Lakelse Provincial Park
Between 20 – 25 km south of Terrace, the Park has three distinct sections along
the shores of Lakelse Lake, backed by old-growth forest. There is the Furlong Bay Campground, the Picnic Site (day use), and Gruchy's Beach.
Furlong Bay Campsite has 156 vehicle/tent sites, pit and flush toilets, three shower buildings, a sani-dump (user fee), water, a developed beach, boat launch, dock, playground, picnic shelter, swimming beaches, an amphitheatre and hiking trail, this is the campsite with the most in the northwest to offer the camper.
The hiking trail, Twin Spruce Trail, is set amidst towering forests of cedar, hemlock and Sitka spruce, with the self-guiding nature trail being a fun place to explore. The campground is open from May to September and reservations are accepted. Locals from Terrace, Kitimat and Prince Rupert use the campsite frequently and on a hot, sunny weekend, there may not be any campsites available. You can contact the gatehouse for more information at 250-798-2277 or reservations at 1-800-689-9025.
The picnic site is located on the northeast side of the lake and features a beach, open grass area, picnic tables, a shelter, fountains, fire pits and flush toilets. With lots of parking, this beach may fill up quickly on a sunny day. It is located 5 to 8km before the Furlong Bay Campground.
Gruchy's Beach is located roughly 1km before the Picnic Site and has a short 15 minute walk through old growth forest to get to the beach. There are no facilities, just an open beach. There is Williams Creek just to the left of the trail, and it also flows into the lake by the beach. Be careful in this creek as there is a strong undertow and it is possible to get caught in the current.
The lake offers canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and other water sports as well as fishing. There are boat launch access at Furlong Bay Campground or off of Adel Road, which can be reached by turning onto Lakelse Lake Lodge Road, then right onto First Avenue.
Furlong Bay Photo Shalane Pauls
