Johnson Lake BC - Day Trip from Sun Peaks Resort

Johnson Lake is a 5 km long, half km wide alpine lake that is fed from year-round underground springs and winter snowpack. Little Johnson Lake, in comparison, is 400 m long and only 25 m deep. The crystalline blue-green colour is a result of the underground spring water percolating up through the surrounding limestone rock formation. There are no beaches anywhere on the lakes, as the tree line extends all the way to the water's edge. Due to the sensitive riparian areas surrounding the lakes, there is no camping or walking in undesignated areas, and no boat access between the two lakes. If you wish to visit the lake, please respect the environment, and pack out everything you pack in.

Johnson Lake Resort was first opened in 1952 and is situated on Little Johnson Lake. The resort consists of a lodge, six cabins, and eight privately situated campsites, all of which have access to the central shower house. A Pelton Wheel on a nearby creek provides limited power to the lodge, and lights to the shower house and one cabin. The resort is otherwise off-grid, with no cell service, internet access, or tv. There is a satellite phone system available at the lodge for a nominal charge. There is a boat launch and dock available for registered guests only, for boats up to 16' and with a 10 HP motor or under. No ski boats or jet skis are allowed as large wave action can damage the delicate shoreline. There are also 9.8 hp motorboats, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards available to rent from the resort.

For more information about the resort, please visit their website at www.johnsonlakeresort.com

Click to see other campsites close to Johnson Lake and Sun Peaks Resort that are more suitable, and consider staying at Sun Peaks and perhaps enjoying a brief day trip as we had intended.

Click for Best Sun Peaks rates on Sun Peaks condos, townhouses and chalets. Guests of these Sun Peaks Vacation Rental By Owner properties will get access to our Johnson Lake information page if they wish.

For those who are thinking about a visit to Johnson Lake, please read and keep the following in mind.

The lake cannot handle the current volume of visitors, garbage and destruction!  PLEASE RESPECT THIS BEAUTIFUL ALPINE LAKE AND KEEP IT AND THE SURROUNDING AREA PRISTINE.

This location needs to remain pristine and we ask people to visit the many other beautiful lakes in the area, such as Adams Lake, McGillivray Lake or Heffley Lake!

And if you're looking for the best beach area near Sun Peaks - check out Riverside park.

Due to the recent activity through social media encouraging people to visit Johnson Lake, we are asking that people recognize the impact that increased use is causing on the lake and recreation site.

Johnson Lake is a very unique and pristine wilderness lake that has been strategically managed by various departments in government for many years.

While we appreciate people wanting to visit this beautiful lake, we are asking the public to understand the environmental impact that is occurring to the lake due to the significant increase in visitors.

If you chose to visit Johnson Lake, we ask that you follow these guidelines:

• Stay somewhere nearby like Sun Peaks Resort which has all the amenities to handle the crowds and make it a day trip to Johnson Lake.

• There is an engine power restriction of 7.5 kw (10 HP) – for car top boats and fishing purposes only. No sea-doos and no other motor boats.

• There is no beach there, nor a suitable place for large groups to hang out. 
• There are only 12 small campsites, and it is on a first come first serve basis. If the recreation site is full, please consider camping at one of these campgrounds near Sun Peaks Resort or at one of the many recreation sites on Adams Lake (www.recreationsitesandtrailsbc.ca) . Do not camp in non-designated sites.
• There is a limited amount of parking near the recreation site, once this is full, please consider visiting Johnson Lake another day.
• Pack out what you pack in!  Do not toss your empties, garbage or whatever on the ground or in the beautiful clear waters!!  No campfires in non-designated areas.
• This lake has been here for many years and will continue to be here for many more years. If the area is full, consider visiting another day.

Be aware of your environmental footprint at this unique recreation feature.
Environmental degradation, littering, impeding traffic, and unauthorized camping are all ticketable offences under the Forest and Range Practice Act and Recreation Regulations.

The public should be aware that enforcement agencies will be strictly patrolling the Johnson Lake area.

Click to see information about other lakes near Sun Peaks.