Nestled in the heart of south-central British Columbia, Mabel Lake embraces its surroundings with Mabel Lake Provincial Park and residential areas sharing its shoreline. Surrounded by stunning mountain vistas, Mabel Lake finds its place within the Shuswap River system, transitioning from the lush forested slopes of the Thompson Plateau to the misty inclines of the Shuswap Highlands. A scenic drive of 37 miles (60 kilometers) northeast of Vernon in the North Okanagan region leads you to the serene expanse of Mabel Lake’s 14,759 acres (5,990 hectares). With a rich history dating back to the Salish people, Mabel Lake welcomed its first fur traders in 1811. Named after Mabel Charles, daughter of a prominent Hudson’s Bay Company manager from the nineteenth century, Mabel Lake witnessed the arrival of the first white settler in the North Okanagan region in 1866, ushering in a wave of gold miners, cattle ranchers, and farmers. Today, Mabel Lake gracefully intertwines through the rural landscape of the expansive 760-square mile (1,969-square kilometers) Shuswap River watershed. Originating from Sugar Lake, spanning 5,137 acres (2,080 hectares), the Shuswap River flows into Mabel Lake’s southern reaches before continuing the 4,799-acre (1,943-hectare) Mara Lake. Along the journey, two dams oversee the flow of the Shuswap River, transforming Sugar Lake into a storage reservoir before cascading into the glacially formed Mabel Lake.
BC Hydro oversees these dams, contributing to the growth of the Shuswap River Recreation Area between Mabel Lake and Sugar Lake, offering numerous amenities such as picnic areas, hiking trails, and canoe facilities. Established in 1972, the charming 450-acre (182-hectare) Mabel Lake Provincial Park was expanded in 2000 to cover 462 acres (187 hectares). The park features campsites with essential amenities, a playground, day-use areas, self-guided nature tours, and a marina store for recreational activities like boating. Nature enthusiasts can embark on self-guided trails searching for local wildlife, including squirrels, painted turtles, deer, black bears, and various bird species. Visitors flock to Mabel Lake for its tranquil waters, perfect for many water sports, including swimming along its 6,890 feet (2,100 meters) of sandy beaches. Boating access is limited to lakeshore residents and the Mabel Lake Provincial Park boat launch, offering opportunities for waterskiing, wakeboarding, fishing, and more on the lake’s expansive 26-mile (42 kilometers) length and 2-mile (3 kilometers) width. Fishing enthusiasts will delight in the diverse range of game fish residing in Mabel Lake, from rainbow trout to Dolly Varden trout and Kokanee, making it a haven for anglers year-round. The lake’s impressive depth of 630 feet (192 meters) and an average depth of 374 feet (114 meters) provide ample opportunities for fishing and exploration. Whether planning a trip to Mabel Lake or exploring the neighboring towns and villages that serve as gateways to this idyllic destination, the journey promises a tapestry of experiences. From the charming town of Vernon with its abundance of lakes and amenities to the scenic routes passing through villages like Enderby and Lumby, the region offers many activities, from golfing and hiking to winter sports like skiing and snowmobiling. Embrace the tranquility of Mabel Lake, where natural beauty and recreational opportunities harmonize to create a haven for visitors seeking peace and comfort amid breathtaking surroundings.