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Norbury
Lake
Norbury Lake Provincial Park is located about 18 km (11 miles) north-east
of Cranbrook,
first by travelling north on Hwy 93/95, and then by turning onto
Wardner Fort Steele Road and travelling south-east.
The
Steeples
Norbury Lake Provincial Park is comprised of two small lakes, Norbury
and Peckham's, which are situated in a grassland valley, and bordered
by a lightly-wooded area nestled in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains.
This mountain section, a series of eight peaks called the Steeples
Range, is part of the greater Hughes Range and is very distinct.
It stands out quite dramatically in the distance when looking towards
the east from the park.
Peckham's
Lake
There is a day-use area for Norbury Lake Provincial Park found at
Peckham's Lake. Here you can find a large parking lot, picnic area,
and pit-toilets. There is also a boat launch here for non-motorized
boats only, some changing rooms, and a well-built wharf that extends
out into the lake. Peckham's Lake is very clean and is well noted
for swimming, canoeing, and kayaking - and with the appropriate
fishing license, some pretty good opportunities exist for Rainbow
trout.
Campground
At Norbury Lake, you can find the 46 vehicle-accessible campground
available for a fee on a first-come, first-served basis. Unfortunately,
campsite reservations cannot be made. The individual campsites are
fairly private and services include water taps, pit-toilets, fire-pits
rings, and level tenting pads.
Walking
Trails
There are a couple of walking trails at Norbury Lake Provincial
Park. The longer one goes from the campground across Wardner Fort
Steele Road to the day-use area at Peckham's Lake. The other a shorter
trail goes from the campground to the lakeshore along Norbury Lake.
Some other outdoor activities at Norbury Lake Provincial Park include
photography, birdwatching, cycling, and hunting opportunities in
the surrounding area with the appropriate license and in the proper
season.
No
Lifeguards in BC Parks
Just remember that swimming and other water sports are totally done
at your own risk as there are no lifeguards present at Norbury Lake
Provincial Park or any other recreation site in the BC Parks system.
Jaffray
Minor supplies, food, and fuel can be found in Jaffray about 27
km to the south. At Jaffray,
you can find Jaffray Sports & Hardware which has a laundromat,
confectionary, a full-service Gas Plus Advantage with diesel fuel,
and the Jaffray Pump & Pantry, featuring a Shell service station
complete with diesel fuel, propane, a car wash, and a food store.
For a greater selection of services and a larger selection of goods,
Cranbrook pretty well has everything you need - including an airport.
Fort
Steele Heritage Town
Located close to Norbury Lake Provincial Park is Fort
Steele Heritage Town, a must-see if you are in the area. Fort
Steele is a good historic representation of an 1890's boom town
with at least 50 restored buildings and some artifacts dating back
in history. Fort Steele Heritage Town is located on Hwy 93/95 where
it meets Wardner Fort Steele Road at the confluence of the Kootenay
and St. Mary Rivers.
Bull
River
For adult entertainment that is located fairly close to Norbury
Lake Provincial Park, there is the Bull River Inn, a local neighbourhood
pub. The pub is situated to the south of the park by around 8.5
km (5.3 miles) on the Wardner Fort Steele Road in the small settlement
of Bull River. Here you can find the local gathering place complete
with various displays of taxidermy and photos along the bar and
walls. Hunting is very popular in the area with various guides and
outfitters operating up the Bull River Valley FSR.
BC
Parks
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Norbury Lake
Provincial Park
'The Steeples'
Campsite at Norbury
Lake
Peckham's Lake
'The Steeples'
Peckham's Lake
Bull River Inn
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