At the end of an unmarked gravel and dirt road off Hwy 24, two campsites sit side by side, just a few steps from pristine Janice Lake. My husband and I stepped out of the car, expecting to feel the peace and tranquility that comes from being almost alone in the forest, and were instantly attacked by mosquitos!  In the 30 seconds that it took to take out our bug spray and cover our exposed skin, we had at least that many bites.  Fortunately, the bug spray did its job. 

These campsites are the beginning of the circular canoe paddle that runs through Emar Lakes Provincial Park.  We were surprised and excited to find this hidden gem, as there are no direction signs.  (Directions below.)  But terribly disappointed that we hadn’t brought our canoe! 

For next time – Two must haves if you visit this park – a canoe (or kayak) -and bug repellent!

Emar Lakes is a user-maintained park, which means it is up to the campers to keep the sites clean and garbage free.  And this campground fit the bill.  Everything was clean, including the picnic tables, firepit and the outhouse.  Don’t forget to bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer!  They are not supplied at user-maintained sites.

There are two possible put-in sites for canoes at Janice Lake.  I think the best put-in site for the canoe is the fishing dock, down a short 10 m path.  The other site has potholes big enough to get lost in. Check both out before you make your decision.

This circular paddle route with portages is cleared at the beginning of each spring.  The route starts at Janice Lake, with portages at Dytiscid Lake, Emar Lake, Willowgrouse Lake, Boulder Lake, Club Lake and Next Lake. Campsites are at Janice Lake and Willowgrouse Lake.  Looks like a great trip! 

This site gives a short description of Emar Lakes Paddle Route, along with several other canoe/kayak routes in BC  https://paddlebc.ca/best-flat-water-paddling-trips-in-british-columbia/ 

Janice Lake boasts rainbow trout up to about 3lbs, but Bob only caught small ones in the shallow water off the dock. Perhaps if we had brought our canoe……

I was enchanted by a very attractive small field beside our campsite with beautiful feathery False-Solomon’s Seal sharing the stage with Solomon’s -Seal, green false hellebore and bunchberries. 

That night, curled up in my sleeping bag, I listened to the owl’s hoots and the loons’ call from one lake to the other.  I love that sound, and didn’t want to go to sleep in case I missed some of it.

I did sleep, and woke up ready for a hike. A trail runs from the campsite to Dytiscid Lake about 1 km away.  A lot of this trail was low-lying and  boggy, with plenty of tripping hazards (exposed roots and rocks). But we took our time and enjoyed the experience of being in the forest.  Waterproof hiking boots would have been helpful.

There is no sign on the highway for Emar Lakes Provincial Park, but the directions that I found online where very accurate.  The park is 22 km from the turn off to Hwy 24 at Little Fort, BC, and 500m from the Summit sign on Hwy 24.  Look for a dirt/gravel trail on the left side of the road.  Turn down that road and drive for about 10 minutes.  The campsites are at the end. Bring your own water and firewood. 

A short summary of supplies to bring to this park:

• Bug spray
• Canoe (paddles, life jackets, etc)
• Toilet paper
• Hand sanitizer
• Waterproof hiking boots
• Water
• Firewood
• All the supplies you would normally take on a camping trip!