Imagine breathing in the crisp, winter air as you glide across a natural frozen rink, the crunch of your skates echoing through the tranquil winter silence. Discover a blend of exhilaration, camaraderie, and nostalgia as you engage in a spirited game of pond hockey or family skate session. British Columbia’s Land of Hidden Waters serves as a haven for these cherished moments, boasting numerous frozen lakes that promise a rich, winter experience.
Where to Enjoy Pond Hockey
BC is home to some of the most impressive rinks nature has to offer. With this, let’s explore the top areas:
Kamloops: Known for its fantastic outdoor winter sports, wide array of amenities, proximity to numerous wilderness spots, and frequently solid ice conditions, it’s an ideal location for grabbing a quick pond hockey game and still having time in the day for other urban adventures.
- Albert McGowan Park (10 minute drive from downtown Kamloops)
- Inks Lake (20 minutes)
- Little Heffley Lake (30 minutes)
- Shumway Lake (25 minutes)
South Cariboo: This region’s lakes frequently freeze over thickly in the winter, and the low population density means you can often find a serene, private spot to skate (be prepared to shovel off your own rink). There are also lots of four-season lakefront resorts perfect for planning weekend skate getaways.
- Fawn Lake (2-hour drive from downtown Kamloops)
- Lac La Hache (2hr 25min)
- Bridge Lake (1hr 40 min)
- Ruth Lake (2hr 35 min)
- Sheridan Lake (1hr 45 min)
- Irish Lake (2hr)
- Phinetta Lake (1hr 30 min)
- Latremouille Lake (1hr 15 min)
- Hawkins Lake (2hr 50 min)
- Green Lake (2hr)
Clearwater: Although Dutch Lake is the only lake suited for outdoor skating and ice-fishing in Clearwater, the area is surrounded by pristine frozen waterfalls and majestic pine trees that make for exceptional other wilderness adventures.
Lower North Thompson Valley: This area offers several beautiful lakes that freeze up in the winter, making it an ideal spot for pond hockey. The Lower North Thompson provides perfect secluded spots that are just short drives to urban centres like Kamloops. Make sure that you are prepared to clear off your own rink when visiting these lakes.
- Big Bar Lake (2 hours from downtown Kamloops)
- Goose Lake (27 mins)
- Loon Lake (1hr 30 mins)
Essential Gear for Pond Hockey
Ensure your pond hockey experience runs smoothly by packing the necessary gear. This includes:
- Skates, sticks, helmets, and gloves: These are your essential hockey-playing items. You may also want to bring items for goalposts!
- Chairs: For resting between games.
- Warm clothes: It’s essential to layer up to protect against the cold. Lots of layers means you can shed them off as you work up your sweat!
- Hot drinks and locally sourced food: These are necessary for keeping warm and replenishing energy.
- Shovel: Ideal in case you need to clear any snow from the pond.
- Safety equipment: A drill and tape measure to measure ice thickness along with your regular winter safety pack can help keep skaters safe while enjoying the outdoors.
Accommodations for Post-Ice Skating
After your fun day out on the ice, warm up and relax at any of these inviting accommodations, each offering a unique experience:
Lakefront resorts such as Tunkwa Lake Resort, Rainbow Trout Resort, Mile High Resort, Loon Bay Resort, Lucky Strike Family Camping & RV, Wettstone Guest Ranch, Sheridan Lake Resort, Hathaway Lake Resort, Sulphurous Lake Resort, Fawn Lake Resort, Eagan Lake Resort, Lac Des Roches Resort, Eagle Island Resort, Ruth Lake Lodge Resort, Knouff Lake Wilderness Resort are all just steps away from the frozen lakes you’ll be skating on.
While they might not be located directly on lakes, other comfortable stays include Clearwater Springs Ranch, Ludtke Cottage, Wolf Valley Guest Ranch, Wells Gray Guest Ranch, Moul Creek Lodge, Rainbow Spirit Retreat, Beaver Guest Ranch, Little Black Bear Lodge B&B, and Kayanara. These resorts are all within close proximity to the rinks and bring you lots of other awesome winter activities and amenities.
Other Nearby Activities
Other than skating, there are abundant attractions nearby to complement your winter escapade:
- Backcountry skiing with Wells Gray Adventures
- Ice fishing with Elevated Fishing Adventures or Lone Butte Fishing Adventures
- Cross-country skiing at 100 Mile Nordics, Candle Creek, Barriere Lake, Big Bar Trails in Clinton, and Stake Lake
- Dog sledding with Mountain Man Dog Sled Adventures
- Downhill skiing and snowboarding at Harper Mountain, Mount Timothy, Clearwater Ski Hill, or Sun Peaks
- Exploring the scenic winter walking and snowshoeing trails at Bridge Lake Ice Caves Trail and Wells Gray.
Ice and Snow Safety
Safety is paramount. Monitor weather conditions and be prepared to adjust your plans accordingly. Never venture onto unfamiliar natural ice without first determining its safety. Be aware of the symptoms of hypothermia and know the basic treatments. For a comprehensive list of safety guidelines, check out BC Parks Winter Safety, Red Cross, and the Land of Hidden Waters Responsible Travel page.
A few tips for assessing ice safety:
- Use a drill and tape measure to check the ice thickness
- Don’t go on ice that has open water patches
- Check the ice thickness in different places
- Dark blue ice is safer than opaque white or grey ice
- Consult with the local authority’s ice safety assessments
Conclusion
The nostalgia of pond hockey and the freedom of lake skating are alluring aspects of BC’s winter culture, and the landscapes within BC’s Land of Hidden Waters provide the perfect backdrop for these cherished experiences. Visit the top destinations, gear up properly, stay safe on the ice, and indulge in the comforts of cozy accommodations while exploring the assorted winter activities this hidden gem of a region has to offer. Rekindle your love for winter’s charm through the quintessential Canadian pastime of pond skating in the heart of BC.
