Whale Lake (named for its distinctive shape) sits just outside the southwestern edge of Wells Gray Provincial Park, in between Canim Lake and Mahood Lake. There is a forest recreation site on the eastern edge of the lake that can be accessed by a short backpack of 3.8 km. Apparently there is also a quad trail which starts from Wells Gray, but on this trip we backpacked in after a couple of worthwhile stops at Chasm Provincial Park and Canim Falls.

Canim Falls

Whale Lake Trailhead

The trail was easy to follow, starting in lush forest before a moderate climb up and then down again to the lake. There was a bit of deadfall, and we actually passed by a couple who had taken it upon themselves to do some trail clearing that day.

Whale Lake Trail

The lake is a beautiful green colour and we saw lots of trout swimming around. We even had some luck catching them.

Whale Lake

Trout fishing

The campsite has just enough room for a couple of tents. We were glad that no one else showed up that evening, as it would have been pretty crowded.

The firepit

Enough room for two tents

We spent our evening fishing, listening to the frogs and watching the bats hunt mosquitoes on the lake.

Night falls at Whale Lake

Whale Lake is definitely another gem worth visiting.

Raegan

Check these out as well:

Windy Ridge Trail – Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park Nub Peak – Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park Lightning Lakes Chain Trail Woodbury Traverse – Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park