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Wasa
The small village of Wasa is located 40 km (25 miles) north of Cranbrook
and 47 km (29 miles) south of Canal Flats
on Hwy 93/95.
Established
in the Early 1900's
The village of Wasa has been established since the early 1900's
when logging and the railroad came through the area. Cattlemen eventually
came with the building and design of a large irrigation plan and
full-scale agriculture was developed. The village has since become
more dependent on tourism and service industry for the local retirees
and summer cottages.
Canada's
Warmest Lake
Wasa is home to one reportedly one of Canada's warmest lakes. Wasa
Lake is around 2.6 km (1.6 miles) long with the small community
situated on the highway and the road that surrounds the community,
Wasa Lake Park Drive. The beautiful grandeur and amazing focal point
of the Rocky Mountains are always present to the east.
Wasa
Lake Provincial Park
Situated on the east side of the lake on Wasa Lake Park Drive is
Wasa
Lake Provincial Park. The park is home to a valuable eco-system
that is tied to the bunchgrass meadows that are present in this
unique climate. Certain times during the year, Wasa Lake Provincial
Park has a fascinating array of stunning wildflowers, birds and
wildlife.
Walking
and Nature Viewing
For walking and nature viewing the Wasa Lake Provincial Park has
provided a self-guided interpretive trail that is around 2.7 km
(1.7 miles) long to view the astonishing spectacle.
Fishers
There are some angling opportunities in Wasa Lake with Largemouth
Bass, Perch and Burbot living in the lake. There is a boat launch
available for use at the Wasa Lake Provincial Park.
Campground
There are also 101 vehicle-accessible campsites located in the provincial
park on the east side of the lake. The campground is a short walk
to the beach area that is in the park. During the summer season,
because of the popularity of the warm water, the campground can
fill up quickly. In order for you not to be disappointed reservations
are accepted here through Discover Camping.
Wasa
Lions Way Trail
This 8 km (5 miles) paved circle route around Wasa is a must for
you to do if visiting Wasa Lake. Staying at the same elevation,
the designed wheelchair-accessible, cycling and hiking trail takes
you along a paved path including some quiet secondary roads circling
Wasa through the provincial park grasslands and the beautiful countryside.
Lazy
Lake Bike Loop
There is an excellent mountain-biking route if you enjoy a challenging
ride. The Lazy Lake Bike Loop travels beside the Rocky Mountains
giving you a viewpoint of Premier Ridge, Tee Pee Mountain and up
towards Estella Mine. The loop is about 33 km (21 miles) long taking
you on Wolf Creek Road back to Wasa Lake on Lazy Lake Road. This
is not an easy ride so be prepared for the worst and only children
with good stamina are recommended.
Wasa
Services
For entertainment in Wasa there is the Wasa Country Pub which features
cold beer, a liquor store and home-cooked food. For services, liquor,
groceries or other camping there is the Hitchin Post General Store
& Campground on Wasa Lake Park Drive. Telephone: (250) 422-3321.
Wasa
Slough Wildlife Sanctuary
An excellent birdwatching location is at the Wasa Slough Wildlife
Sanctuary just south of Wasa on Hwy 93/95. Wildlife for you to keep
an eye on includes eagles. blue herons, turkey vultures, ospreys,
and Canada geese. If you're travelling south to Fort Steele most
of the corridor between Wasa is a large wetland providing food plus
nesting and resting areas for migratory birds.
Fort
Steele
Located close by to Wasa is Fort Steele,
a major attraction and the former capital of the East Kootenay Region.
Situated south of Wasa by 21 km (13 miles) on Hwy 93/95 in the heart
of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Steele displays how life was lived
at the confluence of Kootenay and St. Mary's Rivers during the late
1800's.
Wasa
Lake Motel
For other accommodation in Wasa Lake besides the provincial campground
there is the Wasa Lake Motel.
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