Fish Lake, BC 
We discovered the Fish Lake hike by accident, while on a day trip to the Lussier Hot Springs. This is a gem of a hike that is worth doing more than once and at different times. The hike itself is leisurely, there is a very clear path that meanders through the forest, alongside the river, that leads to the lake. I can say for sure that this is one of my favourite hikes that I have done so far, so much so that I did it twice within the span of a few weeks. An added bonus is that there are also a few overnight campsites around the lake and a cabin that can be used as well. For more details about the campsite check out my article Fish Lake Camping. I would recommend this hike to those who love the outdoors and are looking for a great, calm hike that can be done within a days time.
Date of Adventure: August 2016
Driving To Trailhead: ~2 hours
Hike Time: ~2 hours (one way)
Hike Distance: 6.5 km
Location: Top Of The World Provincial Park
Nearest To: Kimberley, BC
Advised: Bear country, loose gravel roads, potholes, frequent weather changes. Please check all advisory notices, restrictions, regulations, etc before heading out.
Fish Lake – What is that?!
Fish Lake is a beautiful mountain lake that is definitely worth the drive and trek up. For the beginner hiker 6.5 kms may seem like a lot, but the fact that it is an easy trail makes it great for beginners and children. The Fish Lake trail is the main route in this area but there are a few small hikes and paths to take once you get closer to the lake itself. Along the trail you will encounter two bridges that cross the river/stream, these make for great photo opportunities. While on this trail there are also a lot of different plants and vegetation on the forest floor. We encountered different types of mushrooms, lichen, flowers, shrubs and trees. (It is important to always remember to take caution when approaching any plants that you do not recognize.)
The lake at the end is a beautiful mountain lake, that is deep emerald green and hidden away within a dense forest. We did this trail on two different occasions, once when it was rainy and cloudy and another time when it was gorgeous and sunny. This gave way to different vegetation and wildlife, also the lake was different both times. As all of nature is intertwined, the cloudy day made the lake a deep, dark green. The sunny day showcased the clear emerald waters, and we were able to see all the way to the bottom of the lake.
Fish Lake – Are we there yet?
Fish Lake is located in the Top Of The World Provincial Park in British Columbia.
1. From the four-way stop in Radium Hot Springs drive south on Highway 95. Drive towards Canal Flats, for approximately 60 km.
2. There will be a sign on the left side of the highway for Whiteswan lake provincial park. Turn there and proceed on this road for another 20 km. The road turns into loose gravel here, and is winding at some points. Please be aware of all signs because these are sometimes active logging roads.
3. You will come to a “Y” junction, where you should stay right on Lussier River Forest Service road. This road is full of quite a few bumps, an appropriate car is necessary. Follow the signs and stay on this road for 35-40 km.
4. After this time you will come to a clearing with a parking lot. A sign and an outhouse a little ways behind the trees is the trailhead. There is a binder in a small box. Here you can check in and then check out once you have returned from the hike.
Fish Lake – Trail
There is a clear trail that leads into the forest. You encounter many exciting things along the way, from different types of vegetations such as flowers, mushrooms and lichen, to a few bridges, and even some unexpected fallen trees to climb over. The trail follows to river, and there are a few clearings that make for great photo opportunities. There are some other trails, from this main one, that I have yet to adventure on, but posts with clear signs made it easy to stay on track. You will know when you are nearing Fish Lake because there will be a slight elevation gain. The lake itself appears out of nowhere in the dense forest. It is a spectacular surprise. A quaint log cabin sits at the mouth of the lake, with a small dock extending onto the water. The lake is a breathtaking emerald colour with a few campsites surrounding its shore.
Fish Lake – Recommendations
Overall, this is a pleasant and fun hike to do during the summer time. The Fish Lake hike makes for an amazing full day adventure. This hike does require a certain level of physical fitness, but I have seen both young and old take on this trail. If you wish you can also bike this trail instead of hike it. There are so many options and it is an amazing hike to add to your favourites list.