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Surveyors Lake with Kids: Paddle Boarding, Swimming, and Turtle Watching
- andrewsco3
- Sep 15
- 5 min read
If you’re planning a trip through the East Kootenays and looking for a spot that combines calm water, sandy beaches, family-friendly facilities, and the chance to view western painted turtles, Surveyors Lake in Kikomun Creek Provincial Park should be on your list.
Surveyors Lake is just a 30-minute drive from Fernie and located along the route toward Kimberley, making it a convenient stop whether you’re on a road trip through the East Kootenays or basing yourself in town for a few days.
It’s one of our favourite places to camp with kids, as the lake is so much fun, but is also close enough to Fernie for all the amenities.
We also like to break up the drive to or from Kimberley with a visit here, since it’s only a short detour off the highway.
Whether you’re here for an afternoon, a camping trip, or just a quick stop on a longer drive, Surveyors Lake is an easy addition to any East Kootenay itinerary.
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Day Use or Camping Options
Surveyors Lake sits within Kikomun Creek Provincial Park, which is home to several other lakes within close proximity, including Hidden Lake and Engineer Lake, giving visitors plenty of options for paddling, swimming, and fishing.
Surveyors Lake has a full campground if you want to stay overnight, although reservation spots do fill up quickly in the summer. You don’t need to camp to enjoy it here though. There are also some great biking trails between the lakes for kids to explore.
There is a day-use area with plenty of parking and steps down to the beach, making it easy to spend just a few hours by the water. Near the car park you’ll find picnic tables, a kids’ playground, washrooms, and plenty of space to relax or enjoy a snack with the family.
Swimming, Canoeing, Kayaking, and Paddleboarding on Surveyors Lake
One of the highlights of Surveyors Lake is that no motorized boats are allowed, keeping the water calm and safe for everyone. If you’re looking for a lake where motorized boats are permitted, Lake Koocanusa is just a short drive away.
The lake is great for swimming, and by Canadian standards the water is fairly warm. The gentle beach entry is ideal for younger kids who want to stay close to shore, while older children or those with life jackets can head out to the dock and jump in for extra fun.
You often see families floating toward the center of the lake on inflatables, relaxing and having fun.
Surveyors Lake is a perfect lake to try canoeing, kayaking, or a stand-up paddleboard. The calm waters make it easy for beginners to get comfortable, and there’s plenty of room to explore, if you venture to the other side of the lake.
Rentals are available right at the lake from Turtle Haven Rentals and are quite reasonably priced.
Important: It's worth checking the exact date that Turtle Haven Rentals closes for the year, as they have a permit with BC parks up to a certain date each year. In 2025 that date was September 3, and while you can still take your own paddleboards onto the lake, you are unable to rent them.
Spotting Western Painted Turtles
One of the highlights of visiting Surveyors Lake is spotting western painted turtles. This is the only native freshwater turtle found in the BC interior and it is listed as a species of Special Concern under Canada’s Species at Risk Act.
It is a lot of fun to see the turtles swimming beneath you while paddling in a kayak or on a stand-up paddleboard.
If you are not planning to get out on the water, you will almost certainly spot turtles basking on logs or lily pads along the lake’s edge.
Watching them in the wild is amazing to see - just be sure to observe from a distance so you do not disturb them.
If you’re exploring the lake by canoe or SUP, you can paddle through a narrow passageway under a bridge, that leads to Engineers Lake. The two lakes connect by water when levels are high, but the last time we visited, the passage was completely dry. Engineers Lake is also a good spot to watch for turtles if you didn't manage to find any on Surveyor's lake.
Exploring the Lake Loop
If you aren't planning on going out on the water, but still want to experience this wonderful lake, there is a path that loops around Surveyors Lake, which is around 3km long.
The trail is mostly in the trees and fairly flat, making it a nice option when you’re looking for some shade, or just to take an easy stroll on a hot day.
In some spots you can get right down to the water’s edge, which is another good place to look for turtles resting on logs, along with the many birds and other wildlife that live in the reeds.
Looking for More Things to do in the Area?
If you’re looking to extend your day or plan a longer trip in the area, Kikomun Creek Provincial Park has more to offer than just Surveyors Lake and Engineer Lake. Hidden Lake is another quiet spot for paddling and fishing, and since the lakes are all close together it’s easy to bike the trails that connect them.
If you’re interested in motorized boating, the much larger Lake Koocanusa is just a short drive away. It has a boat launch and is a popular place for water sports, swimming, and fishing.
Fernie is only a 30-minute drive from Kikomun and makes a great base with outdoor adventures, restaurants, and family-friendly activities. We recently went on a hike there to see a huge ammonite fossil, which you can read about here.
If you’re driving to Fernie from Calgary, we’ve also put together a guide covering the best stops along the way, including Star Creek Falls that has a fun chain section along the hike that our kids loved.
Surveyors Lake also makes for a natural stop on the way to Kimberley, known for its Bavarian-style charm, hiking trails, and waterfalls like Marysville Falls and Cherry Creek Falls.
You can check out our guide to the best things to do in Kimberley for more inspiration.
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