Photographers are inspired by the local scenery at Christina Lake

Photographic opportunities near Christina Lake

by Carol Ann Quibell — December 03, 2013

Photo taken east of Christina Lake at the view point. — Photo taken by Bob Morton

The village of Christina Lake sits alongside the rugged tree-lined lake, which is the most photographed location in the area. When searching for picturesque and interesting subjects for photos, definitely use the lake as a backdrop—but also look beyond the lake to nearby petroglyphs, waterfalls and scenic trails.

The sight of Christina Lake is spectacular from the viewpoint east of town

“I think the view of Christina Lake from a viewpoint east of town captures everyone’s imagination and many photographs are taken from that point,” said Bob Morton, a local photographer. Morton’s retirement from a busy career in Vancouver brought him to live near Christina Lake, with a more relaxed lifestyle and time to develop his photography skills.

Tips: Plan your arrival into Christina Lake for early morning or late afternoon, especially if you arrive from the east on Highway 3. After crossing over the Paulson Summit and past the beautiful forest growth along the way, your imagination will continue to be captured as you round the corner and the scene opens up into a breathtaking view of Christina Lake. Stop at the viewpoint on your right-hand side and let yourself be inspired. Since it’s only five kilometres away from town, the viewpoint is easy to return to if you need a second chance.

The Trans Canada Trail offers spectacular views of the lake

Since the lake is the most photographed target in the area, it’s recommended that photographers take every chance they can to get different angles and views. The Trans Canada Trail on the east side of the lake offers a variety of overviews of the lake and time of day is not a factor.

Tips: Travel on Highway 3, turn east at Kool Treat Drive-in Restaurant and follow the road to Fife, which is an old railway stop on the Kettle Valley Railway. You will find roadside parking here and can access the trail by bike or walking. For really good views, travel four to five kilometres either north or south along the trail.

Cascade Falls

“Especially in the spring when the waters are high, Cascade Falls are sensational,” said Morton. Situated on the Kettle River, the falls are a natural treasure and can be viewed from the bridge that crosses the river or by following one of the short trails. The time of day is not a factor here, as there are always opportunities to change location for a shot.

Tips: Travelling south of the townsite, follow Highway 3A, which leads to the U.S. border crossing. Approximately a half mile from the turnoff is the bridge that covers the river and provides some wonderful photo opportunities. The undeveloped trails are also accessible and offer photographers a chance for even more awesome photos, but step carefully as there aren’t any guard rails along the edge of the cliffs.

Christina Lake Golf Course

A mature forest of pine trees provides interesting shadows and the water features on a number of holes can create an interesting scene. Late afternoon or early evening are probably the best times and those who are wishing to add even more interest should be here in late September and October. There are many deciduous trees that have been introduced here turning yellow and red in the cooler weather.

Tips: The turn-off to the Christina Lake Golf Club is south of town along highway 3A, about half a kilometre from Cascade Falls. The course is open to the public and has RV sites available.

Christina Lake is a popular destination for visitors who return here year after year and with so many different locations to take beautiful photos from photographers will never tire of it. Although there is good road access on the east side of the lake extending to the Gladstone Provincial Park, the road on the west side of the lake is narrow and only goes about a third of the distance to the end of the lake. It’s not recommended that large RVs travel on the west side of the lake. Whether you rent a boat and cruise over to an otherwise non-accessible site or you ride your bike along the Trans Canada Trail, there are unlimited photo opportunities for amateur and professional alike at Christina Lake.

Morton is a retired architect who grew up in Rossland. After spending 35 years in Vancouver he moved to Grand Forks, primarily to be closer to Christina Lake, where his family has had a cabin since 1952. He has had a longtime interest in photography, but only since his retirement has he found the time to develop his skills. There will be a show of his landscape and architectural photography at Gallery 2 in Grand Forks from July 19, 2014, to September 20, 2014. He can be reached by email at [email protected]

Secret petroglyphs are accessible by boat

Longtime resident and avid photographer Gail Russell said that Christina Lake is extremely popular with those looking for perfect photo subjects.

“Around the lake is mostly a protected area and much of the photography would happen as people go into those non-populated areas by boat.”

She said there are two locations where petroglyphs can be found and one destination was a secret for many years.

“From one of the marina boat docks go towards the east side of the lake for approximately 20 minutes,” said Russell. “Keep looking over your shoulder as you go along and you will see them.”