Kelowna 
British Columbia’s Arrow Lakes are widenings of the Columbia River. The 240km stretch of the lake is divided between the Upper Arrow Lake (south) and Lower Arrow Lake (north). From north to south, along the Kootenay region’s Columbia River are several larger provincial parks set off from the highway and into the mountains.
The Blanket Creek Provincial Park, however, is right on the shores of Lower Arrow Lake. While one of the province’s smaller provincial parks, Blanket Creek Park is surrounded by and relatively close to several natural attractions. One of the best parts about this park and its natural gems is how easy it is to see each one.
The Best of the Kootenays in One Small Park
Blanket Creek Provincial Park helps to protect the Arrow Lakes’ shoreline beauty and Kootenay habitats, plus a piece of local history. The park covers what was once the Domke homestead, the home of pioneers and orchardists. The native and imported trees grown here by the pioneers still remain and are visible from the Blanket Creek Nature Trail. The remaining fruit trees are known to attract bears, especially in the fall.
Sightseeing around Blanket Creek Park
Sutherland Falls on Blanket Creek is among those natural attractions, and it is accessible within a short walk from the campgrounds or parking lot. The out-and-back walk is under 2km in total but leads to a stunning 12m-high waterfall. The trail takes hikers to the base of the falls with views looking up at the rushing water of Sutherland Falls. In the opposite direction are incredible views of Blanket Creek rushing toward the river/lake. The Sutherland Falls trail is only for foot traffic.
- Explore the lush forests along the riverbanks with the park’s Nature Trail. The 2km loop on the south end of the park winds through an old cedar forest, a more mixed forest, and a scenic pond. At the end of the trail, there will be evidence of an old homestead. The trail is open to hikers and bikers.
- Explore the park’s waterfront areas along the Columbia River Trail, which is also open to hikers and bikers. The trail closely follows the water while also connecting all major areas of the park: the campground, group campground, day-use picnic areas, and the swimming lagoon.
Lakeside Camping at Blanket Creek Park & More
Lucky campers making reservations at Blanket Creek Provincial Park will have a chance at reserving waterfront campsites. Even if you don’t snag a waterfront campsite, all of the campground is within a short walk or quick bike ride from trails and amenities.
- The amenities found along campground roads include water taps, washrooms, and showers. Plus, each campsite has its own table and fire ring/pit.
- This park has over 100 campsites, plus two group campgrounds.
- Camping is not for everyone. Luckily, the beautiful mountain town of Revelstoke is only about 25km north of the park on a major highway. This makes it convenient to book one of the many rooms or cabins available in town while visiting Blanket Creek Park.
Fun on the Water at Blanket Creek
The Arrow Lakes are reservoirs, so the beach at Blanket Creek and all surrounding waters may look different each time you visit or depending on the season. When the weather is hot in the Kootenays, a beautiful beach is accessible from the campground and day-use area.
- The Arrow Lake beach area is not a swimming area, but for sightseeing, nature photography, hiking or relaxing. Lucking, a small and clear lagoon, sits on the west side of the campgrounds. This day-use area offers a swimming beach, a playground, more great views of Arrow Lake, washrooms, and picnic tables.
- The park has a small boat launch on Arrow Lake for canoers and kayakers. It is about a 10-minute portage from the parking to the launch. A common route for boaters is to Arrow Lakes Provincial Park to the south and back.
Arrow Lakes Provincial Park
Blanket Creek and Arrow Lakes Provincial Parks are quite similar in that they both offer lake/riverside camping, canoe or kayak access to the water, and a place to swim on a hot day. But unlike Blanket Creek, the Arrow Lake Park beach is on the shores of Upper Arrow Lake. This offers up the chance for a fun-filled day visit at Arrow Lakes Park with the beach, picnic areas, drinking water, and washrooms.
Amenities & More Accommodations in Revelstoke
Revelstoke is any Blanket Creek visitor’s best bet for any sort of amenity, including an array of places to stay, places to dine and drink, shop, or fuel up.
- Two major resorts sit a short distance south of Revelstoke: the Revelstoke Mountain Resort, home to a pipe coaster and summer gondola, and the Boulder Mountain Resort, home to lodging, glamping, and a campground. Both resorts also offer on-site dining.
- Walk the gorgeous main streets of Revelstoke to uncover great mountain views and great dining. There are takeout options like pizza places and wing spots, pubs and bars, family restaurants, and more upscale bistros.
- Revelstoke is at the confluence of the Columbia and Illecillewaet Rivers, with a local trail following both shorelines and around the bend where the waters meet. Access the scenic trail from Centennial Park or near the 4th Street bridge.
- The Begbie Falls Recreation Site is the starting point for a short trail out to the small waterfall. The area is a beautiful picnic area on the shores of Upper Arrow Lake and a campground a few kilometres from the waterfall.
Planning your trip – Blanket Creek Provincial Park
What: Blanket Creek Provincial Park is a Kootenay-region park located along Highway BC-23, south of Revelstoke. The Columbia River, which runs past Revelstoke, widens and becomes Upper Arrow Lake on the south side of town. From here, the lake continues as Lower Arrow Lake and then narrows back as the Columbia River. The Blanket Creek day use and campground are on the shores of Upper Arrow Lake, but within a densely forested and generally sheltered area. There is quick and easy access to Upper Arrow Lake’s shores from the camping and day use area, plus a separate lagoon/pond for summer swimming. The Arrow Lakes are manmade reservoirs.
Location: East side of Highway BC-23, 30km south of Revelstoke
Blanket Creek Provincial Park is located approximately 220 km (3 hour drive) from Kelowna, 250 km (3 hr drive) from Kamloops, 440 km (5 hr drive) from Calgary and 590 km (6 hr 20 min) from Vancouver.
Best time to go: May-September
How much: camping $28 to $40.50 per night; day use free
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