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Recreation areas & visitor centres

Sun setting behind mountains at Jones Lake Reservoir

Visiting our recreation sites

We've developed and maintain a wide range of recreation areas as one part of our efforts to balance the province's energy needs with the preservation of the natural environment.

See the chart below for information on our recreation sites – such as Hayward Lake – and our visitor centres and the activities and features of each. We've also included driving directions and site-specific information to help when planning your visit.

Remember to take extra precaution around bodies of water at our sites, and downstream of our facilities, as these areas are located at or near working dams and power stations that contain both natural and man-made hazards and water levels that can change quickly. Please be safe and adhere to all posted signs and warnings.

Our rec sites are located on the traditional territories of Indigenous Nations

Traditional territories are culturally significant to Indigenous communities due to their role in cultural activities like ceremonies, hunting and harvesting. All of our assets and recreation sites are located on these traditional territories. We acknowledge the past and current impacts of our operations on Indigenous Nations in the province and are committed to honouring Indigenous perspectives and values as we move forward. Explore the pages below to learn which Indigenous traditional territory our rec sites are located on.

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Aerial video of Bridge River
Southern

Bridge River

North of Pemberton

Nestled into the range of the Coastal Mountains, you'll find the winding waters of the Bridge River flowing over 120 kilometres. The system is home to three of our dams and two recreation areas offering a selection of outdoor activities.

Image of a kayaker at Buntzen Lake
Lower Mainland

Buntzen Lake

Port Moody

With one visit to Buntzen Lake, you'll understand why it's our most popular recreation site. This picturesque lake is encircled by trails spanning through the forests ranging in difficulty from easy to challenging.

Image of Stave Lake
Lower Mainland

Hayward Lake

Mission

Hayward Lake is part of the Stave River hydroelectric project. Bound between the Stave Lake Dam and the Ruskin Dam, the reservoir is one of three located along the river.

Upper Campbell Reservoir
Vancouver Island

Upper Campbell Reservoir

Campbell River

The Upper Campbell Reservoir campground opened in February 2021, following the permanent closure of the Strathcona Dam campground in November 2020. It features 21 formal campsites, trails, a beach area, and boat launch. 

Alexander Mackenzie's Landing at sunset
Northern

Alexander Mackenzie's Landing

Near Mackenzie

On June 11, 1993, BC Hydro and the residents of Mackenzie dedicated this recreation site "Alexander Mackenzie's Landing" in recognition of the two hundredth anniversary of Alexander Mackenzie's historic journey.

Ferry on Arrow Lakes
Southern

Arrow Lakes Reservoir

Revelstoke area

In the valley between the Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges is the Arrow Lakes reservoir. A great waterway for boating, it runs 230 kilometres from near Revelstoke in the north, to Castlegar in the south.

The Clayton Falls recreation area - the only ocean-front park in the Bella Coola area
Northern

Clayton Falls

Near Bella Coola

The Clayton Falls recreation area is the only ocean-front park in the Bella Coola area. The Bella Coola Valley stretches from the Pacific Ocean in the west, to the Chilcotin Plateau in the east.

John Hart Dam with waterfalls
Vancouver Island

John Hart

Campbell River

BC Hydro's John Hart Generating Station is on the Campbell River, just a few minutes from the town of Campbell River.

The view at Jones Lake Reservoir
Lower Mainland

Jones Lake

East of Chilliwack

BC Hydro's Jones Lake Reservoir serves not only as a source of hydroelectric power, but also as an attractive public recreation area.

Kootenay Canal Generating Station
Southern

Kootenay Canal

Nelson/Castlgar

Along the Kootenay River, between Nelson and Castlegar, a canal diverts water to BC Hydro's Kootenay Canal Generating Station. Running parallel to the canal is a gentle, level walking trail.

The view of Pend d'Oreille Reservoir
Southern

Pend d'Oreille

Trail

BC Hydro's Pend d'Oreille Reservoir serves not only as a source of hydroelectric power, but also as an attractive recreation area for the public.

Swimmers at Puntledge River
Vancouver Island

Puntledge River

Courtenay/Cumberland

The Comox Lake Dam Picnic Area is situated on the Puntledge River, at the outlet of the Comox Lake Reservoir. The recreation area offers a parking lot, beach, pit toilet, viewpoint, information displays and a small picnic area.

Aerial of Revelstoke Dam
Southern

Revelstoke Dam Visitor Centre

Revelstoke

With guided or self-guided tours, guests can take in a breathtaking view of the dam and the Columbia River Valley from the dam crest at 175 metres above the river.

Ruskin Dam powerhouse
Lower Mainland

Ruskin Dam

Mission

In the north central Fraser Valley is BC Hydro's Stave River hydroelectric project. The Stave Lake reservoir is bounded by the Stave Lake Dam. Downstream is the Hayward Lake reservoir and the Ruskin Dam.

Shuswap Falls recreation area
Southern

Shuswap River

Vernon

In the beautiful North Okanagan region of B.C., the Shuswap River is ideal for public recreation. Boating, fishing and swimming are only some of the activities that can be enjoyed in the area.

Stave Falls Powerhouse
Lower Mainland

Stave Falls Visitor Centre

Mission

The Powerhouse at Stave Falls has a way of engaging a wide variety of visitors, from individuals to families and school groups

View of the Stave Lake reservoir
Lower Mainland

Stave Lake

Mission

In the north central Fraser Valley is BC Hydro's Stave River hydroelectric project. The Stave Lake reservoir is bounded by the Stave Lake Dam. Downstream is the Hayward Lake reservoir and the Ruskin Dam.

WAC Bennet at sunset
Northern

WAC Bennett Dam Visitor Centre

Hudson's Hope

From the Visitor Centre, you'll get a wonderful view of the Williston Reservoir, the largest reservoir in the province. The reservoir is held back by one of the world's largest earth-fill structures, our W.A.C. Bennett Dam.

Aerial view of Williston Reservoir
Northern

Williston Reservoir

Hudson's Hope

In northeast British Columbia, near the towns of Hudson's Hope and Mackenzie, is Williston Reservoir, seventh largest in the world by volume. The Peace River flows out of the eastern edge of Williston through the Peace River Canyon.

We don't have any recreation sites matching that criteria.

Northern Region
Alexander Mackenzie's Landing boat launch Picnic Camping Swimming Paddling Motorboating Fishing Hiking         Wheelchair access
Alexander Mackenzie's Landing campground Picnic Camping Swimming Paddling Motorboating Fishing Hiking         Wheelchair access
Clayton Falls Picnic           Hiking Views        
Peace Canyon Dam Viewing Area Picnic             Views        
WAC Bennett Dam Visitor Centre Picnic             Views Visitor centre Site tours   Wheelchair access
Williston Reservoir
      Paddling Motorboating Fishing Hiking          
Southern Region
Arrow Lakes Reservoir       Paddling Motorboating              
Bridge River Picnic       Motorboating Fishing            
Gun Creek Campground Picnic Camping         Hiking         Wheelchair access
Naxwit Picnic Area Picnic           Hiking Views       Wheelchair access
Seton Lake Reservoir Picnic Camping Swimming       Hiking Views       Wheelchair access
Kootenay Canal             Hiking          
Pend d'Oreille boat launch Picnic Camping Swimming Paddling Motorboating Fishing   Views       Wheelchair access
Pend d'Oreille campground Picnic Camping Swimming Paddling Motorboating Fishing   Views       Wheelchair access
Revelstoke Dam Visitor Centre               Views Visitor centre Site tours   Wheelchair access
Shuswap River Picnic         Fishing Hiking Views       Wheelchair access
Sugar Lake Dam Viewpoint Picnic             Views        
Lower Mainland
Buntzen Lake Picnic   Swimming Paddling   Fishing Hiking Views     Mountain biking Wheelchair access
Buntzen Lake Trails Picnic           Hiking Views     Mountain biking  
Hayward Lake Reservoir
Picnic   Swimming Paddling   Fishing Hiking Views     Mountain biking Wheelchair access
Jones Lake Reservoir
Picnic Camping Swimming Paddling Motorboating Fishing Hiking       Mountain biking Wheelchair access
Ruskin Dam Picnic         Fishing Hiking          
Stave Lake Reservoir                        
Stave Falls Visitor Centre                 Visitor centre Site tours   Wheelchair access
Stave Lake Reservoir Boat Launch Picnic     Paddling Motorboating Fishing           Wheelchair access
Vancouver Island
John Hart Picnic           Hiking Views        
Puntledge River Picnic         Fishing Hiking Views     Mountain biking  
Upper Campbell Reservoir Picnic Camping Swimming Paddling Motorboating Fishing