McDonald Creek Provincial Park

McDonald Creek

BC Parks
kootenays · British Columbia

what to expect

Situated just south of Nakusp, McDonald Creek Park is one of a system of four provincial parks on the Arrow Lake reservoir. With facilities on the eastern shoreline, it is a holiday destination for swimming, boating, jet skiing, water skiing and fishing opportunities. It features several kilometres of fine sandy beach, water front sites and open grassy meadows. You can always find a quiet spot for yourself, try some beachcombing or join in the fun at the main swimming area. A boat launch is available offering good fishing opportunities for kokanee, bull and rainbow trout - a tempting invitation for anglers of all ages. The Arrow Reservoir bisects McDonald Creek Provincial Park and protects lakeshore riparian habitat on the east side and forested upland habitat on the west side. This combi…

what to know

Updated each morning from provincial parks and Environment Canada.

No fire ban active
Last checked from the provincial fire-ban feed. Check at the gate before you light — conditions change.

what to bring

This list adapts to McDonald Creek.

common questions about McDonald Creek

does McDonald Creek have electric hookups?
Yes. McDonald Creek Provincial Park has electric hookups listed in its amenities. Site-by-site availability varies — confirm with the operator at booking.
how far is McDonald Creek from Calgary?
McDonald Creek Provincial Park is 284 km from Calgary. Use Google Maps for current drive times — they account for terrain, traffic, ferries, and closures we can't.
do you need reservations at McDonald Creek?
Yes. McDonald Creek Provincial Park is operated by BC Parks and uses an online reservation system. Book direct via the operator link on this page.

nearby places

Within ~100 km of McDonald Creek.

Data last refreshed 2026-06-01 from BC Parks + open sources

Give back to this place

volunteer at BC Parks

Provincial parks rely on volunteer stewards for trail maintenance, beach clean-ups, and shoulder-season hosting. Most parks run programs through their park association.

See how to help →