After one trip to Christina Lake, we understand how the lake earned its title as the hottest lake in all of British Columbia. The water is calm, clear, and turquoise, surrounded by green mountains and July water temperatures you have to feel to believe, and the quaint town of Christina Lake has just as relaxed a tempo. Whether you’re bringing the family, spending time with just your partner, or a larger group, there is something for you to get involved in.Â
Blue Mountain Lodge is located right on the lake, so it serves as a perfect starting point for the trips around the area. Below are our top ten activities to provide the laziest beach day or the most strenuous all-day hike to give you a well-deserved vacation the way you are most in need of it.
Things to Do in Christina Lake: The Top 10 List
1. Christina Lake Provincial Park
This provincial park is great for families due to the sandy beach, shallow water, and wading opportunities. There’s plenty of grassy areas for cooling off, and lots of space for bringing picnic supplies and laying out some towels. It’s an easy option for a first stop, and tends to get busiest in the afternoon on weekends, so an early arrival gives the most pick of shoreline to lounge on. The grassy areas are convenient to plan out swimming and wading throughout the day.
2. Christina Lake Marina
There’s plenty of fun to be had both at and around the marina. Gear is available to rent, and jet skis, boats, and paddle boards can all be rented on an as-needed basis. If WildWays is busy and there aren’t any more rentals available, they have options too. The mornings are typically quiet, and renting a paddle board for an hour or two is a perfect way to get some adventure before the boat traffic gets busy.
3. Paddle to Native Pictographs
The east lakeshore has rock paintings that are only reachable by water. Because of the work it takes to find them, it feels more like a little discovery than knocking another one off the list. It has a more leisurely and reflective pace that is more appropriate for a calm morning than a busy afternoon. It is a good Christina Lake activities option for those who appreciate the history and culture of the area since it is more difficult to find. Either bring a map or ask locals for directions since it is not clearly marked.
4. Explore Cascade Falls Christina Lake Gorge
Even in the short time you have in Christina Lake, visiting Cascade Falls is worth the drive. You can walk a suspension bridge right across the gorge and get a breathtaking if not out-of-control, view of the falls. You can also appreciate the nearby ruins of the old railway, and it feels more like an adventure compared to standing in one spot and looking at something pretty. This scenic river gorge brings in casual visitors and hikers alike, and it’s a good stop even if you have a limited time of around an hour.
5. Hike the Columbia and Western Rail Trail
The Columbia and Western Rail Trail follows the old Kettle Valley Railway line and has been transformed into a peaceful walking and biking path. The trail grade is gentle and easy to walk, as it was constructed for a train and not for hikers. The trail is perfect for families and those looking for a low-effort outing. The breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape make it one of the best Christina Lake hiking trail options. If you want to make things easier on yourself, the trail is easily turn-around-able to keep your hike short.
6. Go Christina Lake Fishing
Christina Lake fishing draws the attention of both locals and visitors. The warm water species here differ from the cold water fish in the majority of BC lakes and make for an interesting outing. Morning is typically the best time to fish, as the calm water makes for active fish before disturbances from boaters. Fishing gear can easily be rented at the lake, and spending a few peaceful hours fishing here is an excellent way to start your day.
7. WildWays Adventure Sports: Bike & Kayak Rentals
WildWays rents mountain bikes and kayaks and leads tours along the Kettle Valley Railgrade. The business is award-winning and locally owned! The staff are familiar with trail conditions and can direct you to trails that can be done based on the fitness level of your group. Prior to your trip, you can find more information here.
8. Golf Near Christina Lake BC
Your options for golf near Christina Lake BC are limited to the Christina Lake Golf Club and the Cascade Par 3, which is a shorter course. There are still good options, with golf being a great activity to break up a day full of activities at the lake. The golf courses have vibrant mountain views and a relaxed atmosphere. The Par 3 course is excellent for beginners and people who do not want to spend half the day on the course.
9. Christina Living Arts Centre
The local artist studio and gallery is a great spot to view regional artists’ and local handi-crafters’ work. Additionally, you can get trail maps and other visitor information. The studio can be an excellent destination for a day with less than ideal weather and can generally be a good place to get out of the water for a bit. There is no need to spend money to enjoy a visit; the local creative community has much to offer.
10. Visit Community Nature Park and Eat
Anyone can enjoy a walk at Community Nature Park. Along the way, paths and wetlands provide a good chance to see otters, turtles, and rabbits. The Park is a good place to relax after doing something more active. Evening is the best time to be there to see the most wildlife. It is a good place to eat after you visit the nature park. Portly Penguin Pizza is a good place to take your family for your last meal of the day.
Plan Your Christina Lake Stay
Christina Lake is a place with a lot to do. There is fishing, swimming, and sports, as well as places to go that are more cultural and take a lot of time. Most things to do are close enough that you can do more than one thing during the day.
 Blue Mountain Lodge is a good place to stay. Not only does it have a perfect location for all the activities, but it is also comfortable. Visit the lodge to learn about where you will stay and have a good starting point for your list of things to do at Christina Lake during your visit to Christina Lake. Connect with us now.
 FAQs About Top 10 Things to Do in Christina Lake
- What is the best time of year for outdoor activities at Christina Lake?
Summer is the most popular time to visit Christina Lake, with warm weather that’s ideal for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, hiking, and cycling. Spring and fall also offer pleasant conditions for hiking, fishing, and enjoying the area’s natural scenery with fewer crowds. - Which activities at Christina Lake are best for families?
Families can enjoy swimming at the public beach, kayaking, paddleboarding, picnicking, cycling, easy hiking trails, fishing, and exploring local parks. Many activities are suitable for visitors of all ages, making Christina Lake a popular family-friendly destination. - Are there free things to do in Christina Lake?
Yes. You can swim at public beaches, hike scenic trails, cycle along local routes, enjoy lakeside picnics, watch wildlife, and relax by the water without paying an admission fee. - Can you enjoy Christina Lake without a boat?
Absolutely. Many of Christina Lake’s top attractions can be enjoyed from the shore, including swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, cycling, fishing, beach walks, and visiting nearby parks and viewpoints. - What water sports are popular at Christina Lake?
Christina Lake is a popular destination for kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, boating, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and swimming. Its warm, clear water makes it ideal for a variety of recreational activities throughout the summer. - Are there hiking trails close to Christina Lake?
Yes. Christina Lake is surrounded by hiking trails that cater to different experience levels, from easy nature walks to more challenging routes with scenic lake and mountain views. Many trails are just a short drive from the lakeshore.
