Moyie Lake Provincial Park

About This Park

Located 20 kilometers south of Cranbrook off Highway 3/95, Moyie Lake Park day use area, boat launch and 111 site campground provides the only public access to the deep blue mountain waters of Moyie Lake.

This vacation friendly park features 1300 metres of developed sandy beach backed by a large grassy area. Swimming, wind surfing, sailing, boating, wildlife and bird viewing and a variety of fishing experiences enhance Moyie Lake Park. As well, an adventure playground and hot showers are on site.

Park Size: 90.5 ha

Special Notes:

Quiet time is 11:00 pm to 7:00 am. Please refrain from the use of power equipment such as generators during these hours.

Stay Safe:

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

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.)	May 9 – October 31 (campground gate is closed during off-season; main gate to boat launch is open) 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:	Friday of Victoria Day weekend – Thanksgiving Day (or until snow depth restricts access)
Campground Reservable Dates:	May 15 – September 6
Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites:	111
Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable: (all remaining sites are first-come, first-served)	55
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.

Reservations

All reserveable, vehicle accessible campsites must be reserved through Discover Camping.

Campsite Reservations:
Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.

Location and Maps

Location Map

Approximately a 20 km (15 minute drive) south of Cranbrook on Highway 3/95. The small community of Moyie is located 5 km south of Moyie Lake Provincial Park.

Maps and Brochures

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

Park Map (PDF)

Nature and Culture

History - It is from the prevalence of water that Moyie received its name. Previously known as McDonald’s River and the "Grand Quete", the name that endured was Moyie, a derivative of the French "Mouille" meaning "wet". Moyie Lake Park was established in 1959 to provide day use and camping for local visitors as well as the traveling public.
Conservation - A small wilderness area on the north shore of Moyie Lake consisting of lightly-forested land on the lower eastern slopes of the southern reaches of the Purcell Mountains, Moyie Lake Park protects vibrant riparian areas and features pond and forest trails. The preserved habitat is home to beaver, muskrat, water fowl, whitetail deer and numerous woodland birds.
Moyie Lake is a unique “kettle pond” lake, the result of a depression created at the outflow of a glacier.
The 90.5 hectare park contains two distinct types of plant life based on moisture regime. Larch, Douglas fir, lodgepole pine and white spruce flourish in the drier areas. Predominate along waterways are black cottonwood, trembling aspen, willow and alder.

Management Planning

Management Planning Information

The Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan for this park is now available in pdf format.

Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing

Canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing and sailing are popular on this lake.

Cycling

Bicycles must keep to roadways or on permitted trails. Observe regulatory signs. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

Fishing

Kokanee and ling cod are two of a number of species are found in Moyie Lake. Ice fishing opportunities are popular during the winter season. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Hiking

Moyie Lake Park has two nature trails that offer interpretive signage. The "Kettle Pond" Trail starts at the amphitheatre behind site #1. The "Meadow Trail" can be accessed near the park entrance across the road from the information shelter. There are 2 km, approximately 45 minutes, of trail, that takes you through a forest community typical of the Moyie Valley. Bicycles are only permitted on the main section of this trail. For your own safety and the preservation of Moyie Lake Park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroy plant life and soil structure.

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

This park offers a sandy beach, day use area backed by a large grassy area. Moyie Lake water is cool and refreshing. There are NO LIFEGUARDS on duty at provincial parks.

Windsurfing

Moyie Lake provides good windsurfing opportunities at this park.

Winter Recreation

Ice fishing opportunities are popular during the winter season. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Facilities Available at this Park

Boat Launch

The boat launch is a concrete double ramp launch located at the end of the campground. Milfoil plants must be removed from your boat prior to travelling through the park. Main gate to boat launch is open all year.

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 and some parks may use communal fire rings. Bring a portable stove for cooking.

Drinking Water

Ten cold water taps are located throughout the campground and operational during the operating season.

Picnic Areas

This park has a large day-use/ picnic area and beach backed by a grassy play area. A change house and flush toilets are provided. The buoyed swimming area is shallow so is suitable for children's waterplay. Roofed picnic tables allow for a shady lunch spot.

Pit or Flush Toilets

Two flush toilet buildings are located centrally at the north and south loops of the campground. Pit toilets are located throughout the campground. A flush toilet building and one pit toilet are located at the day use area.

Playground

The playground in this park is located near the shower building at the north end of the campground.

Sani-Station/Dump

A sani-station/dump is located adjacent to the gatehouse on the main access road in the park which is available during the operating season.

Sani-station Use Fee: $5.00 per discharge

Showers

Hot showers are available in the campground in this park. There is no additional fee for their use. The 4 unit (2 men, 2 women) shower building is located at the north end of the campground near campsite number 56. Shower facilities are for campground visitors only.

Vehicle Accessible Camping

This park offers vehicle accessible campsites. There is a public telephone and information shelter at the park entrance. Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.

Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $28.00 per party / night

BC Senior's Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $14.00 per senior party/night. Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.

Wheelchair Access

Three washroom facilities, one shower facility and one washroom building (in the day-use area) are exclusively wheelchair accessible.