The Arrow Lakes are a widened portion of the Columbia River, which flows north for over 300 km before hooking west and south to begin its long journey, more than 400 km, to the US border. For nearly half this length it widens to form the Upper and Lower Arrow Lakes, vast reservoirs of water that moderate winter temperatures and help retain moisture in the local atmosphere, thus greatly influencing the types of vegetation found there.
The park consists of a number of sites scattered along the length of the Upper and Lower Arrow Lakes reservoir system, nestled between the magestic Selkirk and Monashee Mountains. The three sites on the northern end of Lower Arrow Lake off Highway 6 – Burton, Fauquier and Eagle Creek – have picnic/day-use areas and boat ramps. A free ferry crosses the lake from Fauquier to Needles on the west side.
The Shelter Bay site, about 31 miles (50 km) south of Revelstoke on Highway 23, near the ferry crossing on the west side of Upper Arrow Lake, also has 13 vehicle/tent campsites. Basic facilities are provided and all of the sites are open from May to September.
The park is popular mainly for water-oriented activities such as swimming, boating and fishing. With so much water in this part of the region, the fish are never far away. Fishing for kokanee, dolly varden and rainbow trout is good in Upper Arrow Lake. Strips of sandy beach along the lakes also provide a nice area to relax and catch some rays.
Arrow Lakes Provincial Park is located 31 miles (50 km) south of Revelstoke off Highway 23.
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Park Notices
