McGillivray Lake is a higher elevation lake. (approximately 1400 m / 4600 ft) This can make it a good choice to fish even in July and August when it can be so hot in the valley bottoms around Kamloops.
The lake is not large but it does have a couple of islands and fishing can be quite good at times. There are lots of shoals and some nasty rocks under the surface so a boat must be cautious.
Location and AccessThere are two routes into McGillivray. I believe the more common way in is to drive north from Kamloops on Highway 5 (Yellowhead)to Heffley Creek and follow all signs to the Sun Peaks resort area. This is approximately 34 km. Stay on the main paved road and drive though the resort complex on Creekside Way. Turn right on Village Way and left on Sun Peaks Road. You are now going northerly up a hill. Watch for a gravel road leading off on your right - and watch for signs.
NOTE
There is considerable road and building construction ongoing and this road system may change from time to time. It will not be blocked, but if you see some construction workers nearby, don't by shy about asking for some directions.
There are small signs along the way. Some mountain bike rental and other outdoor guiding type companies use this route to McGillivary Lake so it is usually fairly clearly marked out.
When you come to a main fork in the road, turn right and continue to watch for small signs. At approximately 40 km (from the Sun Peaks turn off at Highway 5) watch for a Forest Service Recreation sign pointing to Morrisey Lake. (There was also a "marker board" #20 at that turn-off) (don't turn down there) Carry on to the next left (.1 km) to the McGillivray Lake recreation site and Sun Peaks ski lodge outpost cabin.
Check out the McGillivray Lake Interactive Map
Facilities & Services- Boat Launch - Yes (O.K. for boat trailer - may be a bit tough at lower water - fall)
- Camping - Yes
- Cell Coverage - No
- Firepits or rock pits - Yes
- Garbage Collection - No (Please take all garbage home, including pieces of fishing line)
- Outhouse - Yes
- Picnic Tables - No
- Resort - Not at lake. (Sun Peaks Resort area is a FULL service destination approximately 20 min. away)
There can be a lot of people "traffic" coming and going to this site during the summer. Most are not fishing but mountain biking, hiking, or renting a canoe for a quiet paddle on the lake.
Boat LaunchThis launch site has been rebuilt by Sun Peaks Resort. There is a good wharf and the ramp is gravel most of the way into the lake.
