Kokanee Lake Trail - Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, BC

Our second summer exploring trails in the Kootenays - this time, taking us to Kokanee Lake, nestled in the heart of Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park. This trail is an absolute must-do if you're in the Kootenays, offering the ultimate balance of beauty and adventure without being too strenuous. I can't help but smile when thinking about this place - the perfect day hike!

Beyond Kokanee Lake is Kaslo Lake where you can camp (reservations through BC Parks) or stay at Kokanee Glacier Cabin (reservations through Alpine Club of Canada). When we went in late June, there was still a lot of snow being reported beyond Kokanee Lake. I think the snow was just starting to melt at the Kokanee Lake trailhead the week prior to our trip.

Here we go!

Kokanee Lake inside Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park

Elevation: 1965m

Located within the traditional territory of the Sinixt, Ktunaxa, and Syilx First Nations, Kokanee Lake Trail is a beautiful hike in the Selkirk Mountains with what seems to be non-stop open views of surrounding mountain ranges. Keep in mind, this is Grizzly Bear country so be very bear-aware and make noise along the way.

My personal lessons:

- More wildlife training for Grizzly Bear encounters

Respect the park:

- Follow Leave No Trace principles

Getting to the trailhead

The trailhead is at Gibson Lake - easy to find and reach by vehicle. No 4WD necessary.

Directions: From Highway 3A, take a turn down Kokanee Glacier Rd until you reach the parking lot at Gibson Lake (about 16km).

Parking: It is a fairly large and open parking area. Remember to wrap your car with chicken wire before hitting the trails to prevent porcupines from leaving you a very rude surprise of chewed-up brake cables. There are usually extra rolls of chicken wire at the parking lot left from previous hikers, or BC Parks. There is also a pit toilet near the parking area.

Day hike to Kokanee Lake

I know I say this a lot but THIS TRAIL is seriously one of the most stunning hikes I've ever done. The non-stop views are unreal, it crosses beautiful waterfalls, it was lush, green, and meadowy, trails were so well maintained... I can go on.

I think these photos will say it all. Enjoy!

The trail starts off narrow as you trek up a few long switchbacks, with tall trees and shrubs along both sides offering some sections of shade. It was 9 am but already feeling the heat of the sun!

When the trail started to open up to views like this, it was impossible to stop looking back as I continued hiking. I honestly don't know if I can put into words what I was feeling at the time. Just pure excitement, I think. Like an over-the-moon kid about to open up their long-awaited birthday present.

View of Gibson Lake below.

10:30 am. It's been a very sun-exposed trail so far. It was getting so hot, I took advantage of this patch of snow and used it to cool down. It looks a little murky but desperate times 😎.

From snow patches to spring flowers just a few minutes apart. A white pasqueflower. Interesting fact (I find it interesting anyway) - the fresh stems and seeds of these plants were traditionally used as a painkiller, anti-anxiety medication, and a sedative!

You will cross a few waterfalls on the trail before reaching Kokanee Lake.

Kokanee Lake

We are here! A short, sweet, and beautiful hike.

Stream flowing out of Kokanee Lake.

We spotted Grizzley footprints at the lake. And about 15 minutes prior to reaching Kokanee Lake, a solo hiker on his way down warned us of a small Grizzley at the lake but did manage to scare it off.

So when we reached the lake, our plans of a peaceful lunch break by the lake with our hiking shoes off and feet dipped in the freezing water (just because) were quickly abandoned. We still had lunch at the lake but it was anything but relaxing, LOL.

Hiking back down to the trailhead

Shane's phone takes really cool photos - one of the waterfalls as you start to get back closer to the trailhead.

We are back! And we definitely got some sun on this trail.

No questions asked, this was a 10 out of 10 hike and I loved every moment of it. Just wish we had a few extra days to make this an overnight at Kaslo Lake. Next time!

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