Floe Lake is a beautiful backcountry campground located in Kootenay National Park. The stunning mountains, clear blue alpine lake, and meadows full of wildflowers make it one of our personal favorites in all of Canada! This BACKPACKER’S paradise is part of the Rockwall Trail and accessible from the Floe Lake trailhead on Highway 93. Keep reading for everything you need to know about this phenomenal BACKCOUNTRY hike!
Kootenay National Park is smaller and lesser known than Banff or Jasper. While it doesn’t have as much variety or square footage as some other parks in the Canadian Rockies, it should not be missed! If you’re an avid hiker or a nature enthusiast, Floe Lake is a hidden gem that is guaranteed to blow your mind.
Nestled deep within the heart of Kootenay National Park, this stunning hike promises an unforgettable journey through pristine forests and rugged mountains. The awe-inspiring turquoise lake at the end will leave you breathless.
The Floe Lake hike offers a truly immersive experience in the back country, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The campground here is one of the most beautiful places we have stayed not only in Canada, but anywhere in the world. Surrounded by towering peaks and glistening glaciers, the lake’s clear blue water reflects the majesty of the fantastic landscape.
Without further ado, let’s get into the good stuff! Here is everything you need to know about Floe Lake backcountry campground in Kootenay National Park.
Getting There
21.4 kilometres & 1,004 m of elevation gain round trip
Floe Lake is located 10.7 kilometres southwest of the Floe Lake parking lot on Highway 93. It starts off with a few beautiful river crossings and a section of steep switchbacks before more or less levelling out. From here, the next few kilometres are relatively flat as you make your way to the end of the valley.
This hike is unique because of a massive wildfire that swept through the valley in 2003. Because of that, you’ll get a wide-open view of the area as you hike through the wildflowers, burnt trees, and lush new-growth forest.
At the end of the valley, you will begin climbing numerous steep switchbacks along a waterfall fed by Floe Lake. This is where you gain a ton of elevation and it can be a challenging final push. Don’t worry, though, your efforts will be more than rewarded at the top.
Floe Lake Campground
Floe Lake Campground has 18 tent sites and a wardens cabin. The tent sites are spread out in clusters along a path leading into the forest from the lake. If the first tent pad on the left is available when you arrive, grab it! It boasts the best views in the entire campground.
TIP: We always try to stay at Floe Lake Campground for a minimum of two nights. This way, if we can’t snag the best spot on our first night, we can move in when the occupying group leaves camp the next morning. Trust us, it’s worth it!
The cooking area at Floe Lake Campground is absolutely stunning. It is located on a small peninsula looking out over the lake. There are numerous beach areas surrounding it that are perfect for grabbing fresh water and washing your dishes.
There are two sets of bear lockers and two separate picnic areas so you should always be able to find a place to eat. Two outhouses are located within the campsite, but be sure to bring your own toilet paper.
The Rockwall Trail
The trail into Floe Lake is part of the multi-day Rockwall Trail. This 59-kilometre hike can be done South to North, starting at the Floe Lake trailhead and finishing at the Paint Pots or vice versa. Although Floe Lake is famous for being the most beautiful campsite along the way, we encourage you to do the whole thing if you have the time and stamina.
This beautiful trail includes several waterfalls, creeks, glaciers, alpine lakes and the famous Rockwall. For more information on the Rockwall Trail, click here!
Packing List
What you bring into the backcountry will depend on factors such as weather, experience and fitness levels, and the duration of your stay. Here is our standard packing list for two people for two nights.
Gear
- Osprey 65L hiking backpack X2
- Lightweight 3 person backpacking tent
- Air mattress X2
- Fillo X2
- Sleeping Bag X2 (rated to AT LEAST 0°C)
- Headlamp X2
- Hiking poles X2
- Thermacell (or mosquito repellant)
- Jetboil
- HydroBlu Water Filter
- Lightweight hammock
- Collapsible bowl and spork x2
- Camelback X2
- First aid kit
- A book
- Microfibre facecloths
- Mini lip chap, deodorant, toothpaste, and face wash
- A Bluetooth speaker
- A fishing rod depending on the lake
Clothing (per person)
- Tights/hiking pants X2
- Underwear X3
- Socks X3
- Sports bra X2-3
- T-shirt X2
- Long sleeve base layer
- Fleece
- Down jacket or vest
- Rain jacket
- Toque
Food (per person)
- Oatmeal (with protein powder, nuts, dried fruit, peanut butter, etc) X2
- Granola bar X3
- Ichiban noodles
- 1-2 bag salads
- snap peas
- carrots
- 2-3 freeze-dried meals (peak 2 refuel is our favourite brand)
- Chocolate, nuts + candies
We hope you enjoy your time hiking in Kootenay National Park! Please feel free to contact us with any questions or comment below with your experience, we`d love to hear from you!
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Lisa
Do you know of any back country hiking/overnight camping allow camp fires?
David & Cayleigh
You’ll have to look on the Canada Parks website for more information on this but majority of backcountry campgrounds do not allow campfires.