Wapiti Lake Recreation Site

Wapiti Lake Recreation Site is a recreation site located near Jaffray, south of the community of Cranbrook, BC in the East Kootenay region of British Columbia, Canada. The recreation site is a wilderness campground and an activity destination situated not far from the north end of another popular lake named Lake Koocanusa.

Some of the activities enjoyed on the lake include fishing, camping and canoeing. No power boats are permitted on this lake. There is a roof top boat launch located on the lake. Fishing is best enjoyed by trolling. Trout is the fish to catch here.

Wapiti Lake is a small, elongated lake with marsh areas, lilly pads and cattails. The campsites are large, relatively private with some residing on the shores of Wapiti Lake while other campsites are hidden in the trees up on a ridge. The campsites include picnic tables and fire pits. And there are pit toilets onsite.

The wilderness recreation destination is a self serve campground. Self serve means you pack out what you pack in. Leave no trace behind so others may enjoy the lake and campground also

Some people use Wapiti Lake as a base camp. And from the base camp they explore the surrounding network of gravel roads and dirt trails while mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding. Some jump into a vehicle, hook up a boat and head towards one of the boat launches on Lake Koocanusa.

Wildlife living in the area includes black bears, moose, coyotes, elk, deer, squirrels and more. Birdwatching on the lake is also popular as many songbirds, shorebirds and waterfowl visit the secluded lake on many occasions. Some of the birds we saw on our trip were a blue heron, robin, hawk and loons.

RVs and trailers can access this park. Although some of the campsites are tight while others are easily accessible. Although the camping sites are few - the scenery and tranquil environment are refreshing.

How to Get to Wapiti Lake Recreation Site:

Travel to the community of Cranbrook, BC. From Cranbrook travel south on Highway #3/93 towards Jaffray. prior to Jaffray look for Sherbourne Road on your right. Continue traveling down the road for about 1.5 kilometres. Look for the Wapiti Lake FSR (Forest Service Road) on your right.