Kokanee Glacier Park is north of Nelson in the Selkirk Mountains, between Slocan and Kootenay lakes. BC Parks says the park covers 32,035 hectares of scenic southern British Columbia mountain country.
The park has two glaciers, Kokanee and Woodbury, rising above 1,800 metres and feeding more than 30 lakes.
Kokanee Glacier Park is a major backcountry destination for hikers, campers, climbers, anglers, and winter travellers. It has 85 kilometres of well-marked trails, and BC Parks says it can suit campers, hikers, and climbers with a range of outdoor experience.
Kokanee Lake is 1,200 metres long and 400 metres wide, surrounded by cliffs and rock slides. Other lakes include Sapphire, Joker, Gibson, Kaslo, and Tanal, with fishing for rainbow and cutthroat trout. Backcountry camping, permit registration, and reservations for Kokanee Glacier, Woodbury, and Silver Spray cabins are part of the official planning information.
The park is high elevation and serious. Severe weather can happen in all seasons, snow and sleet are not uncommon in summer, snow can occur in October at all levels, and higher elevations are usually not snow-free until July.
Plan around hiking, backcountry camping, alpine-lake fishing, cabin trips, mountaineering only with proper glacier gear and skill, ski mountaineering, winter route planning, and checking trail conditions before travel.
Dogs and campfires are not permitted. Snowmobiling is prohibited. Visitors need wilderness supplies, map and compass skills for off-trail travel, and avalanche training for winter terrain. Check advisories.
