Columbia Lake Park is a BC Parks site in the Columbia Valley of southeastern British Columbia, about two kilometres south of Fairmont Hot Springs and three kilometres east of Highway 93/95. The 257 hectare park lies on the eastern shore of Columbia Lake.
BC Parks says Columbia Lake is the largest warm-water lake in the East Kootenay region.
Columbia Lake Park is a summer lake destination for swimming, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, motorized watercraft, fishing, hiking, biking, nature viewing, and photography. Fishing is popular year-round for mountain whitefish, burbot, kokanee, rainbow trout, bull trout, and cutthroat trout.
The park has a well-developed 400 metre hiking and biking trail to the lakeshore, plus opportunities along the east side of Columbia Lake and upper grasslands on old logging roads. About three kilometres of undeveloped beach area supports wildlife viewing, paddling, and nature appreciation. BC Parks also highlights wetland, marsh, upland, grassland, Rocky Mountain views, bighorn sheep winter range, and nearby Columbia Wetlands values.
The cultural context is substantial. First Nations have been present in the Columbia Valley for more than 10,000 years, and the Spirit Trail passes through the park.
Plan around warm-water swimming, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, year-round fishing, hiking, mountain biking, e-biking on signed or designated trails, wildlife viewing, grassland photography, and beach-based nature appreciation.
Bring drinking water because potable water is not available. The park has no boat launch, though Canal Flats has one. It is user-maintained, pets are not allowed in beach areas, and the official page notes no formal facilities such as picnic tables, toilets, or fire rings.
