Explore the Provincial Parks of Boundary Country

There are several Provincial Parks throughout the Boundary, each with its own personality and value.

From lakeside beaches and summer swimming to winter hiking and ice fishing, the eight provincial parks of Boundary Country deliver raw wilderness and epic recreation.

“Provincial Parks in Boundary Country” is part of Explorer’s Guide to Boundary Country, an ever-expanding resource published by the Midway Advance online and in print. Explorer’s Guide equips you with a complete toolkit to maximize fun, discovery, and safety across all activities throughout the region.

Provincial Parks

in Boundary Country

Explorer’s Guide by Midway Advance

Gilpin Grasslands Provincial Park

This park was designated to protect a distinctive grassland ecosystem and maintain essential habitat for known blue provincially listed species-at-risk, including blue listed bighorn sheep.

A network of trails are available in the park for a variety of uses. There are opportunities to view various songbirds, waterfowl, and other wildlife.

RECREATION	OPEN	DOGS	BUSY
Hiking Horseback Biking	Year-round	On Leash	Low

Christina Lake Provincial Park

With 350 metres of sandy beach and parking for over 200 vehicles, this park is great for the whole family. Christina Lake has a reputation as one of the warmest and clearest lakes in Canada.

“Plenty of shade trees and picnic tables near the beach, combined with a warm shallow swimming area make this a super beach for the kids,” they state.

RECREATION	OPEN	DOGS	BUSY
Boating Swimming Day Use	Year-round	Except on beach	High

Boothman’s Oxbow Provincial Park

The park has significant riparian, grassland and wildlife values, including a rare riparian black cottonwood ecological community and numerous provincially red- and blue-listed animal species. Approximately 1,300 metres of the park’s southern boundary is riparian frontage along the Kettle River.

“Situated within the Southern Okanagan Highlands eco-section, swimming, angling, kayaking, picnicking, hiking and wildlife appreciation are popular activities in the park,” states BC Parks.

RECREATION	OPEN	DOGS	BUSY
Swimming Fishing Paddling	Year-round	Except on beach	Low

Boundary Creek Provincial Park

Conveniently located along Highway 3, Boundary Creek Campground is a well-situated overnight stop and is popular for those passing through the Boundary Region. Boundary Creek is a first-come, first-served park and often has spots available, even during peaks periods.

“This park can be found on the banks of Boundary Creek just west of Greenwood,” says BC. “In the creek are small rainbow or brook trout that may reward the patient angler.”

RECREATION	OPEN	DOGS	BUSY
Camping	May Long to Mid Sept	Yes	Low

Conkle Lake Provincial Park

A secluded lake in the Okanagan Highland east of Osoyoos, set amid a forest of western larch and lodgepole pine intermingling with willow and black alder that cover the sharply rising surrounding hills.

“Named for W.H. Conkle, an early settler in the nearby Kettle Valley, is noted for its rainbow trout,” BC Parks notes. “Visitors have come for many years to fish the lake, sunbathe, swim, and hike to various viewpoints.”

Camping is first-come, first-served.

RECREATION	OPEN SEASON	DOGS?	BUSY
Paddling Camping Hiking	May Long to Early Sept	Except on beach	Medium

Gladstone Provincial Park

This park has significant wilderness value; it provides a diversity of habitats in the Selkirk Foothills eco-section of the province that is found nowhere else. These include Kokanee spawning areas, winter range for deer and elk, and low-elevation habitats and old growth cedar and hemlock forests.

“Gladstone Provincial Park is most well known for the vehicle accessible Texas Creek campground which is a destination campground,” states BC Parks. “There are several short trails that lead from the campground to [Christina Lake].”

There are several pocket beaches that provide opportunities for privacy. The Monashee Mountains surround the lake and it is a perfect backdrop for a variety of water-oriented recreational activities. The campground is 100% reservable.

RECREATION	OPEN SEASON	DOGS?	BUSY
Camping Fishing Swimming	April to Late Sept	Yes	High

Johnstone Creek Provincial Park

Located east of Osoyoos, this park offers camping in a quiet, forested creek side setting. It provides a convenient escape from the hectic Okanagan Valley.

“The park has 38 hectares of mature Douglas fir, larch, and spruce trees that provide habitat for woodpeckers and other cavity nesting bird species,” notes BC Parks. “White-tailed deer are often seen in the park.”

RECREATION	OPEN SEASON	DOGS?	BUSY
Camping Fishing Swimming	May to Sept	Yes	Low

Jewel Lake Provincial Park

This park offers all of the ingredients wanted for camping in a wilderness setting. The lake is approximately 3km long and fly fishing for rainbow trout is a popular activity. 

“Jewel Lake Resort is located on the south end of the lake and can provide you with basic essentials and boat rentals,” says BC Parks. “There is a maximum 10 hp boating restriction on the lake.”

RECREATION	OPEN SEASON	DOGS?	BUSY
Fishing Paddling Swimming	May to Sept	Except on beach	Medium

Not what you’re looking for?

For information on cafes, check out “Coffee Shops and Espresso Bars in Boundary Country.”