Other Lakes

While we would like to believe that Galena Shores is perfect for everybody, it is not.  Galena Bay is an extremely beautiful, quiet, and undeveloped area.  However, if you want more services, it may not be for you.  To help you in your search, we have compiled a list of popular large lakes in BC that are frequented by Albertans.  Click here for a map that locates these lakes in relation to one another. 

 Ranking is 1-8 with 1 being the best and 8 being the least desirable.

1. Upper and Lower Arrow Lakes became Arrow Lake in 1972 by the commissioning of the dam at Castlegar which raised the lakes by 75’.  You can actually drive your boat South down the 230 kilometers of Arrow Lakes, keep on going and eventually end up in the Pacific Ocean.  Arrow is by far the largest lake in BC, is over 950’ (287m) deep, and is part of the mighty Columbia River System.  During the summer months, typical water temperatures in Galena Bay are from 75-80 Farenheight.  Arrow Lakes is also the closest lake in terms of drive time after Windermere and Koocanusa to Calgary. 
2. Kalamalka, named by National Geographic as one of the 10 most beautiful lakes in the world is a stunning blue green color.  Much of Kalamalka is surrounded by steep cliffs and there are relatively small amounts of flat waterfront land to be had.  The water is generally quite cold, except where it is shallow and pools during the summer months.  Vernon, BC is on the shores of Kalamalka.  As a result, you are never far from amenities.  This is the Okanagan where the climate is dry and the vegetation is sparse. 
3. Koocanusa is created by the Libby Dam in Montana.  60 kilometers of the lake is in Canada.  The water is very warm and much of the shoreline has great beaches on it.  Significant portions of the lake disappear when the dam allows the water to flow thru.  In the summer the lake varies from 1 km – 3 km in width on the Canadian side of the border.  Typical water depths during the summer range from 30’ – 75’. 
4. Kootenay is a large, very beautiful, relatively cold lake about 7 hours from Calgary.  The rise and fall of the water in Kootenay is 17’ (5m). 
5. Mabel Lake is a large, beautiful, relatively quiet lake that is 7 hours from Calgary.  Prices at Mabel Lake for waterfront are similar to Shuswap prices.  You typically get to the lake via Enderby, BC.  Mabel Lake only has a rise and fall in water of 4’ (1.3m) and during the summer where the water is shallow it is commonly 75 Farenheight. 
6. Okanagan Lake is home to Kelowna, Penticton, Naramata, Peachland, and a large number of other recreational and lake oriented communities.  This area is dry and hot, in the summers with an abbreviated winter.  Virtually anything you would want in terms of amenities can be found here. 
7. Shuswap Lakes really have 4 arms plus Mara Lake.  This has long been a favourite of Albertans, especially Calgarians.  The prices of waterfront property have increased dramatically and the availability has eroded considerably.  Mara Lake has in particular become quite busy.  These 5 lakes have over 1,000 km of shoreline to explore.  The rise and fall of the water is 14’ (4m). 
8. Windemere is a relatively small lake in comparison with the other lakes on this list.  Its main attraction is its proximity to Calgary, nice beach parks, and a large number of amenities.  This lake is also part of the Columbia River System (same as Arrow Lakes).