BC Recreation Sites · British Columbia
Dennis Lake
BC Recreation Sites · British Columbia, Canada
- Sites
- 3
- Hookups
- 3 no hookups
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Elevation
- 2,815 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Nearest town
- Smithers
- Activities
- Angling, Canoeing, Swimming & bathing, Picnicking, Hiking, Camping
About
This compact, forested site offers 3 tent sites and good access to the lake, small boat launch & dock. Located near the town of Smithers with fantastic mountain views and access to several other hiking trails nearby. Be sure to look up Bulkley Valley Backpackers website for ideas: https://www.bvbackpackers.ca/. In the lake there are several fish species with cutthroat trout being the predominant catchable species, please consult BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis for more information. Dennis Lake was featured in the 2023 Netflix film 'The Mother' starring Jennifer Lopez.
Please be sure to purchase a fishing licence and consult the BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis for limits, special regulations and closures: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/sports-recreation-arts-and-culture/outdoor-recreation/fishing-and-hunting/freshwater-fishing/region_6_skeena.pdf
Road access. Maintained to Recreation Sites and Trails BC standards by a partner or contractor. Facilities on file: boat launch, toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, parking. First come, first served.
Getting there: Take the Hudson Bay Mountain Road from Smithers to approximately 12km. Turn onto the McDonnell Lake Road and travel another 13 km. The access road to the site will be on your left hand side and is marked with a 3 blade sign.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28° | 20° | -30° | 37° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 27° | 15° | -13° | 40° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 35° | 24° | -2° | 51° | 11 of 11 |
| April | 40° | 27° | 5° | 54° | 11 of 11 |
| May | 50° | 36° | 26° | 77° | 6 of 11 |
| June | 55° | 41° | 32° | 75° | 1 of 11 |
| July | 62° | 47° | 39° | 82° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 65° | 49° | 41° | 81° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 56° | 43° | 32° | 74° | 1 of 11 |
| October | 40° | 32° | 25° | 61° | 9 of 10 |
| November | 33° | 24° | -3° | 41° | 10 of 10 |
| December | 25° | 17° | -11° | 35° | 10 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Nearby campgrounds
- Twin Falls · BC Recreation Sites · 8 mi · 5 sites
- Jonas Creek · BC Recreation Sites · 11 mi · 5 sites
- Riverside Municipal Campground · City & Municipal Parks · 12 mi
- Taltzen Lake · BC Recreation Sites · 12 mi · 4 sites
- Kitseguecla Lake · BC Recreation Sites · 13 mi · 6 sites
All public campgrounds in British Columbia · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-09-10. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.