Ministry of Environment - West Arm Provincial Park

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Attention Visitors - Important Notice!

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Park Info:

This park extends along the shore of Kootenay Lake from Nelson to Harrop and up to the peaks behind. The creek fans and pocket beaches are popular with boaters and there is a historic trail (not maintained) up Lasca Creek. The park is largely undeveloped; there are no facilities or designated campsites.

Park Size: 25,319 hectares

Management Planning:

Management Planning Information

Location:

Location Map

This park is situated east of Nelson and south of the West Arm of Kootenay Lake.

Map/Brochure:

Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

Location Map
There are no digital maps or brochures for this park

Nature & Culture:

History - This park was identified for protection in the West Kootenay-Boundary Land-Use Plan.
Cultural Heritage - The park protects important First Nations cultural values, such as the archaeological sites situated along the lake shore. Important heritage values are associated with railway development and sternwheeler ships.
Conservation - The park contains a diverse range of habitats from lakeshore to subalpine. It protects high-elevation forests and alpine areas. West Arm Park features old-growth forests, internationally significant habitat for grizzly bear and for a mountain caribou recovery program. The park protects important watersheds, which supply the city of Nelson with water.
Wildlife - The area was protected for its biodiversity value as the natural habitat for several endangered species while also protecting Nelson’s water source.

Visitor Safety:

Visitor Safety Information (park safety, hazards, wildlife safety information, health risks)

Reservations:

For parks that accept reservations, all vehicle accessible campsites (with the exception of
group sites) must be reserved through Discover Camping.

There is a walk-in area for camping on a first-come, first-served basis at this park. This is a undeveloped park and campers are to be user-maintained.

Explore Parks: Fees, park listings, what you should know before you go and other useful links.

	No vehicle accessible camping facilities at this park.
	There is no wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping available.
	No group campsites.
	There are beach picnicking areas in the park. Beach areas are boat access only and user maintained.
	There are no wheelchair accessible facilities at this park.
	Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
	No toilets.
	No showers.
	No sani-station/dump facilities.
	While campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite, we encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead. Firewood can be purchased in the park or you may bring your own wood.Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary from park to park. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don't gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.
	There are no electrical hook-ups in this park.
	There are no regularly scheduled interpretive programs at this park.
	Lasca Creek trail is not maintained and leads through prime bear habitat - use caution and check our Visitor Safety for bear safety information. DO NOT CUT NEW TRAILS. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails.
	This park does not have a playground.
	There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
	There are paddling, canoeing and kayaking opportunities at this park
	This park does not have a boat launch.
	Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
	Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia. Mountain bike trails are in poor condition. DO NOT CUT NEW TRAILS.
	No horseback riding.
	Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
	No wildlife viewing opportunities.
	No winter recreation opportunities.
	No SCUBA diving or snorkelling opportunities.
	No windsurfing opportunities.
	No waterskiing opportunities.
	No hunting in the park.
	No climbing or rock climbing opportunities.
	No spelunking or caving opportunities.
	No cabins, yurts or lodges for public use.