Christina Lake, British Columbia
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| Christina Lake, British Columbia | |
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| Location | British Columbia |
| Basin countries | Canada |
Christina Lake is located along Hwy. 3 in the south-central area of British Columbia known as Boundary Country, which separates the Okanagan region from the West Kootenays. It is located 23 kms. east of Grand Forks, just 1 km. north of the U.S. border. The lake is renowned as the "warmest tree-lined lake in Canada" and was voted "BC's favourite lake". The region experiences very hot, dry summers and the lake itself lies above a geo-thermal fault; these two factors are major contributors to the warm water temperatures which average in the 23 c. range during summer. Christina Lake is not incorporated and there is no true town centre, the area has great tourism potential and is still largely undiscovered and underdeveloped. The year-round population of the community is approximately 1900 but swells to over 6000 during the summer months. Referred to as the "Oasis of the Kootenays", the resort community is spread along the shore of the lake. Vacation homes surround the lake and outdoor adventure providers cater to adventure enthusiasts. Considered a great sport fishing lake, it is home to Trout, Small-mouth Bass and Kokanee Salmon which can be found spawning along McRae Creek, each fall.
Christina Lake was named for Christina McDonald, the daughter of the Hudson's Bay Company chief factor Angus McDonald of Fort Colville (1852-1871). The Kettle Valley region had been inhabited by the Kettle Indians for thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers. They lived in villages along the Kettle River, leaving their legacy in pictographs on rocks along the shores of Christina Lake - visible from a boat only. The Trans Canada Trail, Dewdney Trail and the Kettle Valley Railroad Trail all merge at the lake, attracting visitors to the area from all over. The region is frequented by hikers and bikers along the local trails in the lake area.
The lake has many beaches in Gladstone Provincial Park, which surrounds the entire northern half of the lake. Boat access recreation sites are available on the western shore, at various locations. Several boat access beaches offer camping, swimming and fishing on the west shore. Christina Lake Provincial Park, located at the south end of the lake is home to the largest of the public beaches. The lake is surrounded by the Christina and Rossland Ranges of the Monashee Mountains. The area is also home to Christina Lake Golf Club, an 18-hole, 6,685-yard championship course designed by golf course architect Les Furber. The course has a rare feature, black sand traps.
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