Champion Lakes Park is a BC Parks family recreation destination in the Selkirk Mountains, 18 kilometres northwest of Fruitvale. BC Parks says more than six kilometres of trails link three lakes, with warm-water 3rd Lake popular with local communities.
The park protects picturesque lakes, old-growth forest, and forest succession examples.
Champion Lakes is a full-service-feeling lake park for camping, swimming, hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, fishing, and winter skiing. Development is concentrated around 3rd Lake, while 2nd and 1st lakes remain more natural.
The trail system includes the 1.5 kilometre 3rd Lake Loop, the 2.5 kilometre 2nd Lake Loop with boardwalks, marsh views, and old-growth forest, the quieter 1st Lake Loop, and the 750 metre Lookout Trail. Two beaches on 3rd Lake provide swimming, including a buoyed wading area and swim float at Main Beach.
Rainbow trout are stocked, ice fishing is allowed in winter, and canoes, kayaks, and rowboats are welcome. Powered boats, including electric motors, are not permitted on all three lakes because of concern about milfoil spread. Winter trails are maintained by the Beaver Valley Cross Country Ski Club.
Plan around frontcountry camping, warm-water swimming, 3rd Lake and 2nd Lake loops, Lookout Trail, rainbow trout fishing, paddling, mountain biking, interpretive turtle panels, wildlife viewing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing.
Watch the sharp drop-off at Main Beach. Expect cooler weather at 1,067 metres, keep pets leashed and off set ski tracks in winter, and note second-vehicle camping fees.
