The vegetation of this part of the Thompson Plateau is chiefly ponderosa pine, Douglas fir and black cottonwood. Tule and cattail, both used in native mat making, grow in dense patches around the shores of Nicola Lake. The area is home to open grassy fields and rich marshland, as well as Canada’s largest working cattle ranch, the Douglas Lake Ranch.

The park offers a variety of recreational activities including camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing, boating, waterskiing, windsurfing and hiking. Hiking trails, including an interpretive walk to some lava beds, provide spectacular views of the valley and the surrounding countryside. The park features three archaeological sites. Follow the road to Second Beach, which leads to some historic rock paintings, or native pictographs.

Nicola Lake, renowned for its depth, it said to harbour 26 species of fish, some weighing up to 20 pounds (9 kg). Angling is the most popular form of sportfishing in the Nicola area lakes, but ice fishing, spear fishing, and set-line methods are also used.

Monck Provincial Park provides 120 vehicle accessible campsites, including 17 double sites. Basic facilities include picnic tables, pit toilets, fire pits, firewood and water, and a sani-station is also provided. The park also has a large day-use/picnic area complete with barbeques and shelters. Some facilities are wheelchair accessible. The nearest public telephone is located at Nicola Ranch Country Gifts on Highway 5A, approximately 7.5 miles (12 km) away. Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees: April 28 - October 1

Monck Provincial Park is located on the western shore of Nicola Lake, in the Nicola Valley, 14 miles (22 km) north of Merritt off Highway 5A.