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.

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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.
Paul Lake Provincial Park
Near Little Fort, British Columbia (park lands east of Highway 5A)
50.7415, -120.1233
Day-use typically dawn-dusk (check BC Parks for seasonal changes)
Day-use free; camping fees may apply (check BC Parks)

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.

Summer
June-September · 10-25°C (50-77°F)
Warmest and driest months; best for canoeing, swimming, and camping.
Spring-Autumn
April-May, October · 0-15°C (32-59°F)
Quieter trails and moody lakeshores; early spring can be buggy; autumn brings crisp air and fewer visitors.

Weather & Climate near Paul Lake Provincial Park #

Climate

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.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
25°
Warmest Month
-11°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-11° -3°

Weather

33 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -8°C. The driest month with just 18 mm.

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-8°

Weather

18 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -4°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

23 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1° 13°

Weather

27 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

43 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 55 mm of rain.

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
22°

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
25°

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
25°

Weather

37 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
20°

Weather

31 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

31 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

41 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-10° -2°

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

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