Wasa Lake in Canada’s province of British Columbia is a smaller community on a lake of the same name. The name’s origin is believed to be from a city in western Finland, Vaasa, where one of the original inhabitants had his hometown.
Located between the Rocky Mountains and the Purcell Mountain Range, the Wasa Lake is claimed to be the warmest in the region. Follow the 5-mile (8-kilometer) paved wheelchair-accessible trail around the lake or the 1.7-mile (2.7-kilometer) self-guided interpretative trail.
Wasa Lake Provincial Park surrounds the lake, with ample opportunities to fish, hike, swim, windsurf and waterski. Gently sloping beaches are popular for families. Sleep under the stars at a number of serviced park campsites that are equipped for tents and camper vehicles.
The area was part of the gold rush. Try panning for this precious metal in the heritage town of Fort Steele. Near Wasa Lake you can experience what life was like during the town’s peak in the 19th century. Ride an original steam locomotive train to get a scenic view of the area.
Cranbrook is a little farther away, about 24 miles (38 kilometers) from Wasa Lake. Here you’ll discover the importance of the city as a major rail hub. Visit Cranbrook History Centre to discover what early train travel was like across this wide country. Climb aboard a large collection of restored rail cars.
If the idea of going to a hot spring with mountains in the distance sounds enticing, choose between two in the vicinity, Radium and Lussier Hot Springs. The latter is the closest at about 36 miles (58 kilometers) and requires a bit of hiking in a provincial park.
Get to Wasa Lake by flying into Cranbrook’s international airport or follow the highway through the Kootenay River Valley.
