West Kootenay Park Management Inc.
Phone: 250 837-5734
Fax: 250 837-5764
Email for general inquiries: information@westkootenayparks.com
Syringa Provincial Park
About This Park
Syringa Provincial Park is located in south central BC near the southeast end of the Lower Arrow Lake. The lake is a part of the Columbia River that was widened and deepened with the construction of the Hugh Keenleyside Dam at Castlegar. Recreation opportunities on the Arrow Lake Reservoir have made the park a long time popular destination and offer a comfortable base camp for the family to pursue a variety of recreational pursuits including fishing, boating and swimming. Explore local history and visit the Doukhbour Village Museum and Zukerberg Island located in nearby Castlegar.The park protects not only provincially significant interior Douglas-fir forests but also preserves one of the few remaining examples of grassland ecosystems in the Kootenays. A variety of wildlife are at home in the park including, elk, deer and a herd of rocky mountain bighorn sheep that can often be observed grazing on the many rock bluffs. Opportunities for nature appreciation occur all year making this park a destination in every season.
Park Size: 4,417 hectares near the southeastern end of the Lower Arrow Lake
Stay Safe: Lake weather can change rapidly, be prepared. Visitors should be aware that high winds could come quickly.
|
Campground Dates 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 3 - September 30 Gate is closed during the off-season. |
| Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees: | May 3 - September 30 |
| Campground Reservable Dates: | May 10 - September 14 |
| Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites: | 61 |
| Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable: (all remaining sites are first-come, first-served) |
30 |
| 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
Campsite Reservations:Reserveable, vehicle accessible campsites and group sites must be reserved through Discover Camping.
Campsite Reservations:
Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.
Group Camp/Picnic Reservations:
Group campsite reservations are accepted at this park through Discover Camping for dates starting May 10 to September 29.
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. Located in south central B.C., 19 km northwest of Castlegar on Hwy 3A. Depending on your direction of travel look for the Robson exit just before or after you cross the bridge over the Kootenay River. The park is a 25 minute drive from Castlegar.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 205KB]
Nature and Culture
- History – The park was named for Syringa Creek, which flows into the Lower Arrow Lake near the park’s eatern or southeastern boundary. The “Syringa” or Mock Orange is a shrub which is indigenous to the area. It blooms in early spring showing clusters of white flowers with bright yellow stamens that emit a powerful, pleasing fragrance. First established in 1968 to provide recreational opportunities, the park was increased to its present size in 1995 to protect a provincially significant ecosystem.
- Cultural Heritage - This area is significant to the Okanagan, Shuswap, Sinixt, and Ktunaxa/Kinbasket First Nations. It encompasses areas of cultural and spiritual values and three pre-contact sites.
- Conservation - Syringa Provincial Park encompasses 4417 hectares. The moderately dry and warm climate of this part of the West Kootenay is conducive to the growth of plants and trees like bunchgrass and ponderosa pine that are not normally found in the region. It contains beaches, grasslands, open and closed pine forest, rock outcroppings and canyons. It is important seasonal range for rocky mountain bighorn sheep, elk, deer and cougar. Many bird species inhabit the parks’ forest and grasslands including white-throated swifts, canyon wrens nesting in the rock bands and great blue heron at the waters edge.
- Wildlife - Park users should always be aware of bears and other wildlife in our park environment. Never feed or approach bears or other wildlife. Please view all wildlife from a distance.
Management Planning
Management Planning Information- Approved Management Direction Statement [PDF 105.7KB] for Syringa Provincial Park is available in pdf format.
Activities Available at this Park
Canoeing
The peak months for canoeing and kayaking are July and August when the water is high. Shoreline canoeing/kayaking is recommended as lake weather can change rapidly. Easy access is provided at both the boat launch and day-use/picnic area.
Cycling
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Fishing
Lower Arrow Lake can provide excellent fishing for rainbow or bull trout, and kokanee salmon. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. Check the BC Fishing Regulation Synopsis for quotas and restrictions.
Hiking
The Yellow Pine Nature Trail is a year round trail, approximately 4 km long and takes 45 minutes to an hour to reach the top look out. It has 3 access points - From the south end of the park, on the topside of the main access road. On Deer Park road, directly above the gate house and from the edge of the day-use/picnic area parking lot, continuing across Deer Park road. The trail climbs the hillside behind the park, is fairly steep and considered a moderate hike. Yellow Pine Trail takes you through mature yellow pine, past several granite rock outcroppings and offers intermittent views of Arrow Lake from a terraced hillside. Rest and enjoy the view from the first lookout or go all the way to the summit. Both lookouts have benches. An additional 2 km of trail links the picnic area with the campground.
For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroy plant life and soil structure.
For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroy plant life and soil structure.
Hunting
Hunting is allowed in this park. Please check the BC Hunting & Trapping Regulations for more information.
Pets on Leash
This park has a designated “off leash” area but in all other areas of the park, pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in park buildings or beach areas. 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
As Syringa park is on a reservoir, the water does fluctuate from spring through fall. The water level is low in May, rises in June and is at full pond for July, August and September. There are three beaches: Campers beach adjacent to the campground, Boaters beach at the boat launch and Main beach at the primary day-use/picnic site. The upper portion of the beaches is sand with the lower portion rocky, which is mostly exposed at low water. For 6 weeks in the summer during high water, Main beach has a roped off swimming area with a maximum depth of six feet. The water temperature is described as refreshing to cool however with three choices and a combined 450 metres of sandy beach, the park provides an abundance of sunbathing and swimming opportunities. There are NO LIFEGUARDS on duty at provincial parks.
Waterskiing
Waterskiing opportunities are available on Lower Arrow Lake; access at the park.
Windsurfing
Due to a north wind on Lower Arrow Lake, there are good windsurfing opportunities.
Facilities Available at this Park
Boat Launch
A doublewide, concrete boat launch at the southeast end of the park has a large, gravel vehicle/boat trailer parking area with a capacity for 85 cars. Boat trailers can be parked overnight and boats are sometimes left in the water or beached, but the shoreline offers no protection against weather changes. Visitors do enjoy waterskiing and windsurfing.
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
Cold well water is available for cooking and drinking. Four water taps are randomly located in the campground, with two each at both the day-use/picnic area and boat launch. Taps are shut off during the off-season.
Group Camping
A group campsite is located at the northwest end of the day-use parking lot with 13 sites suitable for medium size recreational vehicles. The site is very private with open grass areas mixed evenly amongst the mature trees. It has access to the waterfront with picturesque lake views. Centrally located are pit toilets, a water tap and fire ring. Launching car top boats, canoes and kayaks is possible at this location. For more information on how to reserve group areas, click here. Site is reservable from May 10 to September 29.
Youth group camping charges per night are $1/person (6+), with a $50 minimum and $150 maximum.
Regular group camping charges per night are the base rate for the site, which is $100.00/group site/night, plus $4/adult (16+, minimum charge for 15 adults), plus $1/child (6-15).
Picnic Areas
This park has three day-use/picnic areas. As Syringa park is on a reservoir, the water does fluctuate from spring through fall. The water level is low in May, rises in June and is at full pond for July, August and September. The upper portion of the beach is sand with the lower portion rocky, which is mostly exposed at low water. Barbeque stands and fire rings are not available.
The main picnic area is located northwest of the campground along the lake. The beach is 250 metres long with 30 picnic tables located on a raised partially shaded grassy terrace in front of the beach. A toilet/change house, 2 pit toilets and water taps are available for day users. This day-use/picnic area is the largest in the park, with a paved parking lot that can accommodate 220 vehicles.
As indicated by its name Boat Launch day-use/picnic area with its 150 metre beach, 6 picnic tables and 4 pit toilets can be found at the boat launch in the south end of the park just past the park entrance.
Camping day-use/picnic area is located in front of the campground and is primarily used by campers. The beach is 50 metres long and has 7 tables. The campground washrooms and water taps are nearby. This day-use/picnic area hosts the only adventure playground, in the park. The playground is set in sand with a swing set, monkey bars, slide and spring horse.
The main picnic area is located northwest of the campground along the lake. The beach is 250 metres long with 30 picnic tables located on a raised partially shaded grassy terrace in front of the beach. A toilet/change house, 2 pit toilets and water taps are available for day users. This day-use/picnic area is the largest in the park, with a paved parking lot that can accommodate 220 vehicles.
As indicated by its name Boat Launch day-use/picnic area with its 150 metre beach, 6 picnic tables and 4 pit toilets can be found at the boat launch in the south end of the park just past the park entrance.
Camping day-use/picnic area is located in front of the campground and is primarily used by campers. The beach is 50 metres long and has 7 tables. The campground washrooms and water taps are nearby. This day-use/picnic area hosts the only adventure playground, in the park. The playground is set in sand with a swing set, monkey bars, slide and spring horse.
Pit or Flush Toilets
Two sets of pit toilets and two toilet buildings are conveniently located throughout the campground. Main beach day-use/picnic area has two pit toilets and one toilet building. Boat Launch day-use/picnic area has four pit toilets.
Playground
An adventure playground with swing set, monkey bars, platforms, slide and spring horse is located in the campground area near the campers' beach. The equipment is set in sand.
Sani-Station/Dump
A sani-station/dump is available during the collecting season and is located just past the gatehouse.
Sani-station Use Fee: $5.00 per discharge
Vehicle Accessible Camping
The park has one campground with vehicle accessible sites including 3 double sites and 1 tent site. All the sites are gravel and the road is paved. There are no pull through campsites however, all the sites are considered large and will accommodate large rigs. The large sites provide limited parking for extra vehicles. The campground is one large loop with one cross road at its centre. The majority of the sites are shaded in a mixed forest of fir and pine.
The park offers services during the peak season of May to September. Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available. Visitors can select any non-reserved site and staff will come to collect fees. A gatehouse with a pay phone is located about 2 km from the park entrance sign. The closest store is Scottie's Marina 1.5 km from the park.
The park offers services during the peak season of May to September. Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available. Visitors can select any non-reserved site and staff will come to collect fees. A gatehouse with a pay phone is located about 2 km from the park entrance sign. The closest store is Scottie's Marina 1.5 km from the park.
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 accessible facilities in this park include flush toilets in the toilet building(s) at the main day-use/picnic area and campground. From the main day-use/picnic area a paved pathway is available to allow access to the picnic tables. The surface area between the tables is gravel and grass.
