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 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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