Scenic Views · British Columbia
Columbia Lake View Point
A highway pull-off on BC's Highway 93/95 between Canal Flats and Fairmont Hot Springs, looking down over Columbia Lake and the surrounding mountains. A quick, easy stop that's easy to miss.
What visitors say
This viewpoint sits beside Highway 93/95 above Columbia Lake, the headwaters lake of the Columbia River. Travellers describe a wide view of the lake with mountains on both sides, and several said it's worth pulling over even if you're not planning to linger. One visitor called it a spot that lifts your spirits after a long drive.
It's a simple rest stop. Reviewers mention picnic tables where you can have a coffee or a snack with the view, and there's an interpretive sign with information about the area. One recent reviewer found a public washroom by the parking area, while another said there were no facilities, so don't count on one. The parking area and entrance are listed as wheelchair accessible.
It works as a leg-stretch on the drive through the Columbia Valley. There's no path down to the water from here. For lake access, Columbia Lake Park near Fairmont Hot Springs has a short trail down to the shore.
The main tip is to pin it before you go. The turn-off comes up quickly on the highway and is easy to miss. One visitor found it underwhelming as just a pull-off, but nearly everyone else rated it highly.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 119 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.