Fire Restrictions in Effect for this Park
Activites and Facilities Available in this Park - Click icon to view
Activities Available at this Park
Facilities Available at this Park
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Visitor Information
Park Contact

West Kootenay Park Management Inc.
Phone: 250 837-5734
Fax: 250 837-5764
Email for general inquiries: information@westkootenayparks.com
Email for park specific inquiries: arrowlakes@westkootenayparks.com

Web: www.westkootenayparks.com

Arrow Lakes (Shelter Bay) Provincial Park

About This Park

Arrow Lakes Provincial Park

Upper Arrow and Lower Arrow Lakes are a widening of the Columbia River and lie between the imposing Selkirk Mountains on the east and the Monashee Mountains on the west. Narrow strips of beachland varying in width from a few metres to several thousand metres are interspersed with rocky headlands and steep cliffs along both shorelines of the lakes. These give way to heavily forested mountain sides that rise rapidly to elevations averaging 2 500 metres on the west and 2 700 metres on the east. Water-oriented activities dominate the scene. Angling for kokanee, Dolly Varden and rainbow trout is a popular pastime.

Park Size: Park Size: 93 hectares

Campground Hours of Operation
All dates are subject to change without notice
Opening and Closing Campground Dates:
(campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water, security, etc.) 		Open year round - but use is subject to snow conditions, as the campground is not cleared of snow.
Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees: May 6 - September 30
Campground Reservable Dates: Not applicable
Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites: 17
Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable:
(all remaining sites are first-come, first-served) 		Not applicable
Note: The above information is for the campground only. Park users can still walk into the park if conditions such as weather permit. Check the "Attention Visitor Notice" above for park alerts.

 

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Location and Maps

Highway 6 traffic crosses the lake by ferry between Fauquier and Needles and Highway 23 traffic by ferry between Galena Bay and Shelter Bay where the park is located. Here is ferry information.

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Nature and Culture

General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information
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Management Planning

Management Planning Information

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Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing

Canoeing

There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park.
Cycling

Cycling

Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Fishing

Fishing

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

Horseback Riding

Horse and/or horseback riding opportunities in this park.
Pets on Leash

Pets on Leash

Pets/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.
Swimming

Swimming

The park has a picturesque swimming beach along the shores of Upper Arrow Lake. The water temperature is cool and refreshing. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
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Facilities Available at this Park

Boat Launch

Boat Launch

The park has a concrete boat launch with a breakwater and has a large, gravel vehicle/boat trailer parking area. Boat trailers can be parked overnight in this lot. Overnight, boats are sometimes left in the water in a partially sheltered lagoon due to high water in July and August.
Campfires

Campfires

While campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite, 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. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. 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
Drinking Water

Drinking Water

There is a cold water tap in the camping area. Taps are shut off during the off-season.
Picnic Areas

Picnic Areas

This park has a day-use/picnic area.
Pit or Flush Toilets

Pit or Flush Toilets

This park only has pit toilets.
Vehicle Accessible Camping

Vehicle Accessible Camping

This park offers vehicle accessible campsites on a first-come, first-served basis - campsite reservations are not accepted.

Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $16.00 per party / night
BC Senior's Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $8.00 per senior party/night. Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.