cards are accepted at the gatehouse and store.
Please obey all park rules and policies to help everyone enjoy their time and stay safe in the park.
- Quiet hours are 10pm to 7am. Music and other loud noises must be silenced completely between these hours.
- Generators are permitted 9 am to 11 am and 6 pm to 8 pm only.
- Hibachis and camp stoves can burn the picnic tables. Please do not use them on the tables.
- Keep valuables hidden and locked up when unattended. Please report all thefts to the park staff as soon as possible.
- Pets must be on leash (no longer than 2 metres) at all times while in the park. They are not allowed on beaches or in day-use areas. Owners must clean up after their pets.
- Alcohol is only permitted in your campsite.
- The speed limit on roads is 10 km/h. Road can be very busy. All road users must obey traffic regulations and rules. Always yield to the slowest mode of travel (for example, cyclists yield to walkers).
- Motorcycles and bicycles are permitted on park roads only. Motorcycles must be properly licensed and must be operated by a licensed driver. Helmets must be worn. Unlicensed ATVs and dirt bikes are not permitted.
- Parking on the side of the road is prohibited. Please park on the gravelled portion of your campsite or in designated parking spaces. Vehicles parked in day-use areas after 11 pm may be ticketed or towed.
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
- Park Map [PDF] (February 27, 2020)
- Brochure [PDF]
Getting there
On the western shore of Nicola Lake, 22 km north of Merritt, 12 km off Hwy 5A via narrow paved road.
Things to do
There is a 5 km self-guided interpretive hiking trail that loops around the park. In 2005, the park added 1.3 km of trail to the east of the existing upper trails. The loop is best walked from the upper end. Sections of this trail are steep and require caution.
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 is very popular at the sandy beach. There are marker buoys sectioning off the swimming area. The beach shelves quickly to deep water, so swimmers need to use caution. There are two change houses.
There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.
Canoeing and kayaking opportunities are available. Extreme caution should be used due to the high winds occurring daily on the lake. These boats should stay close to shore.
Rainbow trout and kokanee are the most common fish, however there are 26 species of fish in the lake.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC has a fun, hands on, Learn to Fish Program that teaches basic angling skills to youth under 16 years old. Check back to this page or ask the park operator for more information.
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 the potential for problems with bears and other wildlife.
Bicycling is allowed only on paved roads and designated trails in this park. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Monck 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.
About this park
Established in 1951. The original land was donated and was the site of an old homestead. There are archaeological sites including two First Nations pit house depressions in the day-use area.
There are 26 species of fish in Nicola Lake.
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 Shuswap Adam Parks Ltd. |
| General questions and feedback for BC Parks | We answer emails weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Time. |
