Location:
The Lake is located along Highway 93 and 95, between the centres
of Canal Flats and Fairmont
Hot Springs.
Columbia
Lake Provincial Park is used in summer by windsurfers, paddlers
(canoeists and kayakers), and motorized water craft. The 2,758 hectare
lake is the largest warm water lake (18•C in July) in the East Kootenay.
Approximately 3 km of undeveloped beach area allows for non-consumptive
recreation opportunities (wildlife viewing, paddling, nature appreciation).
Fishing on Columbia Lake is popular year round (favoured sport fish
are mountain whitefish, burbot, kokanee, rainbow trout, bull trout
and cutthroat trout). The wetland/marsh component of the park offers
excellent opportunities for nature appreciation, viewing and photography.
The upland areas are largely pristine and provide a panorama of
exceptional scenic value, particularly east towards the Rocky Mountains.
Hiking and mountain biking are also common in the upper grasslands
on derelict logging roads and along the park access road.
