Plan Purden Lake Park 64 km east of Prince George with camping, swimming, paddling, fishing, lakeside trails, waterskiing, wildlife, and wind warnings.
Purden Lake Park sits on the north shore of Purden Lake, 64 kilometres east of Prince George on Highway 16. BC Parks describes a lakefront setting framed by the Cariboo and Rocky Mountains.
The park combines forested upland, open lakefront areas, camping reservations, and a broad list of lake activities.
Why Visit Purden Lake Park
Purden Lake is a practical Omineca stop for campers, swimmers, paddlers, anglers, and families travelling the Yellowhead Highway. Lakeside walking trails pass through varied plant life, while the lakefront supports swimming, canoeing, kayaking, waterskiing, windsurfing, and fishing.
Fishing is popular for rainbow trout, kokanee, and lingcod. Wildlife viewing can include beaver, snowshoe hares, squirrels, porcupines, black bears, moose, bald eagles, ruffed grouse, and common loons. BC Parks also notes mature forest at Purden Creek, where shade creates good habitat for rainbow trout.
Surveyors named the lake in 1879 for M.H. Purden Bell while searching for a Canadian Pacific National Railway route.
Things To Do
Camp, walk the lakeside trails, swim in the designated area, paddle Purden Lake, fish with the proper licence, use the separate boater and waterski beach, windsurf, cycle on roadways, and watch for birds and mammals around the lake and creek.
Planning Notes
Purden Lake can develop sudden heavy winds and dangerous whitecaps, so boaters need to watch weather closely. The swimming area has an abrupt drop-off marked by floats and no lifeguards. Alcohol is not allowed on the beach or day-use area. Pets are restricted from beach areas except the signed west-end pet area.