Green Lake Provincial Park is a multi-site park in British Columbia centred on a long lake, with beaches, swimming areas and boat launches. A day trip from Kamloops can include time by the water, though you’ll need to check the route and seasonal access before setting out.
- Park layout: 11 sites around Green Lake.
- Access: North Bonaparte Road from Highway 97, or Watch Lake Road from Highway 24.
- Developed facilities: Arrowhead, Blue Spring, Emerald Bay, Little Arrowhead and Sunset View.
- Seasonal note: Vehicle access is unavailable during winter.
Where Green Lake Provincial Park is
Green Lake Provincial Park lies near 70 Mile House, Lone Butte and 100 Mile House in British Columbia. The lake is about 14 km long, averages 1.5 km wide and has an irregular shoreline of approximately 57 km.
The park was established in July 1975 as an area of high recreational opportunity. Its 11 sites are spread around the lake; developed facilities are at Arrowhead, Blue Spring, Emerald Bay, Little Arrowhead and Sunset View. That spread makes it useful to identify your intended stop before you arrive rather than assuming all facilities are together.
How do you get to Green Lake Provincial Park from Kamloops?
Two road approaches reach the park: North Bonaparte Road from Highway 97, or Watch Lake Road from Highway 24. BC Parks gives access points approximately 16 km northeast of 70 Mile House off Highway 97 and approximately 18 km south of Highway 24 at Lone Butte.
For a day trip from Kamloops, confirm which access point suits your plan and check the current route before leaving; the park has sites around the lake rather than one single visitor area. The available access details do not give a travel time from Kamloops, so allow for route planning using current directions.
Park access and facilities
Developed facilities are concentrated at five named sites, with campgrounds, day-use areas and basic washroom facilities around the park. BC Parks provides accessibility information for Arrowhead, Blue Spring, Emerald Bay, Little Arrowhead, the Service Centre and Sunset View.
There are three vehicle-accessible campgrounds: Emerald Bay has 51 sites, Sunset View has 53 and Arrowhead has 16. Sunset View also has four walk-in tent sites. Pit toilets are located throughout campgrounds and day-use areas, and a flush toilet building is at the sani-station building.
A sani-station and dump are at the junction of North Green Lake Road and North Bonaparte Road. The site is 12 km west of Sunset View campground and 18 km southwest of Emerald Bay; the use fee is $5 per discharge.
What can you do at Green Lake?
Green Lake’s beaches and boat launches support swimming and powerboating, while the park also has a short interpretive trail. Beaches are shallow, warm sand-and-pebble areas, and roped-off swimming areas are at all day-use and campground areas. There are no lifeguards on duty.
Two paved, single-boat launches serve the lake. One is at Sunset View campground on the south side, and the other is at Little Arrowhead picnic site on the north side; both have parking for vehicles and boat trailers.
Powerboating is popular, and conditions are suitable for waterskiing. BC Parks does not recommend canoeing or kayaking because high winds can arise on the large lake.
At Sunset View campground, a self-guided 1 km interpretive trail offers a land-based activity. Keep bicycles on roadways. E-bikes are not allowed on trails within Green Lake Park and are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted.
Seasonal access and park rules
Vehicle access is unavailable during winter, although you may access the park on foot; parking may not be available. Campground operating dates and gate access vary by season, so confirm the current arrangements before planning around an overnight stay.
Keep pets and domestic animals leashed at all times, and note that they are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. Off-road vehicles—including ATVs, off-road motorcycles, snowmobiles and side-by-sides—are prohibited in the park.
What to check before leaving
Before you go, check the official site before you go for current access, campground operating details, fees and facility information. If you’re planning to camp, confirm the applicable fees and season rather than relying on an old listing. Conditions and available access can affect which site makes sense for your day.
If you are arriving in Kamloops by air, your onward plans may depend on your arrival airport; the question of how to get to Kamloops from the airport is a separate part of trip planning.
FAQs
How many sites are in Green Lake Provincial Park?
The park has 11 sites around Green Lake. Developed facilities are at Arrowhead, Blue Spring, Emerald Bay, Little Arrowhead and Sunset View.
Can you swim at Green Lake?
Yes. The park has shallow, warm sand-and-pebble beaches and roped-off swimming areas at all day-use and campground areas. There are no lifeguards on duty.
Are boats allowed on Green Lake?
Two paved, single-boat launches provide access, and powerboating is popular. Canoeing and kayaking are not recommended because high winds can arise on the lake.
Can you visit the park in winter?
Vehicle access is unavailable during winter, but access on foot is possible. Parking may not be available.