Wasa Lake leads into the Kootenay River in British Columbia, Canada, offering gorgeous views of the Purcell Mountains and the Rocky Mountains. Referred to as the “Warmest Lake in the Kootenays,” Wasa Lake is a popular vacation spot due to its sandy beaches, abundant freshwater fish population, and crystal clear waters that are perfect for boating, water skiing, and windsurfing. If you’re planning to visit Wasa Lake for your upcoming holiday, check out this list of the 10 best Wasa Lake vacation rental locations to help you find the perfect place to call home during your stay.
1. Lazy Lake
For convenient access to fishing, camping, and miles of shoreline, consider a vacation rental in the Lazy Lake area. Located north of Wasa Lake, Lazy Lake is just minutes away from Wasa Lake Provincial Park, where you’ll find campgrounds, hiking trails, and beautiful scenic views of the surrounding pine forest. Pack a beach picnic and splash around in Wasa Lake’s warm waters, or take a family hike along the park’s self-guided interpretation trail.
2. Wolf Creek
The Wolf Creek area offers vacation rentals just minutes from the Wasa Lake shoreline and Wasa Lake Provincial Park, making it easy to grab your fishing gear and head out on the water, or set up camp for an overnight waterfront adventure. Wolf Creek Road is also conveniently located a few miles east of BC Highway 93, offering easy access into the neighboring towns of Cranbrook and Kimberley for shopping and dining.
3. Wasa
Choosing a vacation rental in the town of Wasa puts you in the center of it all, as the area is surrounded by Wasa Lake Provincial Park and sits just a few miles away from local attractions and dining options. Set up camp at the park and roast some marshmallows over a campfire as the sun sets, or take a day trip into neighboring Cranbrook to check out the trains at the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel, or watch gold panning demonstrations at Fort Steele.
4. Cameron Pond
If you’re hoping to plan a few fishing trips during your holiday, choose a vacation rental in the Cameron Pond area. Cameron Pond neighbors Lake Wasa, offering travelers a peaceful, tranquil location with plenty of fish to reel in. Spend the day on the water catching local bass, or dangle your legs over the dock and enjoy the view. While power boating isn’t allowed on the pond, the area is just minutes from Lake Wasa if you feel like hopping on some jet skis or fishing in busier waters.
5. Ta Ta Creek
Ta Ta Creek is located a few miles from Wasa and 10 miles from the neighboring town of Kimberley, making this vacation rental location a good choice if you’re looking to get back to nature with the added convenience of easy access to shopping and dining. Hike the trails along Ta Ta Creek stream and take in the peace and quiet, or grab your fly fishing gear and spend some time catching bass in the stream. If you’re in the mood for some local cuisine, take the short drive into Kimberley and stop by the Old Bauernhaus Restaurant, a popular eatery known for its Bavarian pastries.
6. Premier Lake
Premier Lake is one of East Kootenay’s most popular fishing spots, offering gorgeous emerald green waters and an abundance of bass, walleye, and trophy lake trout. Choosing a vacation rental in the Premier Lake area also puts you in close proximity to Premier Lake Provincial Park, a 2,000-acre paradise with walking trails, campsites, and easy access to the lake. If you’re hoping to do a little birdwatching, Premier Lake does not disappoint, as the area is known for a nice population of herons and forest birds. Depending on the season, you may even spot a bald eagle, so make sure to bring your binoculars as you navigate the park.
7. Kootenay River
Vacation rentals in the Kootenay River area offer breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies and provide convenient access to the river and nearby Kootenay Lake for fishing, swimming, boating, and water sports. Relax with your family on the riverbanks with your fishing poles and a picnic lunch, or take advantage of the area’s centralized location and take a trip into central Kootenay to enjoy a meal or peruse the shops along Lake Street.
8. Kimberley
Located 10 miles from Lake Wasa, the town of Kimberley combines the beautiful scenery of the Canadian Rockies with the modern conveniences of city life. Vacation rentals in this quaint little town sit surrounded by over 30 restaurants, shops, and cafes, while boating, fishing, and miles of sandy beaches are just a short drive away. Walk along the cobblestone streets in the center of town to window shop or snack on ice cream, and when you feel like getting back to nature, simply hop in the car and head to Lake Wasa.
9. Skookumchuck
Referred to as the “Valley of a Thousand Peaks”, Skookumchuck is located along the Kootenay and Skookumchuck Rivers on the Rocky Mountain trench. Vacation rentals in this area offer incredible mountain views and convenient access to the clear river waters that are perfect for kayaking or canoeing. Skookumchuck also sits in close proximity to both Wasa Lake Provincial Park and Premier Lake Provincial Park, making it easy to spend the day exploring and spend the night camping under the stars.
10. Tamarack Lake
Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, the Tamarack community is just 10 miles from Wasa Lake and sits right on Tamarack Lake, offering vacation rental homes just steps away from the water and sandy shorelines. Rent a sailboat for the day and take the family on a relaxing cruise around the lake, or simply kick back on the porch of your lakefront “home away from home” and take in the natural scenery.