Fire Restrictions in Effect for this Park
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Activities Available at this Park
Facilities Available at this Park
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Visitor Information

Mountain and lake weather can change rapidly - be prepared. Visitors should be aware that high winds can come up quickly.

Park Contact Kootenay Park Services Ltd.
E-mail address: ekparks@telus.net
Phone: 1-250-422-3003

Jimsmith Lake Provincial Park

About This Park

Jimsmith Lake Provincial Park

This 35 site campground situated among a lakeside Douglas fir and larch forest, is a peaceful and welcome retreat for the traveling public and visitors to the nearby city of Cranbrook. The campground was rebuilt in 2001 to accommodate recreational vehicles.

Sunbathing, swimming, non-motorized boating and picnicking are popular activities at Jimsmith Park that are located in a day-use waterfront area.

This is the perfect setting for nature study and wildlife viewing. In winter, the park is transformed into a snowy playground for tobogganing and ice skating.

Park Size: 13.70 hectares

Special Notes:

  • Power boats are prohibited. Car top boats or canoes only.
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.) 		June 1 – October 11
(Gate is closed during the off-season)
Off-season: If full services provided – full fees will be in effect. If no services provided - user maintained with no fee. For details contact the Park Facility Operator at contact information on this page.
Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees: June 15 – Labour Day
Campground Reservable Dates: Not applicable
Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites: 35
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

Access the park from Hwy 3/95 at the south side of Cranbrook, then drive west 4 km on a paved secondary road to the park entrance. The community of Cranbrook is 5 km east of Jimsmith Lake Park.

Maps and Brochures

Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

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Nature and Culture

  • Conservation: This arid montane bench land lake situated amid a Douglas fir and larch forest is a perfect setting for nature study and wildlife viewing. Cattail marshes at the edges of the lake provide habitat for many birds, fish and insects.
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Management Planning

Management Planning Information

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Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing

Canoeing

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

Cycling

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

Fishing

Fishing for jumbo rainbow trout and large-mouth bass is a regular sport here. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking

Hiking

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.
Pets on Leash

Pets on Leash

Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are NOT allowed in beach areas, day use areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.
Swimming

Swimming

There is a sandy beach and swimming area in this park. There are NO LIFEGUARDS on duty at provincial parks.
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Facilities Available at this Park

Boat Launch

Boat Launch

There is a paved boat launch at this park. Power boats are prohibited. Car top boats or canoes only.
Campfires

Campfires

Firewood can be purchased from the Park Facility Operator in some parks or you can bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please do not 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. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. Bring a portable stove for cooking.
Drinking Water

Drinking Water

There are cold water taps conveniently located in the campground and in the day-use area. Taps are only available during the operating season.
Picnic Areas

Picnic Areas

The park provides the only developed day-use facility immediately adjacent to Cranbrook. The day-use area is split by the access road with the lower part accommodating sunbathers and swimmers and the upper area used by groups for picnicking and field games.
Pit or Flush Toilets

Pit or Flush Toilets

This park only has pit toilets. They are located in the campground and in the day-use area.
Vehicle Accessible Camping

Vehicle Accessible Camping

This park offers vehicle accessible campsites on a first-come, first-served basis - campsite reservations are not accepted. Originally quite isolated, the park is now surrounded by acreages and a growing residential community.

Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $21.00 per party / night
BC Senior's Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $10.50 per senior party/night. Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.

Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair Access

In the day use area, there is a paved path to a pit toilet, garbage bin and wheelchair accessible tables.