This sunny B.C. park is known for its warm-water lake and resident painted turtles

Situated in a notably sunny and dry part of B.C., Kikomun Creek Park is a beautiful place to explore if you’re headed east (or west, depending on where you’re coming from), offering visitors a serene, warm-water lake and sandy beach to spend these coveted summer days.

While the park was established on Lake Koocanuska, a reservoir created by the Libby Dam, it’s Surveyors Lake where visitors can best enjoy lake swimming due to its warmer waters.

According to BC Parks, it’s a family-oriented park and has paved roads that are popular with cyclists. So no matter what kind of trip you’re planning, it’s worth adding to your list!

Endangered plants and painted turtles

The provincial park preserves a stretch of Interior Douglas fir and Ponderosa pine forest, as well as a natural grassland habitat, making it all the more special to behold and protect.

In fact, its native grasslands are so rare in this part of Canada that many endangered plants are found throughout this park. As such, BC Parks has an extensive program to help restore various flowers, trees, and shrubs, so make sure you keep your eye out for signage and tread carefully throughout the park’s trails.

Speaking of endangered, the park is also home to a number of resident painted turtles. While you can safely view them from afar, BC Parks asks that all visitors refrain from touching them or otherwise disturbing their natural habitat, as their survival rate is quite low.

The Kikomun Discover Trail takes park-goers through the preserved forests, looping to the famed Lake Koocanusa and the Kalispell Trail and Ponderosa campgrounds. At the latter campground, you’ll also find cabins available for rent near the Ponderosa Group Site.

As of mid-June, the Saunders day-use area, including the beach and parking lot, has received new upgrades, making the facilities even more accessible.

Note that all pets must be leashed at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. Owners are also responsible for disposing of all their excrement as well.

Finally, if you’re planning on doing some summer boating during your visit, make sure your boat, equipment, and clothing are completely clean and dry (including boots, fishing rods, waders, etc.) to prevent the spread of invasive species.

So long as you remain respectful of the surrounding nature and wildlife, there’s no reason not to enjoy this scenic slice of heaven.

Happy summer adventuring!

How to get there: Drive 10 hours from Vancouver to Kikomun Creek Park via Crowsnest Highway/BC-3 E.

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Isabelle Vauclair

Staff Writer, Vancouver – Isabelle is a West Coast native with an appreciation for Vancouver’s natural landscape, patio scene, and community spaces. She loves to discover new hidden gems in her neighbourhood and share them with readers across the city.

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