The Dock Accessibility Project
Making outdoor recreation accessible for all is a constant goal for BCWF. As such, the Fish Habitat Restoration Education Program (FHREP) team has prioritized improving dock accessibility to ensure improved access to fishing and freshwater lakes across the province.
For people with disabilities; low-impact and affordable outdoor activities such as fishing offer experiences and benefits that are typically only available to abled-bodied individuals. Some of these benefits include enhanced access to inclusive communities, increased ability to secure wild food, and improved participation in overall outdoor recreation. Additional advantages that come with improved accessibility to the outdoors include reductions in stress, depression, anxiety, pain, and inflammation.
With support from the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program, Columbia Basin Trust, and Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, the BCWF has been working on improving access to outdoor spaces through increasing accessibility features on trails, fishing docks, and lake amenities.
Completed Projects
Since the program’s inception, 23 lakes have seen accessibility upgrades near urban centers and in regional and provincial parks throughout BC. Completed upgrades include the installation of the following:
- 5 new docks over fish-attracting shoals or drop-off areas,
- 15 transition plates and 2 concrete transition platforms to allow wheelchair access from trail to dock,
- 3 accessible washroom facilities,
- 5 trail enhancements to allow for low-mobility and wheelchair access,
- Several accessible fire pits at Idlewild Lake in Cranbook, and
- Interpretive signage to Idlewild Lake in Cranbrook
Upcoming Projects
The project is currently put on pause until additional funding allows for continued upgrades.
2022/2023 Dock Accessibility Project Photos
Click here to see more photos from the 2022/2023 Dock Accessibility Project
Making the Outdoors Accessible through our Fishing Forever Program
B.C. LAKES ACCESS GUIDE
Explore B.C.'s Lakes
Click the plus sign on each of the lakes below to learn about their accessibility, terrain, features, and to explore a 360 tour of the area.
Edith Lake
Accessibility
- Railings, dock bumpers, rod holders
- Wheelchair accessible picnic benches
- Washrooms – not wheelchair accessible
Terrain
- Path to dock: gravel
- Access road: paved
- Parking: gravel lot, roadside parking available
Features
- Boat launch – gravel
- Camping
Greeny Lake
Accessibility
- Railings
- Wheelchair accessible picnic benches
Terrain
- Path to dock: grass, gravel
- Access road: gravel
- Parking: gravel lot
Features
- Boat launch – gravel
- Camping
Hathaway Lake
Accessibility
- Stairs leading to dock
- Bumpers
- Washrooms – slightly raised, not easily wheelchair accessible
Terrain
- Path to dock: grass, gravel
- Access road: gravel
- Parking: gravel lot
Features
- Picnic tables
- Boat launch
Higgins Lake
Accessibility
- Dock slightly raised – tripping hazard
- Railings and docks
- Washrooms – not wheelchair accessible
Terrain
- Path to dock: grass, gravel
- Access road: gravel
- Parking: gravel lot
Features
- Boat launch
- Day use area
Howard Lake
Accessibility
- No bumpers or railings
Terrain
- Path to dock: gravel
- Access road: gravel
- Parking: gravel lot
Features
- Boat launch – gravel
- Washroom
- Camping
Irish Lake
Accessibility
- Bumpers
- Stairs leading to dock
- Washrooms – not wheelchair accessible
Terrain
- Path to dock: gravel
- Access road: gravel
- Parking: gravel lot
Features
- Boat launch
- Day use area
Isobel Lake
Accessibility
- Railings, dock bumpers
- Moderately steep dirt accessibility trail to dock
- Washrooms – not wheelchair accessible
Terrain
- Path to dock: dirt
- Access road: gravel
- Parking: gravel lot
Features
- Camping
Click here to explore Isobel Lake with a 360 tour.
Click here to view a walkthrough video of the low mobility trail.
Kelly Lake
Accessibility
- Railings, dock bumpers
- Wheelchair ramp from parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible picnic benches
- Washrooms – not wheelchair accessible
Terrain
- Path to dock: paved
- Access road: gravel
- Parking: gravel lot
Features
- Picnic tables
- Boat launch
- Life jackets
- Camping at Downing Provincial Park
Lac Le Jeune
Accessibility
- Steep, unstable pathway to dock
- Railings, dock bumpers
- Washrooms – not wheelchair accessible
Terrain
- Path to dock: grass, dirt
- Access road: paved
- Parking: paved
Features
- Picnic tables
- Camping
Logan Lake
Accessibility
- Railings, dock bumpers
- Washrooms – wheelchair accessible
Terrain
- Path to dock: brick
- Access road: gravel
- Parking: gravel lot
Features
- Boat launch – gravel (well-maintained)
- Camping
Paul Lake
Accessibility
- Dock bumpers
- Washrooms – not wheelchair accessible
Terrain
- Path to dock: paved
- Access road: paved
- Parking: paved
Features
- Picnic Tables
- Camping
Phinetta Lake
Accessibility
- Bumpers
Terrain
- Path to dock: gravel, grass
- Access road: gravel
- Parking: gravel lot
Features
- Campers
Seton Lake
Accessibility
- Bumpers and railings
- Raised, ridged ramp leading onto boat dock
Terrain
- Path to dock: gravel
- Access road: gravel
- Parking: gravel lot
Features
- Boat launch – gravel
- Rod holders
Walloper Lake
Accessibility
- Railings, dock bumpers, rod holders
- Seating on dock
- Wheelchair accessible picnic table
- Washrooms – not wheelchair accessible
Terrain
- Path to dock: gravel, grass
- Access road: gravel
- Parking: gravel lot
Features
- Boat launch – gravel
- Day use area
Click here to explore Walloper Lake with a 360 tour.
Experience and explore the scenic views, biodiversity, and conservation efforts, occurring along Chelem Trail in the Squamish Estuary.
Learn about the important protection and enhancement work occurring in the Hyde Creek Watershed in Port Coquitlam.