A campfire ban is currently in effect for this park. For more information about campfire bans and about provincial parks with park closures and campfire bans in effect, visit the BC Parks campfire ban webpage.
As of November 17th, 2009:
The 2009-2010 Premier Lake Park Ecosystem Restoration Project is in progress. The bulk of the restoration work is taking place in the vicinity of the Yankee - Canuck Trail. The trail is now open, however hikers should expect to see evidence of recent tree removal and heavy equipment activity. As this project is still underway, intermittent trail closures may be in effect throughout the winter. Some work will also be occurring in the area above the main park access road near the turn-off to the ‘Rod & Gun Club’ day use site.
Park Info
Nestled against the west slopes of the Rocky Mountains, Premier Lake is one of the key recreational fishing lakes in the East Kootenay. The emerald green lakes of Premier and four smaller lakes, Canuck, Yankee, Cats Eye and Quartz offer a unique and varied fishing experience in a secluded and pleasant park atmosphere.
The area is rich in wildlife. Premier Ridge, west of the lake, is an important wintering range for elk, whitetail and mule deer, and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. Forests of Douglas fir and western larch are common in the park. Osprey, eagle, heron, king fisher, numerous forest birds and water fowl can also be seen.
Premier Lake Park, situated 72 km north of Cranbrook, contains 57 vehicle/tent camp sites and is located at the south end of the lake. There are no drive-through sites. There is an information shelter located at the entrance to the park but no telephone.
Park Size: 662 hectares
Stay Safe:
Mountain and lake weather can change rapidly - be prepared. Visitors should be aware that high winds can come up quickly.
No skiing or towing is permitted at the south end of Premier Lake. There is also a boat speed restriction of 16 km/hour at the south end of the lake.
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.)
Year round
(gate is open during the off-season)
Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees:
May 1 – September 30
Off-season: only main loop open; no fee; no services; user maintained
Campground Reservable Dates:
May 15 – September 6
Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites:
56
Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable:
(all remaining sites are first-come, first-served)
10
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.
Access is from Highway 93/95, 72 km north of Cranbrook; the well marked turnoff leads east to a 12 km paved and gravel road to the park. The smaller communities of Skookumchuck – 12km south and Wasa 16km further south are nearest the park. The larger communities are Cranbrook, 72 km south, and Kimberley, 60 km northeast, of Premier Lake on Highway 93/95.
History - Established in 1940, this park was named after Mr. William Smithe’s title, who was the Premier of BC from 1883 to 1887.
Cultural Heritage - This site was used by the Ktunaxa (Kootenay) First Nations as a camp area and food fishery.
Conservation - Forests of Douglas fir extend from the shoreline while stands of Western larch are common along the ridges. Premier Lake Park also contains four smaller lakes: Canuck, Yankee, Cats Eye and Quartz. Staples Creek fish ladder and fish collection station provides eggs for the Kootenay Fish Hatchery Signs along Staples Creek interpret the life cycle of the rainbow trout. Bird and ungulate wildlife viewing opportunities abound and the Douglas Fir and Western Larch forests exemplifies East Kootenay ecosystems.
For parks that accept reservations, all vehicle accessible campsites (with the exception of
group sites) must be reserved through Discover Camping.
Campsite Reservations: Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.
Contact Info
Kootenay Park Services Ltd.
E-mail address: ekparks@telus.net
Phone: 1-250-422-3003
Activities Available At This Park
Canoeing
Canoeing and kayaking are welcome on Premier Lake.
Cycling
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Fishing
Fishing is good year round in this park. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. Ice fishing is popular at Premier Lake. The entire lake is closed to fishing from December 1st to January 2nd. During the winter, access through to the boat launch is maintained by Ministry of Transportation - Highways.
Hiking
The hiking trails in the park connect Yankee, Canuck and Turtle lakes. They are short loop trails offering easy access for families to these picturesque lakes. The duration of the hike can be between 1.5 to 4 hrs. 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.
Hunting
Hunting is allowed in Preimer Lake Provincial Park from September 1 to June 30 during a lawful game hunting season. Please check the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for specific details.
Pets on Leash
Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in the playground, beach, day use 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
Enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool water of Premier Lake. The wharves provide an ideal enclosed swimming area, with a small sandy beach. The water is warmest during July and August. There are NO LIFEGUARDS on duty at provincial parks.
Wildlife Viewing
Signs along Staples Creek and a viewing platform at the fish ladder, interpret the life cycle of lake trout and the valued work of the Kootenay Trout Hatchery.
Facilities Available At This Park
Boat Launch
The boat launch located at the far end of the day use area, is concrete slab with limited moorage at the floats. On the south end of the lake, there is a speed restriction and water skiing or towing is not permitted.
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
There are three cold water hand pumps located throughout the park - the day use area (1), the overflow camping area (1) and the main campground (1).
Picnic Areas
The day use area at Premier Lake has 6 lakeside picnic tables. You can enjoy a picnic at any of the other four smaller lakes in the park but there are no picnic facilities.
Pit or Flush Toilets
This park only has pit toilets - no flush toilets. There 10 pit toilets in the campground, two pit toilets in the day use area and one pit toilet at Quartz Lake.
Playground
A large playground facility is located near the entrance to the park.
Showers
There is one solar shower enclosure with plastic shower bags supplied at this park.
Vehicle Accessible Camping
The campground has vehicle accessible sites. Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available. During the winter, campers are permitted to camp in the campground areas if accessible. Ministry of Transportation maintains access to the area.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $15.00 per party / night
BC Senior's Rate (Shoulder Season only):
$7.50 per senior's couple/night
Wheelchair Access
A wheelchair accessible picnic site is located at the lakeside day use area of the park. This includes a paved pathway to a picnic table. There is also an accessible pit toilet located in the day use area.
Winter Camping
During the winter, campers are permitted to camp in the campground areas if accessible. Ministry of Transportation maintains access to the area.
