Echo Lake, BC
About Echo Lake, Lumby, British Columbia
Echo Lake Provincial Park is located in the Okanagan Valley and is an underrated treasure of a lake with crystal clear waters and a stunning emerald hue and is the perfect place for those looking to get a true British Columbia experience. Steep mountains covered with the thick dense forest surrounding the lake will have you instantly blown away by its natural beauty, as it is perfectly nestled into the Monashee Mountains, just on the outskirts of Cherryville. Echo Lake provides a serene and peaceful place for swimming, kayaking, fishing, or just plain old relaxing and you can circumnavigate the lake in its entirety within a couple of hours by kayak. Limits on the size of motors allowed on the lake help to preserve this pristine paradise. You will hear nothing but the sounds of Mother Nature as well as the occasional quiet hum of a small fishing boat passing by. If you are lucky enough you’ll witness the sounds of what is perhaps the most famous Canadian bird, the loon. The loon’s unique calls seem to reverberate off the mountainous terrain showing off the acoustic assets of the Lake, as well as helping it live up to its given name, Echo Lake.
Echo Lake YouTube Videos
Echo Lake Beaches
There are a couple of areas with small beaches, as well as a few little lagoons along the lake. Spots to spend the day are limited, which could be a good or bad thing, depending on how you look at it. It’s good in a way because it means that the lake will never get overcrowded. On the other hand, if you plan to go there for the day and make the long drive out there, you may find that all of the spots have already been taken.
How to Get to Echo Lake
Directions
Echo Lake Provincial Park lies on the edge of the spectacular Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada. It’s around an hour's drive from Vernon and about 30 minutes from Lumby. After around 20 minutes of driving through the beautiful Okanagan countryside from Lumby, the road turns to washboard dirt for another 10-15 minutes until you reach the lake.
Map of Echo Lake
Wildlife
Echo Lake is a popular fishing spot and a great place to see all kinds of wildlife. Species of fish include rainbow, lake trout, and kokanee salmon. The water is so clear that just sitting on the edge of it you can spot plenty of decent-sized fish, but so can the resident bald eagles and you may just be a spectator to the raptors swooping down to catch some lunch. You may also see bears, deer or coyotes around the lake.
Echo Lake Fishing
Echo Lake is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts, offering a variety of fish species such as Gerrard, Pennask, Blackwater and Fraser Valley Rainbow Trout, and Kokanee Salmon. The lake's clear and calm waters make it an ideal location for both experienced and novice anglers to cast their lines and enjoy the outdoors. Just make sure to obtain the appropriate fishing license and follow all regulations from the British Columbia government.
When to Visit
Weekdays aren’t too busy, but weekends in the middle of the summer can get busy. This is why I suggest heading out there as early as possible so you can claim a spot for the day. The lake is, of course, amazing in the summer months, but is also fairly popular in the winter months for its ice fishing.
How Deep is Echo Lake?
Echo Lake is characterized by a serene lakeshore composed of gentle gravel and reeds. Its depth varies from an average of 16 m/ 50 ft to 50m/ 165 ft, with the deepest point recorded at 67m/ 220 ft.
Where to Stay at Echo Lake
Campsites and cabins are also available for rent at really affordable rates at Echo Lake Resort. There is also a decent-sized beach that can only be reached by trekking a couple of kilometers around one side of the lake, where you can pitch a tent for the night. There are also some local vacation rentals available in the area.
Echo Lake Resort
Echo Lake Resort is a premier private fishing resort. As the only resort on the shores of Echo Lake, they offer exclusive access to the area's unparalleled Rainbow Trout and Kokanee Salmon fishing, along with fantastic opportunities for swimming, wildlife spotting, and nature walks within the Echo Lake Provincial Park. Celebrating 80 years as one of the oldest destination fishing resorts in the Okanagan region, Echo Lake Resort was founded by the pioneering Denison family in 1943. Their secret to success lies in the laid-back, family-oriented approach to rustic camping that encourages guests to connect with nature without any distractions. Open from May 1st - October 10.
Conclusion
Echo Lake Provincial Park is well worth a visit and provides a stark contrast to the Okanagan Valley’s dry desert-like conditions. When you’re there you feel like you’re deep in the wilderness and I guess you kind of are, even though civilization lies only around 30 minutes away. Bring your books, your kids, inflatables, fishing rods, kayaks, and achieve peace of mind while relaxing by this truly incredible lake.
Nearby Okanagan Attractions
