Paul Lake Provincial Park
Park Scenic mountain park with lake and hiking trails
A provincial park in British Columbia centered on Paul Lake, with forested campsites and water access; visitors swim, canoe, fish for trout and hike nearby trails.
Paul Lake Provincial Park is a provincial park in British Columbia centered on Paul Lake, a small freshwater lake used for recreation. The park protects lakeshore forest and provides day-use and camping facilities.
The park provides a lakeside campground, a boat launch, picnic areas and short walking trails around the shoreline. The lake is used for swimming, canoeing and angling in summer; trails and forested areas are used for short hikes and wildlife viewing.
The area was set aside for provincial park use to protect the lake and provide public recreation; management has focused on maintaining campsites, day-use facilities and access to the water. Infrastructure and trails have been developed to support seasonal visitors.
The park sits in the Thompson-Nicola region of south-central British Columbia, north of the city of Kamloops along local highway routes. The setting is a mixed-forest landscape surrounding a single lake.
- Location: Located north of Kamloops in the Thompson-Nicola region of British Columbia, the park is centered on a freshwater lake used for recreation.
- Recreation: Offers both walk-in and drive-in camping plus a boat launch and lakeside day-use areas suitable for swimming and canoeing.
What to See #
- Paul Lake: A small clearwater lake surrounded by mixed forest with a campground, day-use areas and a boat launch; popular for swimming, canoeing and fishing.
- Trail network: A network of short trails that link lakeshore viewpoints, picnic areas and the campground; routes are generally easy and suitable for day walks.
How to Get to Paul Lake Provincial Park #
Paul Lake Provincial Park is located east of Little Fort, British Columbia. From Highway 5 (Clearwater-Kamloops corridor), take the Little Fort turnoff and follow local roads to Highway 5A; the park is a short drive from Little Fort village. Nearest larger centers: Kamloops (~1.5 hours west) and Clearwater (~40 minutes northwest).
Tips for Visiting Paul Lake Provincial Park #
- If launching a canoe, use the main lakeside access at the campground to avoid fragile shoreline areas.
- Be aware of seasonal blackfly activity in late spring-cover exposed skin during dawn and dusk.
Best Time to Visit Paul Lake Provincial Park #
Peak season is summer for water activities and camping; shoulder seasons offer solitude but more insects and variable weather.
Weather & Climate near Paul Lake Provincial Park #
Paul Lake Provincial Park's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -11°C to 25°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).
Comfort
Weather
February
February is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -8°C. The driest month with just 18 mm.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -4°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 55 mm of rain.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).