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.
Pile burning in progress as part of an ongoing ecosystem restoration project. Please use caution when travelling in the area and be aware that crews are working to the west of Mahoney Lake and may ask you to leave the area to ensure public safety.
Park Info
White Lake Provincial Park is situated on the north shore of White Lake. It has a reputation for excellent recreational rainbow trout fishing - it is one of the top three angling lakes in the province in terms of angler days. White Lake is popular for fly fishing and trolling in the summer, and also for ice fishing during the winter. Facilities for camping and boat launching are limited - there are two pit toilets, a gravel boat launch, and an old picnic shelter.
Park Size: 266 hectares
Special Notes:
Please help to prevent the spread of Eurasian Water Milfoil by removing all weeds from your boat and motor before launching and after removing it from the lake.
The lakeshore is suffering from extensive damage. Please launch your boat in the main launching area only. Remove this sentence, In 1998-99 a lakeshore track was closed to reduce siltation of the lake and permit restoration of riparian vegetation.
The camping area is undeveloped and suited mostly to self-contained truck-and-camper visitors.
The nearest public telephone is at Balmoral, 10 km away.
Camping is only permitted in the designated campground. Please obey all signs within the park.
ATVs are prohibited in White Lake Provincial Park and are not to be operated in the park boundary.
Painted turtles
White Lake is home to the intermountain-Rocky Mountain population of the Western Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta bellii). The Western Painted Turtle is the only native pond turtle left in British Columbia and therefore makes up an important component of our biodiversity. Painted Turtles typically occupy the shallow water zones of ponds, lakes, sloughs and slow moving streams.
You can easily find Painted Turtles basking on partially submerged logs during warm sunny days. During the breeding season pregnant female turtles leave their aquatic environment in search of loose, warm, well-drained soils, typically south facing. These movements typically occur in late afternoon periods and during the onset of dusk. In spite of being our only native turtle, the Province of British Columbia classifies the Western Painted Turtle as vulnerable to extinction due to habitat loss and degradation and through collision with automobiles during the nesting season.
In consideration for the well being of the Western Painted Turtle we ask for your cooperation and that you adhere to the following rules:
When driving on roads during the breeding period (May/June) we ask you to be extra vigilant and slow down to avoid accidently hitting turtles
Please keep pets on a leash
Please use the designated boat launch for lake access
The park is located approximately 10 km northeast of the Trans Canada Highway from Balmoral (west of Salmon Arm); the last 2 km is on a logging road. Balmoral, White lake, Tappen, Sorrento and Salmon Arm are the communities that are close to the park.
Due to a significant addition to White Lake Park in 2001 the Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan below is outdated. A new management plan is currently under development that will incorporate the full extent of the park as shown in the White Lake Provincial Park map.
A pleasant place for canoeing and small boats. The lakeshore is suffering from extensive damage, so boaters are requested to please launch their boats in the main launching area only
Fishing
Fly/troll for Rainbow Trout to 5kg. Experienced chironomid anglers do well in early spring. Also in the spring a good mayfly hatch is productive. In July try gomphus or dragonfly patterns. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
There is access to the lake for ice fishing until the snow makes the entrance road impassable. Please do not light fires on the ice as it adds pollution to the lakes.
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 is not a designated or protected swimming area in this park. Please use caution when swimming due to boat traffic. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
Facilities Available At This Park
Boat Launch
An undeveloped boat launch area is suitable for small car-top type boats only. The lakeshore is suffering from extensive damage, so boaters are requested to please launch their boats in the main launching area only.
Campfires
While campfires are allowed 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.
Pit or Flush Toilets
This park has pit toilets - no flush toilets.
Vehicle Accessible Camping
Although there are no designated campsites, the park is suitable for self-contained small truck-and-camper rigs. The camping area is small making it difficult for larger units and trailers to maneuver for parking. This area would be considered a high-density campsite for approximately 10 units. There are no tables provided and no fee charged. The trees surrounding the parking area provide some shelter. This park is open for winter camping until the snow makes the entrance road impassable.
Winter Camping
Although there are no designated campsites, the park is suitable for self-contained small truck-and-camper rigs. The camping area is small making it difficult for larger units and trailers to maneuver for parking. This area would be considered a high-density campsite for approximately 10 units. There are no tables provided and no fee charged. The trees surrounding the parking area provide some shelter. This park is open for winter camping until the snow makes the entrance road impassable.
