Thompson. 
Know before you go
Advisories
Special notes
- 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.
- The lakeshore is suffering from extensive damage. Please launch your boat in the main launching area only.
- The camping area is undeveloped and suited mostly to self-contained truck-and-camper visitors.
- The nearest public telephone is at Balmoral, 10 km away.
- Camping is only permitted in the designated campground. Please obey all signs within the park.
- ATVs are prohibited in White Lake Park and are not to be operated in the park boundary.
Painted Turtles:
White Lake is home to the intermountain-Rocky Mountain population of the Western Painted Turtle. The Western Painted Turtle is the only native pond turtle left in British Columbia and therefore makes up an important component of our biodiversity. Painted Turtles typically occupy the shallow water zones of ponds, lakes, sloughs and slow moving streams.
You can easily find Painted Turtles basking on partially submerged logs during warm sunny days. During the breeding season pregnant female turtles leave their aquatic environment in search of loose, warm, well-drained soils, typically south facing. These movements typically occur in late afternoon periods and during the onset of dusk. In spite of being our only native turtle, the Province of British Columbia classifies the Western Painted Turtle as vulnerable to extinction due to habitat loss and degradation and through collision with automobiles during the nesting season.
In consideration for the well being of the Western Painted Turtle we ask for your cooperation and that you adhere to the following rules:
- When driving on roads during the breeding period (May/June) we ask you to be extra vigilant and slow down to avoid accidently hitting turtles
- Please keep pets on a leash
- Please use the designated boat launch for lake access
- Please camp within designated spots
- Do not touch or move Painted Turtles
- Do not disturb shoreline habitat
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
- White Lake Park map [PDF]
Getting there
The park is located approximately 10 km northeast of the Trans-Canada Highway from Balmoral (west of Salmon Arm), the last 2 km is on a logging road. Balmoral, White lake, Tappen, Sorrento and Salmon Arm are the communities that are close to the park.
Camping
Frontcountry camping
Although there are no designated campsites, the park is suitable for self-contained small truck-and-camper rigs. The camping area is small making it difficult for larger units and trailers to maneuver for parking. This area would be considered a high-density campsite for approximately 10 units. There are no tables provided. The trees surrounding the parking area provide some shelter.
| Vehicle-accessible camping fee | $13 per party per night |
| BC seniors’ rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only) | $6.50 per senior party per night |
For information on the BC seniors’ rate, see the camping fees page.
Frontcountry campgrounds
Winter camping
The campground is open for off season camping until the gates are locked once the lake freezes over or winter conditions limit access. The 14 day camping limit for visitors still applies.
Things to do
There is not a designated or protected swimming area in this park. Please use caution when swimming due to boat traffic.
There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.
Fly and troll for rainbow trout to 5 kg. Experienced anglers do well in early spring. Also in the spring a good mayfly hatch is productive. In July, try gomphus or dragonfly patterns.
There is access to the lake for ice fishing until the snow makes the entrance road impassable. Please do not light fires on the ice as it adds pollution to the lakes.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
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.
Facilities
Accessibility information is available for this park.
While campfires are allowed we encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead.
Firewood can be purchased in the park or you may bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary from park to park.
To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.
This park has pit toilets, no flush toilets.
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
| Park operator | This park is operated by Silvertip Park Services Ltd. |
|---|---|
| General questions and feedback for BC Parks | We answer emails weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Time. |
