Centre Spread - Enjoy a day by the water: McGillivray Lake

Enjoy a day by the water: McGillivray Lake

SEPTEMBER 2006 — VOLUME 4 ISSUE 9

McGillivray Lake, nestled in a forest of pine trees, surrounded by stunning mountains and inhabited by an abundance of wildlife, is a must-see while visiting Sun Peaks. Canoeing, biking and fishing are just a few of the activities the lake has to offer.

Getting to McGillivray Lake is half the fun. One of the best ways to get there is by bicycle. The wide McGillivray Lake trail from Sun Peaks village to the lake is easy enough for all members of the family. About five kilometers long, it’s approximately a 30-minute breezy bike ride, watching butterflies dancing around the wildflowers to a background of joyful birdsong. An early morning excursion is revitalizing and provides the best opportunities for viewing wildlife. For those who prefer the gentle pace of walking, there are many easy-to-follow hiking trails, from beginner to intermediate. The lake is also accessible by car along an active logging road.

Although the gravel road can be very dusty at times, the route presents some of the spectacular remains of the 2003 wildfires, reminding us to be careful and respectful while visiting Mother Nature.

Once at the lake, an invigorating glide in a canoe or kayak is the perfect way to explore the lake’s shoreline. Keep your camera at hand and your eyes open for a bald eagle diving for fish, a deer getting a drink of water or a black bear browsing a raspberry bush. There are also myriad species of birds and ducks, making a lake expedition enchanting for bird watchers.

Make it a weekend getaway by enjoying the B.C. Forests Recreation site situated right next to the lake. There are five rustic sites with fire pits, as well as an outdoor toilet and a cartop boat launch. Camping is free and on a first-come first-serve basis, so arrive early on weekends and during holidays. The Outpost, the small log cabin situated near the campground, is used during the winter as a warming hut but closed is in the summer. However, it can be opened for small groups for a fee.

Fishing is a relaxing yet exciting way to spend the day on the lake. Fishing is at its best during spring and fall, but a summer visit doesn’t preclude making a great catch, as Calgary visitors Sally and Ray Taylor discovered.

“We’ve been camping here for two days now and we just love how peaceful and serene this place is. A friend from Kamloops told us about this camping spot,” commented the Taylors. “We took the boat out this morning and caught two rainbow trout, so we’ll have fresh fish for dinner tonight.”

Visitors to McGillivray Lake, whether biking, canoeing or camping, should be sure to follow safety rules, particularly the posted Bear Aware rules. Bring a lot of drinking water and enough food to last the entire trip and don’t leave any trash behind. Although there is a garbage can at the lake, left-over food will attract wildlife and could create dangerous situations for both humans and animals. Finally, don’t forget to pack insect repellent because mosquitoes also love the great outdoors!

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