| Whiteswan Lake
Provincial Park is situated on a plateau in the Kootenay Range of
the Rocky Mountains. Abundant fish populations of Whiteswan and Alces
Lakes, both wholly situated in Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park, led
to the establishment of this semi-wilderness park. Both lakes are
managed for high-yield fisheries. Rainbow trout were stocked in the
lakes from 1961 until 2009, and the lakes are now self sufficient.
Steps taken
to make the fishery self-supporting include improvements to the
spawning channel, prohibiting motorboats on Alces Lake, and restricting
angling to fly-fishing only. During May and June, spawning rainbow
trout can be seen in Inlet and Outlet Creeks, and in the channel
between the lakes. Whiteswan and Alces Lakes form part of the Rocky
Mountain Triangle - Fish Lake of Top of the World Provincial Park
and the lakes of Premier Lake Provincial Park - three parks with
superb fishing. Other recreational activities include swimming,
canoeing, kayaking and hiking.
The park also
features the Lussier Hot Springs,
near the west boundary of the park, which flows out of the mountainside
and fills a series of beautiful green pools at the edge of the icy
Lussier River. The road climbs steadily from Highway 93/95 before
entering Lussier Gorge. Within the gorge, a trail leads down to
the delightful, undeveloped Lussier Hot Springs. A change room/toilet
is located at the parking lot. No liquor, dogs or garbage are permitted
at the springs, and bathers must wear bathing suits. Park Rangers
make regular patrols to Lussier Hot Springs.
This area was
once an important seasonal hunting camp for the K’tunaxa (Kootenai)
native people. Their use of the area dates back at least 5,000 years.
There are 114
campsites located at five campgrounds: Alces Lake, Pack Rat Point,
Home Basin, Inlet Creek and White River. Basic facilities are provided
and some facilities are wheelchair accessible. A boat launch is
also available. The campground is open from May to September. Wilderness,
backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed at Cave Creek located
on the north shore of Whiteswan Lake.
Persons visiting
Whiteswan Provincial Park are reminded that the park is a wilderness
area, without supplies or equipment of any kind. All arrangements
for supplies and transportation must be made beforehand.
Whiteswan Lake
Provincial Park is located on a plateau in the Kootenay Range of
the Rocky Mountains, east of the community of Canal Flats. To reach
the park, travel south from Canal Flats on Highway 93/95 to Whiteswan
Lake, then take Whiteswan Forest Road about 12.5 miles (20 km) toward
the east. This road experiences heavy logging activity, so visitors
must drive carefully and yield the right of way to logging trucks.
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