In This Park

Visitor Information

Park Contact

This park proudly operated by:
Emma Stephens emma@bulkley.net
250 842-6546

Fire Restrictions in Effect for this Park

During a campfire ban, smoking is restricted in all public areas of a park or protected area. Please read this Information Bulletin.

Possible Fire Restriction in Effect for this Park

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» Ross Lake Provincial Park

Ross Lake Provincial Park

About This Park

Ross Lake Park is popular with anglers, boaters and swimmers. A picnic area, beach, hiking trail and boat launch (electric motors only) offer opportunities for an enjoyable family picnic or evening stroll.

This park offers a pleasant beach on the lake that is popular with locals for swimming and afternoon BBQs.

Established Date: January 31, 1974
Park Size: 307 hectares

Location and Maps

Please note: Any maps listed are for information only – they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

Location Map

This park is located off Hwy 16, near Hazelton, B.C.

Nature and Culture

Wildlife – Western Toads
Please be aware that, in spring at Ross Lake, toads migrate for breeding activity. These mass migrations leave toads vulnerable to road-mortality and create barriers to movement. As such, BC Parks requests that those using the day-use area be aware of potential toad movements and not drive over toads while traversing road ways. Please view links below for information:
- A Guide to Amphibians Frogs, Toads, Salamanders of British Columbia North of 50 Degrees [PDF 1.4MB]
- Frogwatch
General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information

Management Planning

Management Planning Information
Approved Ross Lake Provincial Park Management Direction Statement [PDF]
Because of the large size of the figures, they are listed separately.

Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing

Ross Lake Park offers a wonderful setting for easy access canoeing and kayaking.

Ross Lake Park offers a wonderful setting for easy access boating with only electric motors allowed on the lake.

Cycling

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

Fishing

Ross Lake Park is a popular year-round fishing spot. B.C. Ministry of Environment stocks Ross Lake with rainbow and eastern brook trout. Visitors can ice fish during the winter months. The lake has a boat launch but has an “electric motors only” policy.

Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC

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

Hiking

Ross Lake Park visitors can enjoy the gentle 3.5 km Rainmaker Trail that encircles the lake and offers views of the lake, the surrounding mountains and lakeshore vegetation and wildlife. 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.

Interpretive Programs

The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC has a fun, hands on, Learn to Fish Program that teaches basic angling skills to youth under 16 years old. Check back to this page or ask the Park Operator for information.

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

There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.

Wildlife Viewing

Ross Lake Park includes moose and black bear habitat and provides excellent opportunities for waterfowl viewing in the marshy lakeshore.

Winter Recreation

Cross-country skiing is available on existing hiking trails. No tracks are available. Snowshoeing is available on existing hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy ice skating on Ross Lake. Check the thickness of the ice before venturing out and bring your own skates.

Facilities Available at this Park

Boat Launch

Ross Lake Park is a popular year-round fishing spot. BC Environment stocks Ross Lake with rainbow and eastern brook trout. Visitors can ice fish during the winter months. The lake has a boat launch but has an “Electric Motors Only” policy.

Campfires

While campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at the picnic sites, we encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead. Firewood may 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.

Picnic Areas

Ross Lake Park is popular with residents for day-use picnicking on the lakeshore. The park offers a pleasant day-use area with picnic tables, fire rings and pit toilets. The day-use area is open with services from May 15 to September 3.

Note: the area is open all year, but the snow is not plowed during the winter.

Pit or Flush Toilets

This park has only pit toilets – no flush toilets.