We headed out of Canmore early to find ourselves with a bit of drizzle coming down. This meant our quick trip through Banff would be a bit overcast but that was fine with us. The roads were almost empty, the mountains had an eerie look with low clouds, and we spotted a bit of wildlife here and there along with a number of Bear Warning signs asking you to not stop in those areas. It was a very pleasant drive through Banff and on into British Columbia into the Kootenay Rockies. As soon as you cross into BC you are in Kootenay National Park which is absolutely beautiful. There are a number of stopping areas for hiking and picnicking along the way. Well worth it. Even beautiful Olive Lake was showing its true colors in the rainy weather.
As we neared the southern edge of the park we continued past Radium Hot Springs which looked quite enticing on a overcast day. We have stopped here several times before but never spent the day in the springs. We keep saying we will do it next time we go through this area but it just doesn’t happen. Maybe next time. And on to Fairmont Hot Springs, another area we keep meaning to spend more time in but never do. At least we have toured Fort Steele and enjoyed some of that area. Further south is the Columbia Lake which feeds the mighty Columbia River. Along this area is the Columbia Valley where the Columbia Wetlands meander through the area. The Wetlands are one of the longest intact wetlands in North America. Another area to add to our never ending list of places to explore in more depth. On to Wasa Lake Provincial Park
The small community of Wasa Lake sits on a small lake and was named after Vassa, Finland. It is known to be the warmest lake in the Kootenay Rockies and it provides fabulous views of the Purcell Mountains and the Rocky Mountains. Along the northern edge is a provincial park with both day use area and a campground.
The camgpround is open seasonally and has over 100 sites, all dry camping. There is a dump station on-site.
Campground: Wasa Lake Provincial Park
Location: Wasa Lake, British Columbia
Site: 4 (pull-through)
Cost: $23 (CAD)
Services: dry camp
Comments: A beautiful park with well manicured gravel sites which are long and level. The sites provide excellent privacy. We loved it here.
We were visiting here midweek and before the Canada school system was out for the summer so we only had a few other campers in the campground. It was wonderful. We did not see another person the entire time we were there. Almost all sites looked suitable for a big rig. There were only two pull through sites.
At the south end of the campground is a great bike park for the kids. Our grandkids would love it!
The campground is right across the street from the picnic area, boat launch, and doggie beach on the lake and right next to the Wasa Lions Way Trail which is an 8km trail around the lake. So off we went.
We walked the trail and got out onto the beach and came across quite a few moose tracks along the waters edge. We kept on the lookout for the wildlife but only spotted some birds (and lots of bald eagles).
The northern part of the lake is the day use area which has quite a number of picnic tables and lots of Columbian Ground Squirrels.
Part of the trail takes you through the community with its lovely lakeside houses and entertaining ornaments.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time here and really loved seeing the “Alberta Wild Roses” everywhere.
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