Ross Lake Park | BC Parks

Welcome to the new BC Parks website

Park overview

Ross Lake Park is popular with anglers, boaters and swimmers. A picnic area, beach, hiking trail and boat launch (electric motors only) offer opportunities for an enjoyable family picnic or evening stroll.

This park offers a pleasant beach on the lake that is popular with locals for swimming and afternoon BBQs.

Established Date: January 31, 1974
Park Size: 307 hectares

Advisories

Facilities

Accessibility information

Accessibility information is available for this park.

Picnic areas

Ross Lake Park is popular with residents for day-use picnicking on the lakeshore. The park offers a pleasant day-use area with picnic tables, fire rings and pit toilets. The day-use area is open with services from May 15 to September 3.

Note: the area is open all year, but the snow is not plowed during the winter.

Pit or flush toilets

This park has only pit toilets – no flush toilets.

Boat launch

There is a boat launch located in the park. Please note that only electric motors are permitted.

Campfires

While campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at the picnic sites, we encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead. Visitors must provide their own firewood. Please note that campfire bans may be implemented.

Activities

Hiking

Ross Lake Park visitors can enjoy the gentle 3.5 km Rainmaker Trail that encircles the lake and offers views of the lake, the surrounding mountains and lakeshore vegetation and wildlife. 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

There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.

Canoeing

Ross Lake Park offers a wonderful setting for easy access canoeing and kayaking.

Electric motors only

Fishing

Ross Lake Park is a popular year-round fishing spot. B.C. Ministry of Environment stocks Ross Lake with rainbow and eastern brook trout. Visitors can ice fish during the winter months. The lake has a boat launch but has an “electric motors only” policy.

Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC

Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Interpretive programs

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 information.

Wildlife viewing

Ross Lake Park includes moose and black bear habitat and provides excellent opportunities for waterfowl viewing on the marshy lakeshore.

Pets on leash

Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.

Cycling

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 Ross Lake Provincial 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.

Winter recreation

Cross-country skiing is available on existing hiking trails. No tracks are available. Snowshoeing is available on existing hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy ice skating on Ross Lake. Check the thickness of the ice before venturing out.

Maps and location

View a more detailed map.

This park is located off Hwy 16, near Hazelton, B.C.

Learn more about this park

Park details

Date established: January 31, 1974
Size: 307 hectares

Park contact

This park proudly operated by:
1312768 BC Ltd.
DesolationSound.Camping@outlook.com

Nature and culture

Wildlife – Western Toads

Please be aware that, in spring at Ross Lake, toads migrate for breeding activity. These mass migrations leave toads vulnerable to road-mortality and create barriers to movement. As such, BC Parks requests that those using the day-use area be aware of potential toad movements and not drive over toads while traversing road ways. Please view links below for information:

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.