James Chabot Provincial Park
James Chabot Provincial Park
James Chabot Provincial Park
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
73 reviews
Excellent
23
Very good
43
Average
5
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Aaron J
Calgary, Canada16 contributions
May 2014 • Family
James Chabot Park is at the northern tip of Lake Windermere. It's a nice spot with lots of parking and generally less busy than Kinsman Beach in the town of Invermere.
It's a small park with a nice sandy beach for the kids, a large grass lawn with lots of shade trees and picnic tables and a very large play structure. The beach itself is sand, but the lake bottom is flat rocks and some silt/dirt once you are away from the shore. No need for water shoes, but don't be surprised when the sand disappears!
The swimming area is large and roped off from boat traffic, and there are few boats at the tip of the lake aside from comings and goings from the marina.
Walking distance to A&W, Dairy Queen, Subway, a pizza place and a sushi place 1 block north of the park.
Your kids will love it and go home exhausted and it is contained enough to relax on a lawn chair under a tree and watch them play.
Pro-tips: Don't forget to check out the wetlands boardwalk and the west end of the park. There are lots of birds and creatures to see and you can hop off at the end and explore if you are are feeling adventurous! James Chabot Park is also the best place in the valley to watch the sunset!
It's a small park with a nice sandy beach for the kids, a large grass lawn with lots of shade trees and picnic tables and a very large play structure. The beach itself is sand, but the lake bottom is flat rocks and some silt/dirt once you are away from the shore. No need for water shoes, but don't be surprised when the sand disappears!
The swimming area is large and roped off from boat traffic, and there are few boats at the tip of the lake aside from comings and goings from the marina.
Walking distance to A&W, Dairy Queen, Subway, a pizza place and a sushi place 1 block north of the park.
Your kids will love it and go home exhausted and it is contained enough to relax on a lawn chair under a tree and watch them play.
Pro-tips: Don't forget to check out the wetlands boardwalk and the west end of the park. There are lots of birds and creatures to see and you can hop off at the end and explore if you are are feeling adventurous! James Chabot Park is also the best place in the valley to watch the sunset!
Written May 31, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GPaCalgary
Calgary, Canada2,322 contributions
Mar 2021
We wish that we had discovered this spot much earlier during our visit to Invermere, as we would have used it to have a picnic and enjoy the lake views that it offers. This is a great place for swimming, suntanning, picnicing, or just plain hanging out.
Written March 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jiffypop101
Canada743 contributions
Aug 2019
My Wife and I came here to hang out at the beach and it was fun. The beach was busy and it was hot. The water was pretty nice and there are public restrooms as well. Make sure that you being water since there is no place there to get water or drinks. There is a pub there but it looks closed. Also, bring shoes that you can get wet. The beach and lake is pretty rocky and you'll need footwear of some kind. Maybe some sandals.
Written August 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan C
Vancouver115 contributions
Sept 2016 • Family
Whether you're interested in renting watercraft like boats, canoes, standing boards, kayaks and more, to just strolling along the shoreline, or kicking a ball with friends, or playing any sport, or even simply picnicking, sitting and enjoying the view, James Chabot Provincial Park is well-worth a visit. It's a popular destination for young and young-at-heart alike. The air is refreshing and clean, coming off Lake Inveremere, too. If you choose to pay to rent equipment, or simply opt to enjoy the lake for free, this is certainly a place to include in your itinerary.
Written September 7, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vacation_Maven7
103 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
Much quieter than the Kinsmen Beach located nearby, James Chabot offers lots of space, on both grass and sand, to relax and unwind at the beautiful Lake Windermere. There is an expansive parking lot, picnic tables and a place to change. Amenities the provincial park is lacking in comparison the Kinsmen Beach are showers to rinse off in and a boat/kayak rental facility, as well as a concession.
Written August 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin S
Calgary, Canada34 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
Beach gets hot, nice view of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Could use bigger shade trees for all the people that do go there. A fabulous place to have a picnic lunch.
Written August 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meljkidd
11 contributions
Jul 2014 • Couples
Spent a hot sunny afternoon by the lake. Family friendly beach with lots of room for kids to play and adults to sunbathe or hangout under a shady tree. Pet free, so no worries about animal droppings in the sand. Large roped off swimming area in the lake. Clean clear water made for a refreshing swim on a hot sunny afternoon
Written July 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
solostar25
Calgary, Canada401 contributions
Aug 2022
Well kept park, only wish that the beach was sandy instead of rocky. But we did enjoy our visit to this park.
Written August 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tin QC
Calgary, Canada314 contributions
Nov 2020
This park has great view, is accessible and has ample parking. We went in November and it was not crowded at all. There's a sand/beach front and cool playground for kids.
Written March 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mishka2
Canada25 contributions
Aug 2020
This review is for the Kinsmen Beach 5 mins from JC Provincial Park (drive through downtown). We visited the beach 10 days ago, and my 7 year old still has swimmers itch from the lake. My husband was also itchy for 24 hours. My daughter is covered from neck to ankle in what looks like chicken pox, and terribly itchy. We have tried everything, oral and topical, after speaking with a pharmacist. Next step is heading to the doctor for another remedy.
Both of them were itchy within 90 minutes of leaving the water. My poor kiddo! It's been awful, never again! They both showered and towel dried after leaving the water. There is 1 large sign when entering the beach stating "swimmers itch MAY be present." WELL,IT IS!!!
A fellow from the Farmer's Market mentioned that he was aware people were experiencing swimmers itch from this beach (after we went), but not JC Provincial Park (even though its the same body of water in close proximity).
The beach, area, and ammenities were lovely! But the swimmers itch experience has been a nightmare. Not worth it:(
Both of them were itchy within 90 minutes of leaving the water. My poor kiddo! It's been awful, never again! They both showered and towel dried after leaving the water. There is 1 large sign when entering the beach stating "swimmers itch MAY be present." WELL,IT IS!!!
A fellow from the Farmer's Market mentioned that he was aware people were experiencing swimmers itch from this beach (after we went), but not JC Provincial Park (even though its the same body of water in close proximity).
The beach, area, and ammenities were lovely! But the swimmers itch experience has been a nightmare. Not worth it:(
Written September 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are there canoes to rent on the lake?
Written July 10, 2019
Hello! We're not sure, but it seems like dogs might not be allowed in the day-use beach areas. This is from their web site:
In the frontcountry parks (i.e. vehicle accessible camping), pets must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in the day-use/beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behavior and must dispose of their excrement.
If that is the case, other areas, like the Old Coach Trail are superb for dog-walking. They have a great visitor information office on the highway, so they may have other suggestions or information. Enjoy your stay in the Valley!
Larry
Written July 16, 2017
meenu s
Calgary, Canada
Is it ok to visit invermere in April? Will I get to see most of the things?
Written April 19, 2017
The weather hasn't been great this year, I might wait until it warms a little to enjoy all that the area has to offer. July & August are the most popular tourist months here. Then the lake is warm and everything is full on!
Written April 20, 2017
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