OPEN WATER, OPEN VIEWS, AND ROOM TO ROAM
St. Mary Lake lies in the Purcell Mountains, west of Kimberley, with broad water, mountain backdrops, and easy access from Marysville. It’s a place shaped by scale and quiet, where time is often spent near the shoreline, on the water, or moving slowly through the surrounding landscape.
The east end of the lake is home to St. Mary Lake Regional Park, operated by the RDEK, offering simple, well-used access points that support swimming, paddling, fishing, and lakeside breaks.
THE PARK
St. Mary Lake Regional Park provides day-use access to the lake with parking, picnic tables, fire pits, an outhouse, and a boat launch. Facilities are intentionally minimal, keeping the focus on the lake itself and the setting around it.
There is no lifeguard on duty, and visitors enter the water at their own risk. Fires are permitted only in designated fire pits, with personal firewood required and all fires fully extinguished before leaving.
GETTING THERE
From Marysville, travel north on Highway 95A toward Kimberley and turn onto St. Mary Lake Road. Follow the road for approximately 16 kilometres, then turn left onto St. Mary River Road. Cross the bridge and turn right onto Lake Front Drive. The upper parking lot is a short distance ahead, with additional parking farther along the road.
For navigation, the civic address is 8740 St. Mary River FSR.
PARK USE AND ETIQUETTE
St. Mary Lake Regional Park is a shared public space. Alcohol and cannabis are not permitted. Overnight camping is not allowed. Pets must be kept on leash, with waste packed out.
Visitors are asked to park without blocking roads, trails, or beach access and to pack out all garbage. Respect for the land and other park users helps keep the area open and accessible.
