When you’re swimming in Tilley Memorial Park, formerly Canal Flats Provincial Park, you’re swimming in Columbia Lake, the source of the great Columbia River. An endless choice of activities takes you away from the rush of modern living – enjoy picnicking, fishing, canoeing and kayaking.

Windsurfers can breeze along on Columbia Lake, getting a head start on the same waters that eventually flow through the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, one of the preeminent windsurfing spots on the continent.

Only drinking water and toilets are provided. There is also a small boat launch available on Columbia Lake. Nearby are the remains of a historic canal that was constructed in the 1880s to connect Columbia Lake with the Kootenay River.

Tilley Memorial Park sits on the south side of the lake, a short 2 miles (3 km) north of the village of Canal Flats on Highway 93/95.

Nearby Regions & Towns