Kokanee Creek Provincial Park

We will welcome campers on starting late April 2023 with the Friends which has a combination of first come first serve (FCFS) and reserved sites. Sandspit opens early May with Redfish and Osprey Point open for FCFS in June.   Reservations can be make at https://camping.bcparks.ca/

Please obey all in park signs, limit your campsite to 8 people total 24/7, work to maintain physical distancing, frequently wash your hands and most of all, be kind to all.

Kokanee Creek Provincial Park is situated in the Slocan Range of the Selkirk Mountain Range and borders the West Arm of Kootenay Lake, 19 kms from Nelson on Hwy 3A.  With 257 hectares, the park has over a kilometer of sandy beaches and a large delta area. It protects the active alluvial creek fan with its marshes and extensive sand spit.  Kokanee Creek bisects the landscape to form a steep canyon that can be viewed from an observation platform. The area received park status in 1955 thanks to the forward thinking of local land planners who saw value in the many attributes on both sides of Kokanee Creek. The establishment of the campgrounds, the visitor center and other amenities quickly followed under the watchful eye of local interest groups.

Kokanee (the Sinixt name for the redfish that swim upstream to spawn) has been a West Kootenay landmark popular with tourists and locals alike ever since.  When staying at the park there is always something to do with a network of walking and hiking trails in and around the park, two adventure playgrounds, the Kokanee Visitor Centre, Kokanee spawning channel, boat launch and of course some required beach time.  And that is just within the park boundary!

The Kokanee Creek Nature Centre

The Kokanee Creek Nature Centre located beside the Kokanee Spawning channel was built in the mid-1970s to encourage an appreciation of nature and to educate campers and residents on the unique ecosystems plus the importance of good environmental stewardship in the preservation of the park. Supported by The Columbia Basin Trust, B.C. Parks, B.C. Gaming, Regional Districts E, F & G,  RAP Park Contracting, the West Kootenay Eco Society, http://ecosociety.ca, the Friends of West Kootenay Parks,  Nelson & District Credit Union and a variety of donors.  The Nature Center is open from mid May to the end of September.  The Redfish Coffee Bar and Gift Shop, located in the Nature Centre, serves up Oso coffee, fresh baking, ice cream and treats.  The Gift shop offers custom t-shirts, nature guides and more with all proceeds going to support the educational programs.   Wifi is available.

The operating dates for 2022 Camping season will be as follows:

Friends Campground  –  April 22 – Oct 3th 2022  (earlier weather permitting) ~ Sandspit Campground – April 29th  – Oct. 3, 2022 ~ Redfish Campground – June 1st – Sept. 19, 2022~

The Osprey Campground is offered as a group site from may to the 3rd week of June and after Labour day to the end of the camping season.  Contact the Park Operator for more information.

Group Site 1  – May 6 – Sept 28th 2022 – Did you know the Group site can be booked up to 1 year in advance. Book today for your group function.

Local Places to Explore:

The Kootenays are renowned for their distinct mountain culture, vibrant communities, heritage, spirited arts scene, festivals, farmers markets, annual special events and the passion of the people that live here.  The following links will be helpful in planning your adventure, there is so much to see and do that our list is just a start.

Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism  For a full listing of just about everything the southwest Kootenay area has to offer including upcoming events. Click through for the full tour.

Kokanee Creek Paddle Sports:   Right off the Friends Day Use Beach at Kokanee Creek, renting double and single Kayaks and Stand Up Paddle Boards.  All equipment comes with the required PDF (life jackets) and leashes for the SUP’s,  great rates.   For more info please call 250.551.0100

Kokanee Mountain Zip Line  Enjoy the freedom of flight just 2 kms up the Kokanee Glacier Rd from Kokanee Creek Park.  No wings required. From high up in the forest canopy, experience a bird’s eye view of the stunning natural environment as you soar above Kokanee Creek canyon on six awe-inspiring ziplines. It’s the only outdoor adventure that’ll leave you breathless without breaking a sweat.  2.5- 3 hour tours down 6 Ziplines – way too much fun.

Nelson Paddle Board and Kayak Rentals – Paddle right from the Prestige Lakeside Resort Marina.  Stand up Paddleboarding & Kayaking  call 1.877.808.7238 or 250.505.2689

Nelson Whitewater Rafting Co. Offering scenic Float Tours, Facchina Rapids, Shenango Canyon Whitewater.  Too much fun!  1.877.808.7238 or 250.505.2689

Gerick Cycle & Ski Nelson  – 702 Baker Street, Nelson 250.354.4622  They sell & rent bikes and skis, and provide the best service in town.  Suppliers of the local Mountain Bike Trail Guide

Ainsworth Hot Springs  The pools provide the perfect place to relax and enjoy some of West Kootenays majestic scenery. Gallons of hot mineral water flows through the pools which changes the water naturally about 6 times a day. The Hot Springs feature a unique horseshoe cave, main lounging pool and for the brave of heart, a stream-fed cold plunge. 1.800.668.1171 / 1.250.229.4212

Kokanee Park Grocery & Marina  Right next door to the park the marina sells marine parts & service, a good selection of groceries including an organic section, liquor agency, moorage, gas, propane, camping supplies and more. Motor boats, pontoon boats, tin motor boats, kayaks, stand up paddle boards and canoe rentals are available. 1.250.825.9235 email: kpmarina@shaw.ca

Balfour Superette –  7824 Hwy 3A, Balfour   We have a full Grocery Store, a licensed Liquor Agency,  a Lotto Agent, Hardware, water bottle filling station, Rug Doctor Cleaners, a fax, a copier and much more!! Hope to see you soon

Nelson Visitor Center  Allow lots of time to enjoy the vibrant City of Nelson. Wednesday is market day and everynight is alive with entertainment. For an update on all the is going on check out the Visitor Information Center located at 225 Hall St in Nelson.  Toll-free 877-663-5706 Phone 250-352-3433.

Nelson & District Community Complex  This facility houses a full gym/weight room, ice arena, lap pool, leisure pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room.  Please be advised that the pools will be undergoing renovations over the summer months. 305 Hall Street, Nelson  250-354-4FUN (4386)

Touchstones Nelson  A Community Celebration: Touchstones Nelson displays the culture and history of Nelson and District in its museum, archives and art gallery.  A must see.

Code Caves  Cody Caves Provincial Park was re-established in June of 2013. Since then Cody Cave Tours Owner / Operator Lee Hollis and his professional guiding team have been escorting hundreds of individuals and families through a fascinating journey of this fragile underworld. For children age 5 and up to adults who enjoy a  physical adventure, there is a tour just for you.  All bookings are confirmed by phone only.  1.250.359.CAVE (2283)

 Natural & Cultural Values

Native History

Archaeological evidence in the park indicates seasonal campsites used by First Nations people known to be ‘of the Lakes people’, the Sinixt, with overlapping use by the Kutenai and the Ktunaxa. As Archaeologists piece pre-colonized history together, it is acknowledged that the First Nations people moved about their territories and had a healthy trade with other neighboring bands. The harvesting of huckleberries along Kokanee Creek and the abundant supply of Kokanee Salmon once found in the river carried them through the winter months. Many arrowheads have been found in the park. Remains of European settlement include evidence of old homesteads and an early estate. Nearby are mining ghost towns and village museums displaying the Kootenay area history.

Kokanee Creek Spawning Channel

The Kokanee Creek Spawning Channel is a facility build and operated for fish losses resulting from the destruction of spawning habitat in Kokanee Creek. From mid August to mid September at one time up to 20,000 Kokanee fish returned to spawn in Kokanee Creek. The channel is .33 kms long and 3 m wide, was built in 1985 to accommodate up to 7,000 spawning fish and produces between 0.25 – 1.20 million fry with a mean egg-to-fry survival rate of 30%. An extensive interpretation program hosted at the Kokanee Visitor Centre late August  includes films, slide shows, and channel walks. There are also very informative, self guiding interpretive panels along the board walk and path that follows the channel to it’s opening on Kootenay Lake.

The Redfish Festival is an annual event that takes place at the end of August each summer. Join us for live music, food vendors, kids’ activities, and – most importantly – guided walks along the Kokanee Salmon spawning channel.

Wildlife

The Kokanee Creek delta ecology also includes many species of animals. A variety of habitats support coyotes, beaver, white-tailed and mule deer and an estimated 160 variety of birds ranging from the tiny Rufous Hummingbird to the Great Blue Heron. Many of the birds are migratory but Kingfishers, Woodpeckers and Dippers can be seen throughout the year.  The area is also thought to provide habitat for up to 46 butterfly species as well! There is an important man-made and natural spawning channel for Kokanee Salmon that have been landlocked since the last glacial age.

To avoid potential problems with bears, lock your food in your vehicle at night. Be sure to use the garbage containers provided and maintain a clean campsite.

Park users should always be aware of wildlife in our natural park environment and never feed or approach bears or other wild animals, please view from a safe distance. The best way to avoid incidents with wildlife is always look ahead on the trails for wildlife… make noise; talk to your friends, or sing your favorite song, make your presence known. If wildlife is sighted, take a detour and leave the area immediately.

Before venturing into the park please take a few minutes to review the Wild life Guidelines laid out by BC Parks    http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/wild_gen.html

View wildlife safely by following a simple code of Conservation Ethics:

Please be considerate of wildlife and use binoculars to view from a distance rather than approaching them to closely.

Be considerate of habitat,  plants are important for wildlife. Please do not damage, pick, or trample and stay on the designated trails.

Control pets by keeping dogs on a leash and under voice control at all times in order to protect wildlife and preserve their habitat.

Diverse Plant Community

Prime growing conditions produce a diverse mix of vegetation with magnificent specimens of Black Cottonwood trees, Douglas Fir, Paper Birch, Western Larch, Ponderosa Pines and mature Western Red Cedar. There are both pure and mixed stands of deciduous trees.  The early English settlers to the area introduced Maple, Beach and Oak trees that added to the Larch, Cottonwood and Birch and provide a beautiful array of fall colors.

Park Size: 1,426 hectares

Campsites & User Fees

Camping Fee per party / night including one vehicle $ 32 * Electrical Sites are an additional $7 regardless of whether it is used or not. Total number of sites – 189  Parking: Second vehicle $ 12* *Seniors Rate (65 years +) 50% of posted rate offered from park opening until June 15 and September 8th until September 30th) Visitor Services: Firewood per laundry basket $10  Sani Station / Dump $5 /Ice $5

Group Camping

Our Group site is located near the Redfish day-use parking lot.  This site can accommodate 50 visitors and are multi-use for both camping and picnicking. Close by is an 800sq ft grassy area used for games.  Rates: The minimum of people required per night is 15. Youth group $50 minimum base rate plus $1 pp/night (6+) $150 max. Regular group – $120 base rate per night includes 15 adults, plus $5 per adult per night over the minimum 15, $1 per child under 16 years per night. The Group site must be reserved through the BC Parks Reservation Service. For specific questions and special requests please contact the Park Operator

Reservations

We have 131 reservable campsites, reservations are recommended and can be made at: https://camping.bcparks.ca/ or by phone: 1-800-689-9025. Bookings can only be made up to 90 days prior to arrival. Our 58 non-reservable sites are available on a first come, first served basis and cannot be held for guests that have not yet arrived to the park.

Camping Policy

Camping Party Definition Party size for one vehicle accessible campsite. One to four persons 16 years of age or older. At least one member of the camping party MUST be 16 years or older. A maximum of eight persons including children (15 years of age and younger). Campsite maximum is one camping party per site, unless otherwise authorized. Vehicles per Camping Party A camping party may arrive at the campsite with one of the following: a. Motor vehicle not designed as an accommodation for camping, e.g., car, truck, SUV, non-camperized van, motorcycle. b. Motor vehicle towing a trailer designed as an accommodation for camping, e.g., 5th wheel, travel trailer, tent trailer. c. Recreational vehicle (RV), e.g., motor home, camperized truck/van.- a RV with a legally towed motor vehicle; or – Motor vehicle or RV towing a trailer not designed as an accommodation for camping, e.g., utility/cargo, or boat trailer. A camping party may also include a tent or tents, if suitably accommodated on the campsite pad. A camping party may be allowed a 2nd motor vehicle not designed as an accommodation for camping on the campsite for an additional ½ of the camping fee (to a maximum of $12 /night).

Facilities Available

Boat Launch There is a singlewide concrete boat launch with a 20 unit parking lot that can accommodate overnight storage of boat trailers. The launch is located near the day use area. Gatehouse and Guest Services At the entry to the campground the Gatehouse is open most days of the camping season. There is a Camp Host on duty 5-7 days per week with a well supplied information kiosk situated at the entrance to the Sandspit campground. Our knowledgeable Park Staff are on duty at all times, should you require assistance please ask. Gatehouse phone number 1.250.825.4212 Showers Available at the central toilet building in Sandspit campground located between Osprey and Chipmunk Lanes and at the toilet building in the Friends campground. Kokanee Creek Visitor Information Center Located between the Sandspit Campground and Kokanee Creek is the Visitor Information Center offering a schedule of interpretive programs throughout the summer months including Jerry the Ranger, Kokanee Nature Investigators, Naturalist Programs and the Redfish Festival. There are educational displays of the local flora and fauna and an interactive room where visitors can paint, draw or read books. Wifi is available at the kiosk that serves locally roasted Oso Negro Coffee, muffins and confectionary. 

Campfires & Firewood

Campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite. Firewood can be purchased in the park for $10 per bundle. You are welcome to bring your own wood but it is not recommended that firewood be transported from area to area due to the potential to spread invasive insects and disease that can be contained in the bark. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented in the event of a high fire hazard over the hot summer months. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is an offense under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.

Drinking Water

Cold well water is available for cooking and drinking. Water taps are randomly located in the campgrounds and day use areas. Taps are shut off during the off-season

Picnic Area & Playgrounds

There are two day-use/picnic areas both located on Kootenay Lake. The most popular is situated beside the north end of Sandspit campground. There are several picnic tables along the shore line, spaced among cotton wood and pine trees. Behind the tables is a large, open grassy area suitable for sports and family gatherings. Nearby are an adventure playground, toilet change house, pit toilets and BBQ stands. The smaller day-use/picnic area is the Redfish site. The access road is directly across from the Redfish campground entrance on the opposite side of Highway 3. This location is also where you will find the group picnic and/or group campsite with the shelter and grassy area. The beach with picnic tables is just a short walk from here and is approximately 300 metres long, described as a mixture of rough sand and gravel. Playground An adventure playground with swing set, monkey bars, platforms, slide and spring horse is located in the campground area near the Camper’s beach. The equipment is set in sand. A second playground is across the field closer to the Friends Campground.

Pets on Leash

Dogs accompanied by responsible owners are welcome at Kokanee Creek Park. However, we ask that you help us protect our wildlife and ensure the park is a safe and pleasant environment for all visitors by adhering to the following Canine Code of Conduct. 1. Please keep your dog under control. Whether walking on the roadways, trails or in your campsite, dogs must be on a leash at all times. 2. Scoop your dogs poop as it is unpleasant for other park users, unhygienic and causes serious ecological damage to plant and animal communities. Dog waste should be placed in a tightly sealed bag and either taken home or deposited into one of the many garbage bins around the park. 3. Respect wildlife and their habitat, the park is their home. Keep your dog off the main beach area and out of streams, creeks, ponds, wetlands and shorelines. A variety of wildlife lives in these areas including fish, frogs, western painted turtles, salamanders and birds. 4. Keep your dog from digging and causing damage to vegetation and nesting habitat. 5. Unruly and noisy dogs cause disturbance to other park users. Please consider that other park users may not be as fond of dogs and that some people- especially small children- can find dogs intimidating.

Sani-Station/Dump

A sani-station/dump is available during the collecting season and is located just past the gatehouse. There is a $5 fee for using the dump which helps the park pay for the disposal.

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