Lake Country : Island Lake
Winfield, Lake Country, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

Island Lake is a recreation destination lake in the back country wilderness forests behind the community of Winfield, BC in the heart of Lake Country in the North Okanagan Valley. Island lake is one of many destinations in the region popular for boating, fishing, canoeing, birdwatching, dirt biking, atving and camping.

A British Columbia forest service recreation campground is located on the shores of Island Lake. It is a very small campsite operating on a first come first serve basis. The campsites are private and set in a loop with no clear lake views. Each campsite includes picnic tables and fire pits. There are some pit toilets nearby.

A roof top gravel boat launch is located in the campground. There is little room available for parking when campground is full. Most leave their boats by the boat launch and park in their campsites. Most arrive to fish the lake for stocked trout. Trolling and fly fishing brings the most success.

The access road to the recreation site is narrow and hidden behind trees. Signage is poor marking the entrance. The recreation site is a pack in-pack out wilderness campsite. Self maintenance is key, so please be clean and respect each other when on the lake and camping.

Island Lake is part of a network of lakes in the region. Many are accessed by the large network of gravel forest service roads. The same gravel road leading to Island Lake also leads to Lost Lake, Doreen Lake, Beaver Lake and Loon Lake. \

When traveling the gravel roads, always be aware of oncoming vehicles as dust limits visibility and rocks fly. Slow down as many corners are blind corners. Keep your head up for free range cows which sometimes decide to graze on the road. Always have headlights on when traveling the gravel forest service roads during, both, day and night.

It is these same gravel roads that become cross country ski, snowmobile and snowshoe routes in the winter months after the snow has fallen. And in the summer atvs and dirt bikes travel the gravel roads deeper into the forest leading to more remote lakes not accessible by a 4x4 vehicle.

How to Get to Island Lake Recreation Site: Travel Highway #97 north of Kelowna, BC to the community of Winfield in Lake Country. From the highway in Winfield turn east onto Beaver Lake Road. Continue driving straight on Beaver Lake Road. The paved road turns to gravel. Continue down the gravel road for 16 kilometres (9 mi.) following switchbacks eventually leading to a resort.

Prior to the resort is a gravel road to the left. Take this gravel road over a small narrow wooden bridge. Continue climbing the gravel roads, negotiating more switchbacks. Do not be swayed into turning down one of the many gravel roads along the way. Stay on the main gravel road until you come to a big opening. On your right is a gate and another bridge. Follow this gravel road and start looking for the campground sign on your right. The road to the campsite is very rough! There is parking available on the main gravel road prior to the entrance so you can check it out first.