Kawkawa Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kawkawa Lake |
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Ogilvie Peak rising above Kawkawa Lake
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 Kawkawa Lake
Location in British Columbia
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| Location | British Columbia |
| Coordinates | 49°23′N 121°24′W / 49.383°N 121.400°W |
| Primary outflows | Sucker Creek |
| Basin countries | Canada |
Kawkawa Lake is a beautiful lake located just 2.5 kilometers (about 1.5 miles) east of Hope, in British Columbia. The area around the lake is also known as Kawkawa, like a friendly neighborhood.
This lake is a great spot for fishing and water fun. It is home to many kinds of fish. You can also find a lovely park here, perfect for a day out with family and friends.
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Fun Activities at Kawkawa Lake
Kawkawa Lake is a popular place for many exciting activities. Whether you love being in the water or exploring nearby trails, there's something for everyone.
Kawkawa Lake Park
Right on the lake's shore, you'll find Kawkawa Lake Park. This park has everything you need for a fun day. There are clean restrooms and a nice swimming beach where you can cool off.
The park also has a grassy play area, perfect for games or just relaxing. You'll find park benches and picnic tables, so you can enjoy a meal with a view. There's even a small dock with a concrete boat launch, making it easy to get boats into the water.
Water Sports and Boating
Kawkawa Lake is a fantastic place for water sports. You can try exciting activities like water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing. If you like speed, jet skiing is also popular here.
Boats are welcome on the lake, making it easy to enjoy a day on the water. You can bring your own boat or find places to rent equipment for your adventures.
Exploring Nearby Trails
If you enjoy hiking, the famous Othello Tunnels are only about 15 minutes away from Hope. These tunnels offer a unique and scenic walk through old railway tunnels and bridges. It's a great way to explore the natural beauty of the area.
Fish and Wildlife
Kawkawa Lake is known for its amazing fish. It is home to many different species.
Kokanee Salmon
The lake is especially famous for its large kokanee. These are a special type of salmon that live their whole lives in freshwater lakes, instead of going to the ocean. Kokanee in Kawkawa Lake can grow quite big, sometimes weighing over 3 pounds! Fishing for kokanee is a popular activity here.
History and Culture
The name Kawkawa Lake has a special meaning from the local Indigenous people. The lake is also near an important Indigenous community.
The Name Kawkawa
The name of the lake comes from the Halq'eméylem language, which is spoken by the Stó:lō people. The word is Q'áwq'ewem, and it means "home of loons." This name comes from a story about two loons, q'ewq'weelacha and q'ewq'ewelot, who once lived on the lake.
There is also another interesting story from the Stó:lō people. It tells of a young man who bravely jumped from the rocky cliffs on the north side of the lake. He plunged deep into the water and landed on a pit house at the bottom. Later, a woman passing by saw a faint light from this pit house deep below the water's surface.
Local Indigenous Community
On the southeastern shore of Kawkawa Lake, you will find the Kawkawa Lake Indian Reserve No. 16. This reserve is part of the lands managed by the Union Bar First Nation, a local Indigenous group in the Hope area.
Long ago, a dam was built that affected the movement of salmon up the Kw'ikw'iya:la (which is now called the Coquihalla River). This change impacted the salmon's journey to lay their eggs.
