Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park
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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.
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- Click here to view Whiteswan Lake Fisheries Management Update.
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Park Info
The shining waters of two mountain lakes, Whiteswan and Alces, and a natural hot springs are the focal points of Whiteswan Provincial Park. Four lakeside or riverside campgrounds, boat launches, a historic lakeside hiking trail and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities makes this a perfect setting for a camping holiday.
Visitors may watch a moose feeding in the fog-shrouded water of Alces Lake, admire spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains and enjoy angling in the most productive lakes in the region for trophy rainbow trout. After a day in the backcountry or on the lake, relax in the soothing waters of Lussier Hotsprings located near the park entrance at km 17.5 on the Whiteswan Forestry Road.
Park Size: 1994 hectares
Special Notes:
- No towing is allowed on the lakes and no power boats are allowed on Alces Lake. Alces Lake is a fly fishing only lake.
- Snowmobiles are allowed on the lake only for access to the winter fishery.
- Lussier Hot Springs, long a favourite of campers and wilderness pilgrims can be accessed from the Whiteswan Forestry Road by a short hike down to the Lussier River. A change room/ toilet is located at the parking lot. No liquor or dogs or garbage are permitted at the springs and bathers must wear bathing suits. Park Rangers make regular patrols to Lussier Hot Springs. Please help keep this wildland hot springs clean.
Stay Safe:
- Use extreme caution on the Whiteswan Lake road at all times. Extreme care must be taken when driving the canyon portion (km 15 to km 18) of the access road to the park. For improved safety turn your headlights on. Be aware that mine ore trucks and oversized loaded logging trucks are on the route. Always give them the right of way!
- Mountain and lake weather can change rapidly, be prepared. Visitors should be aware that high winds can come up quickly, use caution while boating.
- There is no public phone or cell phone service at Whiteswan Park.
Campground Dates of OperationThis information is for the drive-in, vehicle campgrounds only. Park users can still walk into the park if conditions permit. Check the "Attention Visitor Notice" above for park alerts. All dates are subject to change without notice due to operational requirements and weather |
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Campground Opening and Closing Dates: Campground gates are closed during the off-season, with the exception of Home Basin campground, which is open year round. During early or late season campgrounds are accessible, but may not offer full services such as water, security, firewood, etc. Please note that all sites are available on a first-come, first serve basis. |
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Home Basin campground - 37 sites |
Year round |
Alces Lake campground - 28 sites |
May 1st to September 30th |
Packrat Point campground - 16 sites |
May 1st to September 30th |
White River campground - 17 sites |
May 1st to after Labour Day (actual closing date depends on weather and visitation) |
Inlet Creek campground - 16 sites |
May 1st to after Labour Day (actual closing date depends on weather and visitation) |
Campground Full ServiceDates: |
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Home Basin campground - 37 sites |
May 1st to October 15th |
Alces Lake campground - 28 sites |
May 1st to September 30th |
Packrat Point campground - 16 sites |
May 1st to September 30th |
White River campground - 17 sites |
May 1st to after Labour Day (actual closing date depends on weather and visitation) |
Inlet Creek campground - 16 sites |
May 1st to after Labour Day (actual closing date depends on weather and visitation) |
Campground Reservable Dates: |
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Location
Whiteswan Provincial Park is located within the Kootenay Ranges of the Rocky Mountains east of Canal Flats which which is 22 km south of the park and is the nearest community. Access is from Highway 93/95, turn east 4.5 kilometres south of Canal Flats onto the gravel Whiteswan Forestry Road. Whiteswan Lake is about 25 km from the highway; the hot springs are located near the west boundary of the park at kilometre 17.5.
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Nature & Culture
- Cultural Heritage - Whiteswan Lake was an important seasonal hunting camp of the K’tunaxa (Kootenai) native people and their use of the area dates back at least 5,000 years. During the 1800’s and early 1900’s trappers, prospectors and guides worked in the area and soothed their work worn bodies in the hot mineral waters of Lussier Hot Springs.
The area surrounding the park is part of the Kootenay Region working forest. Logging and mining currently provides jobs for many people living in the region, as well recreation and tourism have become important aspects of the economy. - Conservation - In May and June, spawning Rainbow trout can be seen in the inlet and outlet creeks, as well in the enhanced spawning channel between the Alces and Whiteswan lakes.
In the summer of 2001, wildfires swept through the forests north and west of the park. These fires, while seemingly “destructive,” are recognized as part of a natural cycle of renewal that ensures the long term viability of diverse ecosystems and their inhabitants. - Wildlife - Exploring the back roads of the Kootenay Ranges offers sightings of mountain goats and bighorn sheep, moose, elk, deer, grizzly and black bears. Common loons, red-necked grebes, belted kingfishers, blue herons, bald and golden eagles and many other bird species can be seen on the lakes and in the surrounding woodlands.
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Map / Brochure
Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.
- Park Map [PDF 570KB]
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Activities Available At This Park
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Canoeing | |
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Cycling | |
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Fishing | |
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Hiking | |
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Hunting | |
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Pets on Leash | |
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Swimming | |
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Facilities Available At This Park
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Boat Launch | |
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Campfires | |
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Drinking Water | |
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Picnic Areas | |
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Pit or Flush Toilets | |
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Sani-Station/Dump | |
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Vehicle Accessible Camping | |
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Walk-In/Wilderness Camping | |
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Wheelchair Access | |
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