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Advisories

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Cabins and huts

There is an old cabin at Divide Lake that was built before the park was established. It is not to BC Parks standards and is user maintained. Visitors planning on staying at this cabin should be self-sufficient and able to camp outside if the cabin is full.

Marine-accessible camping

Wilderness camping is allowed at Baker Lake and Divide Lake. Limited facilities like pit toilets and fire rings are provided. 

There are 7 marine boat-in campgrounds along the lake: 

  • Buchan Bay
  • Commando Bay
  • Goode’s Creek
  • Van Hyce Beach
  • Reluctant Dragon Cove
  • Halfway Bay
  • Halfway Point 

Additional camping is allowed at the South parking lot where there are two tables, two fire rings, space for two tents (no tent pads) and a pit toilet.

Mooring of uninhabited vessels is not permitted at anytime within the park. Vessels that are found uninhabited, tied to a mooring buoy or tied on shore could be impounded and removed at the owners expense. For additional information on mooring and marine concerns, please contact the park operator.

Backcountry marine camping fee is $13 per party or vessel per night.
Campfires

Campfires are permitted and campfire rings are provided at some campsites. We encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using camp stoves instead. Firewood can be purchased when a park operator is available on the marine campsites, 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 during the operating season when fire restrictions are in place.

Picnic areas

This park is popular amongst Kelowna residents for day-hikes and mountain biking.

Pit or flush toilets

This park only has pit toilets, no flush toilets.

Hiking

There are many hiking trails in this park:

  •  Boulder Loop Trail: 5km, 3hrs, easy. North Parking Lot to Boulder Trail to Dead Horse Creek to Golden Mile Road.
  • Old C.N. Trail: 3km, 2hrs, easy. North Parking Lot to Divide Lake Road
  • Divide Lake Trail North (restricted access road): 8km, 3.5hrs, easy. Rimrock Gate to Divide Lake
  • Boulder Trail: 3km, 2hrs, moderate. Old C.N. Trail to Dead Horse Creek
  • Dead Horse Creek to Gate: 1.5km, 1hr, easy.
  • Good’s Basin Trail: 6km, 1.5hrs, moderate. Dead Horse Creek to Pinnacles.
  • Dead Horse Creek to end of Canyon: 7.5km, 5hrs, easy.
  • Rim Trail via Wild Horse Canyon Trail: 1km, .75hrs, moderate.
  • End of Canyon to Commando Bay: 1.8km, 1hr, moderate.
  • End of Canyon to Buchan Bay: 1.5km, .75hrs, moderate.
  • End of Canyon to Good’s Creek: 3km, 2.5hrs, difficult.
  • Divide Lake to Baker Lake: 2km, 1.5hrs, difficult.
  • Baker Lake to Victor Lake: 1km, .75hrs, moderate.
  • Trailhead South Parking Lot Gemmill Lake: 2km, 1hr, easy.
  • Divide Lake via Mountain Goat Trail: 5km, 3hrs, difficult.
  • Viewpoint Trail: 500m, 30min, easy.
  • Parking lot to Divide Trail South Junction: 5km, 2hrs, moderate.
  • Divide Lake Trail South: 5km, 2hrs, moderate. Junction at Wildhorse Canyon to Divide Lake.
  • Frederick Creek: 6km, 2.5hrs, moderate.
  • Frederick Creek to Baker Lake: 4km, 3hrs, moderate.
  • Frederick Creek to Good’s Creek: 4km, 4hrs, moderate.
  • Good’s Creek Trail: 1km, .75hrs, moderate. Junction of Wildhorse Canyon Trail and Good’s Creek.

 

View the Trail Report [PDF] (June 5, 2022) for more information. 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.

Please note there is little surface water available away from the lakes. Carry plenty of drinking water, particularly in summer. Also, keep in mind that it is easy to become disoriented by the rugged terrain and deep canyons.

 

Swimming

Swimming opportunities are plentiful along the undeveloped shoreline. There are many bays easily accessed by boat that make for a great place for snorkeling. There are no lifeguards on duty.

Canoeing

There are wonderful opportunities for canoeing or kayaking daytrips and multiple day trips along the shoreline of Okanagan Lake, bordering Okanagan Mountain Park. Camping among the marine park campsites gives the illusion of being tucked away along the coastal saltwater bays, yet being inland. If possible, use a Canadian Hydrographic Chart 3052 for Okanagan Lake. This is available for a fee. Phone 250-765-3995 in Kelowna and 250-492-2628 in Penticton.

Kayaking

There are wonderful opportunities for canoeing or kayaking daytrips and multiple day trips along the shoreline of Okanagan Lake, bordering Okanagan Mountain Park. Camping among the marine park campsites gives the illusion of being tucked away along the coastal saltwater bays, yet being inland. If possible, use a Canadian Hydrographic Chart 3052 for Okanagan Lake. This is available for a fee. Phone 250-765-3995 in Kelowna and 250-492-2628 in Penticton.

Fishing

Norman, Baker and Divide lakes are all stocked with rainbow trout by the Summerland Trout Hatchery. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Wildlife viewing

There are fantastic views from the Rim Trail, the Pinnacles and the viewpoint just west of the south parking lot. The rugged terrain and steep canyons in the park make plentiful viewing opportunities for sheep, goats, elk, and birds of prey.

Pets on leash

Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times. Owners 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 wildlife.

Cycling

There are cycling opportunities at this park. Obey the signs that allow mountain biking within Okanagan Mountain Park. For details on e-biking, see the e-biking section.

e-Biking

Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are permitted on signed or designated trails within Okanagan Mountain Park, provided they meet the definitions and criteria for e-bike use as outlined in the BC Parks cycling guidelines.

Waterskiing

There are opportunities for waterskiing and wakeboarding on Okanagan Lake.

Horseback riding

Horseback riding is permitted at this park. Please use the designated trails because the park is rugged and even experienced riders can be challenged. Most areas in the park are inaccessible even by horseback, so please travel with caution.

Hunting

Hunting is permitted only during lawful game hunting season. Check the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for regulations.