Puntchesakut Lake Park

Highlights in this park

Puntchesakut Lake Park comprises approximately 38 hectares of gently rolling aspen forest. Located on the east side of Puntchesakut Lake, the park offers 1200 metres of waterfront, including a beautiful stretch of sandy beach and is easily accessible from Quesnel.

Most recreation activities are lake oriented. Angling for trout in the spring and fall is perhaps the most popular pursuit, with anglers often catching trout up to 3lb in size. Other activities include swimming, sunbathing, canoeing, boating, and water skiing. The park is also popular for picnicking. Hunting is not permitted in Puntchesakut Lake Park.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

There is no potable water available at this park and for the foreseeable future. We apologize for the inconvenience.
The park supports multiple lake-oriented activities. Please adopt safe boating procedures at all times, and be aware of canoeists, kayakers, and swimmers.

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

Location Map

Getting there

The park is located approximately 40 km west of Quesnel. It can be accessed via Nazko Road (well-maintained and paved), and the trip takes approximately 25 minutes. For additional map information, please refer to topographical map numbers: 1:50,000 93B/15.

Things to do

Swimming

There is a roped-off swimming area at this park.

There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.

Canoeing

There are paddling, canoeing and kayaking opportunities at this park.

Fishing

The lake supports a wide variety of fish species, most notably, rocky mountain whitefish and rainbow trout. When the lake freezes over, there are ice fishing opportunities in the winter.

Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

Pets on leash

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.

Cycling

Cycling is permitted on roads and trails in the 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 Puntchesakut 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.

Waterskiing

There are waterskiing opportunities on Puntchesakut Lake. There is no maximum boat motor size.

Winter recreation

The lake freezes over allowing for ice skating and ice fishing opportunities in the winter. When the lake freezes over, there are ice fishing opportunities in the winter. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Facilities

Accessibility information

Accessibility information is available for this park.

Boat launch

There is a concrete, single-wide boat launch located on the north side of the park entrance. There is parking available for vehicles and boat trailers.

Campfires

Firewood is not provided. Please bring your own if you must have a fire. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.

To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.

Campfire bans may be in place. Before lighting a fire, check for bans or restrictions on BC Wildfire Service and on local or Indigenous government websites.

Drinking water

There is a hand pump for water in this park located next to the picnic shelter.

Picnic areas

This park has a day-use and picnic area. There is a covered shelter with four tables and a wood stove as well as two change houses near the beach area. Fire pits and picnic tables are also located in the day-use area.

Pit or flush toilets

This park has five pit toilets located throughout the park.

About this park

Conservation

Puntchesakut Lake Park is located in the Interior Plateau, and is characterized by gently rolling terrain and attractive, almost pure aspen forest. The shoreline of willow and birch provides shade and cover for fish and other wildlife.

Wildlife

The lake supports a wide variety of fish species, most notably, rocky mountain whitefish and rainbow trout. The rolling terrain in and surrounding the park is also home to moose and deer, with occasional porcupines, coyotes, and black bear.

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.

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