A short nature trail around Gibson Lake provides an introduction to the subalpine environment of Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park as well as an excellent view of surrounding peaks.
Difficulty: easy A1
Elevation gain: nil
Distance: 2.5km
Time: 1/2 to 1-hour return
Season: July to October
Access: easy
Map: 82F/11 Kokanee Peak
Drive: Kokanee Glacier Road: From Nelson Orange Bridge: 19.1 km (11.9 miles) east on Highway 3A. From the Balfour Ferry: 11.7 km (7.3 miles) west on Highway 3A. Sign for Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park.
0.0 Turn north on a marked road up Kokanee Creek – a good, sometimes steep, gravel road that goes 16 km to Gibson Lake. At 2.2km, bear right; at 2.4km, bear left;
7.0km Go straight. Left is the TH for the West Fork of Kokanee Creek Trail.
11.5km Go straight. Left is the TH for the Old Growth Trail
16km Gibson Lake. Park in the spacious lot. 1536m (5040′).
Trail: From the parking area, follow one of the many pathways down to the lake shore and pick up the trail.
This popular walk used by picnickers, fishermen, and naturalists offers an ideal opportunity for hikers to check out their boots and equipment before embarking on a more rigorous hike into Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park.