GWILLIM LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK, B.C.

Gwillim Lake Provincial Park is located in the north east corner of British Columbia, 45 km northwest of Tumbler Ridge B.C. on Highway 29, about midway between Chetwynd and Tumbler Ridge. Provides a peaceful outdoor experience set in the Rocky Mountain Foothills.

Gwillim Lake was named after Professor John Cole Gwillim who was appointed professor of mining at Queen's University at Kingston in 1903. His work included exploring the coal lands in this area and oil fields of Alberta for the CPR and later in 1919, field work for the British Columbia government.

Gwillim Lake is deep, blue and cold. The average temperature from May and June is usually around 8 degrees Celsius. The water near the shore is shallow and is considerably warmer. The lake is fairly large and spans across 6 miles from one end to the other. Activities include canoeing, kayaking, swimming, hiking, and fishing. Anglers can try their luck for rainbow trout, lake trout, pike, white fish and grayling.

There are many unmaintained hiking trails around the lake as well as other trails that take you deeper into the park.

If you don't have a boat and want to get around the lake, you are in luck. Canoe rentals and mountain bike rentals are now available as well as canoe and kayak instructions.


2010 EVENTS OF THE PEACE COUNTRY

A small peer makes it easy to dock your boat. Also located at this area is a good size parking lot and day use area.

Gwillim Lake has a paved boat launch to get your craft on the water.

The area has a diverse mixture of trees including pine, spruce, aspen, and birch and is home to deer, moose, otters, chipmunks, black bears and grizzly bears.

The Pat O'Reilly Outdoor/ Environmental Studies Centre is located on the south side of Gwillim Lake operated by School District #59, Peace River South. It is a privately run camp not open to the general public.