Top 7 Lakes around Area B (Shelter Bay/Mica Creek)

Visitors frequently enjoy Miller Lake, known for its refreshing, cold water and scenic mountain meadows. Another favorite is Eva Lake, which offers a trail around its entirety and a quiet place with scenic views. Upper Arrow Lake, part of the larger Arrow Lakes system, is also a popular destination for fishing, boating, and camping.

The best time to visit the lakes in Area B is generally during the warmer months, from late spring through early fall. This period offers ideal conditions for hiking, water activities like paddling and swimming, and camping. Winter provides opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, but access to some areas may be limited by snow.

Yes, Heather Lake is a great option for families. It's accessible via a scenic and relatively easy hiking trail, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels. The trail is 2.224 kilometers long with an elevation gain of 81 meters, offering a peaceful escape for a leisurely walk and enjoying nature.

The region features a mix of natural and reservoir lakes, surrounded by towering mountains and dense forests. You can expect to see expansive water bodies, mountain meadows, and diverse aquatic environments. Areas like the Illecillewaet Greenbelt offer riverside views through cottonwood and spruce forests and marshland.

Upper Arrow Lake is a popular destination for boating, canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Kinbasket Lake and Lake Revelstoke are particularly known for their beautiful and largely unknown flatwater paddling opportunities, offering remote wilderness experiences and chances to spot wildlife.

Yes, camping is available. The Shelter Bay site of Arrow Lakes Provincial Park on Upper Arrow Lake offers 17 lakeside campsites with views of towering mountains. For more remote experiences, the areas around Kinbasket Lake also provide opportunities for wilderness camping, though these are often more primitive.

Absolutely. Many lakes in Area B are surrounded by hiking trails. For example, the trail to Heather Lake is relatively easy, and there's a trail that leads around Eva Lake. The Jade Lake Trail offers beautiful views of Miller Lake and continues to Jade Lake. For more options, you can explore various routes in the Easy hikes around Area B (Shelter Bay/Mica Creek) guide.

Yes, the region offers opportunities for both mountain biking and cycling. You can find various routes, from easy to difficult. For mountain biking, check out the MTB Trails around Area B (Shelter Bay/Mica Creek) guide. For general cycling, the Cycling around Area B (Shelter Bay/Mica Creek) guide provides several options, including routes like the Columbia River – Illecillewaet Greenbelt loop.

Visitors appreciate the serene and quiet atmosphere, especially at lakes like Eva Lake. The refreshing, cold water of Miller Lake is often highlighted as an ideal spot to cool down. The opportunity for remote wilderness experiences and spotting wildlife, particularly around Kinbasket Lake and Lake Revelstoke, is also a significant draw.

Yes, the Galena Bay–Shelter Bay Ferry offers a unique experience, crossing Upper Arrow Lake on Hwy 23. This Columbia motor ferry connects Shelter Bay (west side) and Galena Bay (east side), providing scenic views during its 20-minute crossing.

Many of the lakes in Area B offer opportunities for wild swimming, especially during the warmer months. Miller Lake is specifically noted for its refreshing, cold water, making it a popular spot for a dip. Upper Arrow Lake also features a swimming beach at its Shelter Bay site.

When visiting the lakes, it's advisable to pack essentials like bug repellent, especially if you plan to spend time near the water or have a picnic. Depending on the season, layers of clothing, sun protection, and appropriate footwear for hiking or water activities are also recommended.