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Pitt Lake
Pitt Lake
Pitt Lake
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Pitt Lake is the second-largest lake in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. About 53.5 km2 (20.7 sq mi) in area, it is about 25 km (16 mi) long and about 4.5 km (2.8 mi) wide at its widest. It is one of the world's relatively few tidal lakes, and among the largest. In Pitt Lake, there is on average a three-foot tide range; thus Pitt Lake is separated from sea level and tidal waters during most hours of each day during the 15 foot tide cycle of the Pitt River and Strait of Georgia estuary immediately downstream.[3] The lake's southern tip is 20 km (12 mi) upstream from The Pitt River confluence with the Fraser River and is 40 km (25 mi) east of Downtown Vancouver.

Key Information

Geography

[edit]

Pitt Lake is in a typical U-shaped glacial valley in the Pacific Ranges of the Coast Mountains. The overdeepening of the lower end of the valley over the span of the Wisconsin glaciation created a trough over 140 m below current sea level. After initial glacial retreat at around 13,000 years ago a saltwater fjord occupied this basin when relative sea levels were still ca 120 to 140m above current levels in the region. Unlike neighbouring Indian Arm and Howe Sound farther west, this fjord basin became partly cut off from tidal waters by sedimentation of the lower Fraser River ca 10,500 years ago, and Pitt Lake is now considered a tidal fjord lake.

Pitt Lake is the second largest of a series of north–south oriented fjord-lakes incising the southern slopes of the Pacific Ranges, the largest being Harrison Lake located 60 km (37 mi) to the east. The other fjord-lakes include Coquitlam Lake, Alouette Lake, Stave Lake, and Chehalis Lake.

The Pitt River drains into the northern end of Pitt Lake. The western shore of Pitt Lake are protected within Pinecone Burke Provincial Park, while most of the eastern shore are protected within Golden Ears Provincial Park. The southern end of Pitt Lake features an extensive marshland called Pitt Polder. While most of this marshland has since been drained for agricultural use, the northernmost portion is strictly protected in order to provide critical habitat for migratory birds.

Communities

[edit]

The community of Pitt Meadows and the Katzie First Nations reserve of Pitt Lake Indian Reserve 4 are located at the southern end of the lake. Just southwest of the lake is the community of Port Coquitlam, which is across the Pitt River from Pitt Meadows. At the north end of the lake is a locality named Alvin, which is a transport and shipping point for logging companies and their employees.

Climate

[edit]

Pitt Lake has an oceanic climate (Köppen climate type Cfb). As such, it features cool, rainy winters with relatively warm and dry summers. The average annual precipitation is 2,155.4 mm (84.86 in). Extremes vary from −23.3 °C (−9.9 °F), recorded on January 23, 1969, to 37.0 °C (98.6 °F), recorded on July 21, 2006.

Climate data for Pitt Lake (Pitt Polder) (Elevation: 5m) 1981−2010
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 15.0
(59.0) 		18.3
(64.9) 		25.0
(77.0) 		29.0
(84.2) 		35.0
(95.0) 		36.0
(96.8) 		37.0
(98.6) 		35.5
(95.9) 		35.5
(95.9) 		28.0
(82.4) 		19.4
(66.9) 		17.0
(62.6) 		37.0
(98.6)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 5.8
(42.4) 		7.9
(46.2) 		10.9
(51.6) 		14.2
(57.6) 		17.8
(64.0) 		20.6
(69.1) 		23.8
(74.8) 		24.2
(75.6) 		20.8
(69.4) 		14.2
(57.6) 		8.5
(47.3) 		5.3
(41.5) 		14.5
(58.1)
Daily mean °C (°F) 3.1
(37.6) 		4.1
(39.4) 		6.7
(44.1) 		9.4
(48.9) 		12.8
(55.0) 		15.6
(60.1) 		18.0
(64.4) 		18.1
(64.6) 		14.8
(58.6) 		9.9
(49.8) 		5.4
(41.7) 		2.5
(36.5) 		10.0
(50.0)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 0.3
(32.5) 		0.2
(32.4) 		2.3
(36.1) 		4.6
(40.3) 		7.8
(46.0) 		10.6
(51.1) 		12.1
(53.8) 		11.9
(53.4) 		8.7
(47.7) 		5.5
(41.9) 		2.3
(36.1) 		−0.4
(31.3) 		5.5
(41.9)
Record low °C (°F) −23.3
(−9.9) 		−16.7
(1.9) 		−11.7
(10.9) 		−5.0
(23.0) 		−2.2
(28.0) 		1.7
(35.1) 		4.4
(39.9) 		2.8
(37.0) 		−1.7
(28.9) 		−9.0
(15.8) 		−19.0
(−2.2) 		−18.0
(−0.4) 		−23.3
(−9.9)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 298.6
(11.76) 		203.0
(7.99) 		199.4
(7.85) 		164.5
(6.48) 		135.6
(5.34) 		100.6
(3.96) 		69.1
(2.72) 		65.9
(2.59) 		98.6
(3.88) 		223.0
(8.78) 		340.2
(13.39) 		257.0
(10.12) 		2,155.4
(84.86)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 284.4
(11.20) 		194.1
(7.64) 		197.0
(7.76) 		164.5
(6.48) 		135.6
(5.34) 		100.6
(3.96) 		69.1
(2.72) 		65.9
(2.59) 		98.6
(3.88) 		222.8
(8.77) 		336.1
(13.23) 		243.6
(9.59) 		2,112.4
(83.17)
Average snowfall cm (inches) 14.2
(5.6) 		8.8
(3.5) 		2.4
(0.9) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.2
(0.1) 		4.1
(1.6) 		13.3
(5.2) 		43.0
(16.9)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) 20.2 15.8 18.9 17.1 15.5 14 8.5 7.5 9.7 17 20.8 19 184
Average rainy days (≥ 0.2 mm) 19.3 15 18.7 17.1 15.5 14 8.5 7.5 9.7 17 20.7 17.7 180.7
Average snowy days (≥ 0.2 cm) 2.6 1.7 0.72 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.04 0.83 3 8.89
Source: Environment Canada (normals, 1981−2010)[4]

Recreation

[edit]

The lake is popular with boaters and canoeists, but is prone to heavy winds and rains as well as big waves (due to its great depth). The Upper Pitt, meaning the valley upstream from the lake, is considered one of BC's best fly-fishing rivers and one of its best steelhead streams.

In addition, there is a destination golfing resort in the Pitt Polder area called Swan-e-set.

Folklore

[edit]
Main article: Pitt Lake Gold

The area along the east side of the lake is somewhat notorious for being the reputed location of Slumach's lost gold mine, the location of many failed and sometimes disastrous searches for the alleged murderer's lost gold mine. Local historian Bill Barlee has said "that this highly colourful and interesting tale, accepted as fact by a host of treasure seekers, probably does not exist."[5] According to Barlee by the geological information available it would appear unlikely that a gold deposit would be found in the region of Pitt Lake. Historian Garnet Basque states that geologists are convinced that the region around Pitt Lake is not gold bearing.[6] The lost mine of Pitt Lake is a story without scientific support.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Pitt Lake

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Pitt Lake is a large tidal freshwater lake located in southwestern British Columbia, Canada, approximately 60 km east of Vancouver in the Fraser Valley region. It spans over 53 km², measures about 25 km in length and 4.5 km in width at its broadest point, and is recognized as one of the largest tidal freshwater lakes in the world. Formed as a glacial valley during the Wisconsin glaciation around 13,000 years ago, it originated as a saltwater fjord before sediment deposition from the nearby Fraser River transformed it into a unique tidal fjord lake influenced by Pacific Ocean tides, resulting in water level fluctuations of approximately 3 feet. The lake serves as an expansion of the Pitt River, which drains southward into it before emptying into the Fraser River about 20 km downstream from the lake's southern tip, and it forms the northern boundary of the City of Pitt Meadows in the New Westminster Land District. Geographically, Pitt Lake is nestled amid mountainous terrain, including the Thompson Mountain Range to the northeast and provincial parks such as Golden Ears and Pinecone Burke to the north and east, contributing to its fjord-like setting with steep surrounding slopes and deep waters reaching up to 143 m in places. Its hydrology is characterized by a mix of freshwater inflows from the Pitt River and tidal backwater effects, supporting a dynamic ecosystem that includes extensive wetlands like the Pitt-Addington Marsh Wildlife Management Area at its southern end, a rare reverse delta at the Pitt River's mouth, and high biodiversity. Ecologically, the lake is vital habitat for over 200 bird species, 29 mammal species, Pacific salmon runs (including coho, chinook, chum, sockeye, and pink), white sturgeon, and species at risk such as the western painted turtle, marbled murrelet, sandhill crane, northern red-legged frog, and western toad, while also featuring native vegetation like willows and cattails alongside invasive species such as reed canarygrass. The area provides essential services including flood control, water storage, and carbon sequestration, with the surrounding marshes holding high levels of soil carbon storage. Recreationally, Pitt Lake attracts boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and birdwatching, accessible via launches in Pitt Meadows, though its tidal nature requires caution for navigation and safety.

Physical Geography

Location and Dimensions

Pitt Lake is situated in the region of southwestern , , with its approximate central coordinates at 49°25′N 122°33′W. The lake lies about 40 km east of , forming part of the Fraser Valley's coastal lowlands and serving as a key geographical feature in the area. The lake spans a surface area of 53.5 km² and extends 25 km in length from its southern outlet to the northern end. Its maximum width reaches approximately 4.5 km, while the maximum depth is around 143 m, reflecting the fjord-like basin carved by glacial activity. The surface is approximately 3 m above , influenced by its tidal connection to the via the Pitt and Fraser Rivers. Pitt Lake is classified as the second-largest lake in the , after Harrison Lake, and holds the distinction of being the largest tidal freshwater lake in the world.

Formation and Features

Pitt Lake occupies a post-glacial basin in a carved by continental ice during the Fraser Glaciation, the local manifestation of the late Wisconsinan glaciation, with major erosional activity occurring toward the end of the glacial period around 13,000 years ago. The valley's characteristic U-shape results from the abrasive action of glacial ice flowing southward through the region, deepening and widening the pre-existing topography in the of the . This overdeepened trough at the valley's lower end created a fjard-like basin that extends approximately 25 km northward from its outlet. Following of the Fraser Lowland, which was largely complete by about 11,000 years ago, the basin began to fill with and form a lake connected to the sea via the ancestral Pitt River. from the delta progressively built up across the lower valley, isolating the basin from direct marine influence around 10,500 years ago and transforming it into a freshwater tidal lake. This deltaic barrier, accumulating at rates of up to 1.8 cm per year in recent times, maintains the lake's separation while allowing tidal propagation through the narrow Pitt River channel. The lake's tidal regime is driven by tides transmitted via the Pitt River, resulting in a typical range of approximately 0.9 m (3 ft) at the lake's southern end, diminishing northward. Surrounding the basin are steep slopes of the coastal mountains, rising sharply to elevations over 1,500 m, which enclose the lake and contribute to its steep-sided, elongated profile. A small punctuates the lake's surface, featuring islands such as Goose Island—a sizable, forested landmass about midway along the eastern shore—Little Goose Island to its south, and the smaller Gosling Island farther north; these rocky outcrops, remnants of glacial deposition, enhance the lake's fragmented waterway and provide navigational landmarks.

Human Geography

Communities and Settlements

The southern end of Pitt Lake is home to the City of , a municipality in Metro Vancouver that borders the lake and features a mix of residential developments and agricultural lands. The 2021 Census of Population recorded Pitt Meadows' population at 19,146 residents living across 86.34 square kilometers. Directly adjacent at the lake's outlet into the Pitt River is of the Katzie First Nation, encompassing 214 hectares of land used for community purposes within their traditional territory. The Katzie First Nation maintains 666 members as of October 2025, with many residing in the broader area around Pitt Lake and associated wetlands that support cultural and sustenance activities. To the southwest, across the Pitt River, the City of serves as a proximate urban center that shapes patterns of lake access and visitation, with its 2021 population of 61,498 contributing to regional influences on the area. At the northern end, the unincorporated community of Alvin consists of scattered settlements originally developed in the early 1900s as a logging hub for transporting timber resources via the lake. It supports a small population of fewer than 50 residents amid forested lands with minimal residential expansion. Demographically, the settlements reflect a blend of urban growth in the south, Indigenous reserve stewardship, and remote resource-based habitation in the north, with total human presence around the lake remaining modest compared to surrounding Metro densities—the nearby populations of and totaling approximately 80,000 as of 2021. patterns prioritize and conservation in southern areas, reserve , and limited in the north.

Access and Infrastructure

The primary access point to Pitt Lake is Grant Narrows Regional Park, located on the southern shore near , which features a launch ramp and floating docks suitable for small to medium . This facility serves as the main entry for boating activities, with paved access via 208th Street from Highway 7, and requires a daily or seasonal pass for vehicle parking and launch use. The Pitt River, flowing into the lake from the south, acts as the primary waterway corridor, allowing vessels to navigate approximately 30 kilometers northward to reach remote areas, including the lake's northern end. Due to the lake's remoteness and surrounding mountainous terrain, boating remains the dominant transportation mode, with jet boats, kayaks, and water taxis providing essential connectivity for cabins, camps, and recreational sites along the shores. Floatplane services, operating from the nearby Water Aerodrome on the Pitt River, offer aerial access for charters and tours, enabling quick flights over the lake from bases in and . Road access is limited to the southern edges via Highway 7, the Lougheed Highway, which connects to the broader network but does not extend around or across the lake itself. Infrastructure supporting access includes diking systems in the adjacent Pitt Polder area, which protect low-lying agricultural lands from tidal flooding influenced by the lake and Pitt River through a network of approximately 60 kilometers of dikes, pumps, and flood boxes. Logging roads originate from the northern dock at Alvin, a former town site now serving as a , providing limited gravel access to the upper Pitt River watershed for industrial and occasional use. No major bridges span the lake, reinforcing reliance on water- and air-based transport for full traversal.

Climate and Environment

Climate

Pitt Lake lies within an zone, designated as Köppen Cfb, characterized by mild, wet winters and cool, dry summers influenced by Pacific maritime air masses. This classification reflects the region's proximity to the coast and moderating effects of the surrounding , resulting in relatively stable temperatures without extreme seasonal variations. Annual precipitation in the Pitt Lake area averages 2,155.4 mm based on data from the Pitt Polder weather station for the 1981–2010 period, with the majority falling as rain from through due to frequent frontal systems from the . Updated normals for 1991–2020 from nearby stations indicate similar patterns, though slightly higher totals in some years due to increasing storm intensity; post-2020 observations suggest ongoing trends toward wetter winters. Temperatures at Pitt Polder show a record low of -23.3°C on January 23, 1969, and a record high of 37.0°C on July 16, 2006, highlighting occasional extremes despite the mild regime. Average monthly highs and lows from 1981–2010 data illustrate the seasonal cycle, with January highs around 6.5°C and lows near 0.3°C, rising to July highs of 25.5°C and lows of 11.6°C; more recent 1991–2020 data from CS confirms comparable ranges, with minor warming in summer averages. The lake's fjord-like amplifies climatic influences, channeling high rainfall into significant river inflows from the Pitt River and tributaries, which sustain water levels and tidal exchanges. This configuration also promotes persistent morning , particularly in summer, and variable winds driven by diurnal heating and mountain-valley circulations.

Ecology and Wildlife

The ecology of Pitt Lake encompasses diverse habitats that support rich in the region. The Pitt Polder features marshlands and boglands, serving as rare remnants of the extensive that once characterized the area, with these peat-based ecosystems providing critical moisture retention and carbon storage functions. At the southern end of the lake, alluvial floodplains form dynamic environments influenced by tidal fluctuations, fostering nutrient-rich soils for and aquatic life. Further upstream, the forested upper Pitt River valley includes old-growth coniferous stands and alpine meadows, creating a of terrestrial habitats that transition from lowland forests to montane zones. Wildlife in and around Pitt Lake is abundant, particularly among avian , with over 200 migratory birds utilizing the area for wintering, breeding, and staging. The Pitt-Addington acts as a key hotspot, hosting large flocks of geese and ducks, as well as raptors such as ospreys nesting along the Pitt River and bald eagles foraging in winter. Great blue herons frequent the heronries in the marsh, while the lake's tidal dynamics attract diverse waterfowl during migration. Mammalian diversity includes 29 in the lower marsh areas, with grizzly bears occasionally venturing into the valley to feed on , alongside black bears and . In the upper forested reaches, predators like wolves, cougars, and wolverines roam, while inhabit rugged alpine slopes. The Pitt River supports robust runs, including all five Pacific —Chinook, coho, chum, , and sockeye—which form the base of the , sustaining fish, birds, and mammals throughout the . Conservation efforts focus on protecting these habitats amid ongoing pressures. The Pitt Polder Ecological Reserve safeguards 88 hectares of boglands against further loss, preserving representative peatland flora like sphagnum mosses and ericaceous shrubs. However, historical diking and drainage have reduced wetlands by over 2,800 hectares in the Pitt Polder area since the mid-20th century, exacerbating fragmentation. Urbanization in the surrounding poses additional threats through habitat conversion and pollution runoff, diminishing connectivity for species movement. The lake and river system play a vital role in regional corridors, linking coastal lowlands to inland mountains and facilitating for wildlife such as bears and birds.

History

Indigenous History

The Katzie First Nation, a Coast Salish people, traces its origins to the ancestor θéləctən, who was placed in their traditional territory, q̓ic̓əy̓, by the powerful benefactor Swaneset. According to Katzie oral traditions, Swaneset shaped the lands and waters of this territory, including Pitt Lake (sq̓ə́yc̓əyaʔɬ), to sustain θéləctən and his descendants, who were tasked with caring for these places in return. Pitt Lake holds a central role in these creation stories, serving as a foundational element in the Katzie worldview where the landscape embodies ancestral teachings and responsibilities. The traditional territory of the Katzie encompasses the Lower Fraser Valley, including Pitt Lake, the Pitt River watershed, and surrounding wetlands, streams, and rivers within present-day municipalities such as Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Surrey, Langley, and Delta. Key fishing sites were located at the mouth of the Pitt River, where the Katzie harvested during summer and fall runs using techniques such as weirs, seine nets, dip nets, harpoons, and spears, and sturgeon year-round via harpoons with toggle heads, gaffs, and hook-and-line methods. Temporary camps of mat-covered shelters, accommodating two to three families, were established near Pitt Lake for sturgeon, , , and other species from March through June, with processed by or sun-drying for storage. Archaeological evidence around Pitt Lake and the Pitt River delta indicates long-term Katzie habitation spanning millennia, with multi-component sites such as DhRp-52 (occupied 5800–2700 BP) and DhRq-21 (4500 BP to contact) revealing winter villages, earth ovens, and extensive resource gathering. These sites yielded archaeobotanical remains of over 52 plant taxa, including high densities of wapato (Sagittaria latifolia) in managed wetland gardens dating to 3800 BP, alongside evidence of fish processing and communal structures that underscore sustained cultural practices. Katzie cultural practices centered on the waterways of Pitt Lake and the Pitt River for transportation, with canoes navigating sloughs like Katzie Slough and Yorkson Creek to connect longhouses, camps, and resource areas. These waterways supported through , , and gathering plants for food and medicine, such as wild cranberries, crab apples, and wapato from wetlands near the lake's south end, which were gifted by Swaneset to sustain the people. Spiritually, Pitt Lake and its environs carry profound significance as embodiments of creation narratives, fostering ongoing connections to Katzie identity, well-being, and stewardship responsibilities.

European Contact and Naming

European contact with the Pitt Lake area began during Captain George Vancouver's expedition in 1792, when he sailed into the region and named the lake and surrounding features as part of "Pitt's Archipelago" in honor of British Prime Minister . Vancouver's mapping efforts marked the first European documentation of the lake, integrating it into British colonial cartography of the coast. In the early 19th century, the expanded operations into the , with explorer James McMillan leading an 1824 expedition that traversed the Pitt River and assessed the area's potential for trade routes and settlement. This navigation facilitated the transport of furs and goods, linking Pitt Lake to broader colonial economic networks in the region. By the mid-19th century, colonial authorities under Governor James Douglas established Indian reserves for the Katzie First Nation around Pitt Lake, limiting Indigenous land use and enabling the shift toward European agricultural and resource extraction activities. The late saw increased European settlement influenced by resource booms, particularly along the Pitt River, which served as a key waterway for floating timber to mills in the . At the northern end of Pitt Lake, operations expanded in the , culminating in the establishment of the community of Alvin around 1901 by contractor Alvin Thomas Patterson, who supported milling and transport activities. Early 20th-century diking projects, initiated in the and formalized with the first diking district in 1893, transformed the marshy Pitt Polder lowlands into for , further entrenching colonial land management practices.

Recreation and Tourism

Outdoor Activities

Pitt Lake offers a variety of water-based activities, including , canoeing, and , which allow visitors to explore its expansive 25-kilometer length and surrounding marshes. These pursuits are particularly popular from launches at Grant Narrows Regional Park, providing access to calm waters ideal for paddling, though participants should account for the lake's tidal influences. Fly-fishing and are renowned in the Upper Pitt River, accessible primarily by jet boat or helicopter, where anglers target wild steelhead runs from late March through April using fly or spinning tackle. Land-based activities around the lake emphasize scenic exploration and observation, with trails offering views of the surrounding mountains and wetlands. routes along dykes provide opportunities for leisurely rides amid landscapes, while viewing draws enthusiasts to observe diverse habitats. is permitted in designated areas with appropriate licenses from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, adhering to seasonal regulations for species such as deer and waterfowl. is facilitated by loops like the Pitt Wildlife Loop, a 6.8-kilometer route through the Pitt-Addington Marsh that supports over 200 avian species year-round. Additional pursuits include boat-access camping on remote shores, such as marine-accessible sites at Widgeon Creek and Dark Creek in Pinecone Burke Provincial Park, where setups require self-sufficiency for multi-day stays. Seasonal blueberry picking occurs in nearby fields during and August, offering a low-impact of local berries from u-pick farms. is paramount due to the lake's status as the world's largest tidal freshwater lake, where strong currents up to 2 knots can affect , particularly near the ; paddlers and boaters must consult tide charts and avoid in shallow areas. The remoteness of upper reaches and sites necessitates preparation, including emergency gear, communication devices, and knowledge of weather patterns that can change rapidly. Floatplane use for accessing remote lodges requires adherence to guidelines and park restrictions on landings to minimize environmental impact and ensure pilot certification for float operations.

Parks and Protected Areas

Grant Narrows Regional Park provides southern access to Pitt Lake, serving as the primary entry point for water-based recreation and exploration of surrounding wetlands. The park features a launch facility managed by the provincial Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, along with picnic areas, walking trails for nature viewing, and interpretive signage to educate visitors on local ecosystems. These amenities support non-motorized activities such as canoeing and , with canoe rentals available on-site through local operators. Provincial parks adjacent to Pitt Lake include Pinecone Burke Provincial Park, which extends westward from the lake and along the Pitt River, functioning as a critical connecting to the south with to the east. Spanning approximately 38,000 hectares, it protects diverse habitats that support a range of species, emphasizing preservation over developed facilities. borders the eastern mountains overlooking Pitt Lake, offering marine-accessible campsites along the shoreline and contributing to the broader network of protected lands in the region. Both parks prioritize habitat connectivity and low-impact recreation, such as boating and , to maintain ecological integrity. As of 2025, free day-use vehicle passes are required at on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and holidays from May 16 to September 1. Ecological reserves around the lake focus on specialized preservation, including Pitt Polder Ecological Reserve, which safeguards a remnant of boglands characterized by granite outcrops and surrounding marshes at the lake's southern edge. This 88-hectare site exemplifies efforts to conserve rare ecosystems threatened by urban expansion. Complementing this is the Pitt-Addington Marsh Area, a 2,972-hectare at the south end of Pitt Lake that serves as vital for over 200 bird species during migration, wintering, and breeding seasons, featuring dyked and undyked alluvial areas forming a unique reverse delta. Management of these areas involves coordinated oversight by provincial agencies like BC Parks and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, alongside regional entities such as Metro Vancouver and the City of , to balance conservation with public access. Entry to provincial parks like Golden Ears requires free day-use passes during peak seasons to control visitor numbers and minimize environmental impact, while ecological reserves and areas enforce restrictions on motorized vehicles and disruption to protect sensitive species. No fees apply in remote sites like those in Pinecone , but general rules prohibit fires, off-trail travel, and collection of natural resources across all zones.

Cultural Significance

Folklore and Legends

Pitt Lake holds a prominent place in the oral traditions of the Katzie First Nation, a Coast Salish people whose territory encompasses the lake and surrounding lowlands. According to Katzie creation stories, the lake serves as an origin site for their ancestors, with the community of Oe'lecten established at its southwest shore, marking the beginning of human presence in the region. These narratives describe the lake's waters as vital to early life, including the transformation of Fe'lacton's daughter into the first sturgeon, which populated Pitt Lake and ensured its enduring bounty. Central to these legends is Swaneset, a benefactor sent by the Creator to shape the landscape for abundance. Swaneset, originating from Sheridan Hill, molded the terrain by breaking off pieces to form distinctive hills between the and Pitt Lake, while engineering sloughs and wetlands such as Sturgeon Slough and Katzie Slough to foster berry patches, root crops, and aquatic resources. In Katzie oral histories, these actions by Swaneset directly contributed to the formation of the Pitt wetlands, a complex mosaic of marshes and bogs that became a cornerstone of their sustenance and cultural practices. The Katzie people trace their descent primarily from Swaneset's community and Oe'lecten's group at Pitt Lake, emphasizing the lake's role as a sacred cradle of creation and resilience. A enduring 19th-century legend associated with Pitt Lake is that of Slumach's lost gold mine, attributed to a Coast Salish man from the Coquitlam or Katzie area who reportedly prospected the eastern shore in the late 1800s. Slumach, executed in New Westminster in 1891 for murder, was said to have periodically arrived with bags of high-quality gold nuggets, funding lavish spending before vanishing into the wilderness. Before his death, he allegedly cursed the mine with the words "Nika memloose, mine memloose" (when I die, the mine dies), dooming any finder to perish without revealing its location—a supernatural element that has amplified the tale's mystique. Rumors of the mine's riches, described in early accounts as vast deposits of nuggets embedded in quartz along streams north of the lake, emerged around 1893 and solidified through prospectors' claims, such as George Moody's 1903 haul of $1,200 in gold dust. The legend's allure stems from the lake's remote, tide-influenced terrain, which has inspired stories of lost explorers and guardians tied to its challenging . Despite extensive searches, no verifiable of Slumach's mine has surfaced, and historians view it as a fabricated blending Indigenous rumors with colonial-era exaggeration, lacking historical records or geological support for a major lode deposit in the area. This has shaped local identity by romanticizing the lake's wildness, influencing tourism narratives and media portrayals while underscoring the cultural blend of Indigenous origins and settler myths.

References

  1. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/plants-animals-ecosystems/wildlife/wildlife-habitats/conservation-lands/wma/wmas-list/pitt-addington-marsh
  2. https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/docs/city_of_pitt_meadows_environmental_inventory_and_management_strategy.pdf
  3. https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/16884.html
  4. https://www.pittmeadows.ca/our-community/about-pitt-meadows/location-maps
  5. https://geonames.nrcan.gc.ca/search-place-names/unique?id=JBEBW
  6. https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/soe/indicators/plants-animals/lakes.html
  7. https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/pdf/10.1086/622857
  8. https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/gsa/books/edited-volume/912/chapter/4669881/Holocene-human-interaction-and-adaptation-to
  9. https://www.gac-cs.ca/publications/FT_Late_Quaternary_Geology_of_SW_BC.pdf
  10. http://www.gac-cs.ca/publications/FT_Late_Quaternary_Geology_of_SW_BC.pdf
  11. https://open.library.ubc.ca/soa/cIRcle/collections/ubctheses/831/items/1.0052852
  12. https://coastview.org/2024/12/29/vancouver-burrard-inlet/
  13. https://waves-vagues.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/Library/54832.pdf
  14. https://www.chs.ca/English/CanadianHydrographicService/Products/Charts
  15. https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&SearchText=Pitt%20Meadows&DGUIDlist=2021A00055915070&GENDERlist=1%2C2%2C3&STATISTIClist=1&HEADERlist=0
  16. https://www.pittmeadows.ca/our-community/about-pitt-meadows
  17. https://fnp-ppn.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/fnp/Main/Search/RVDetail.aspx?RESERVE_NUMBER=08027&lang=eng
  18. https://katzie.ca/who-we-are/
  19. https://fnp-ppn.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/fnp/Main/Search/FNRegPopulation.aspx?BAND_NUMBER=563&lang=eng
  20. https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/as-sa/fogs-spg/Page.cfm?lang=E&topic=1&dguid=2021A00055915039
  21. https://britishcolumbia.com/plan-your-trip/regions-and-towns/vancouver-coast-mountains/pitt-meadows/
  22. https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/1452.html
  23. https://niho.com/wp-content/uploads/Alvin-Pitt-Lake-British-Columbia.pdf
  24. https://www.pittmeadows.ca/parks-recreation/parks-fields-facilities/parks-list/pitt-addington-marshgrant-narrows
  25. https://britishcolumbia.com/pitt-lake-british-columbia-activities/
  26. https://www.fishnbc.com/resources/pitt.html
  27. https://pittriverlodge.com/packages/pitt-lake-water-taxi/
  28. https://www.fortlangleyair.com/tours/all
  29. https://www.pittmeadows.ca/our-community/ypk-airport
  30. https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/docs/pitt_meadows_flood_mitigation_plan.pdf
  31. https://www.bedfordpumps.co.uk/pitt-polder.pdf
  32. https://ecotoursvancouver.com/trip/pitt-river-valley-wilderness-tour-add-on-to-pitt-lake-tour/
  33. https://www.plantmaps.com/koppen-climate-classification-map-canada.php
  34. https://natural-resources.canada.ca/sites/nrcan/files/earthsciences/pdf/assess/2016/Chapter-4e.pdf
  35. https://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_1981_2010_e.html?stnID=842&autofwd=1
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  37. https://climate.weather.gc.ca/historical_data/search_historic_data_stations_e.html?searchType=stnName&timeframe=1&txtStationName=pitt&searchMethod=contains&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2021&Year=2021&Month=7&Day=1&selRowPerPage=25
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  39. https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2023/eccc/En1-11-92-1-eng.pdf
  40. https://bcparks.ca/pitt-polder-ecological-reserve/
  41. https://bcparks.ca/pinecone-burke-park/
  42. https://www.naturetrust.bc.ca/news/take-a-walk-in-nature-addington-point-marsh
  43. https://spacesfornature.org/greatspaces/pinecone.html
  44. https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/eco_reserve/pitpolder_er.html
  45. https://bc-wetlands.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/wetlandprimer_wsp_2010.pdf
  46. https://nrs.objectstore.gov.bc.ca/kuwyyf/pitt_polder_er_ms_19900807_722dab2b59.pdf
  47. https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-parks/Documents/pitt-river-greenway-plan.pdf
  48. http://mapleridgemuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Katzie-Seasonal-Round-school-compressed.pdf
  49. https://documents.saa.org/container/docs/default-source/doc-annualmeeting/electronic-symposium/katzie-saa-2022_6march-draft-to-share.pdf?sfvrsn=33c80f28_2
  50. https://www.pittmeadowsmuseum.com/muse-news/woven-through-time-katzie-first-nation
  51. https://www.pittmeadowsmuseum.com/locations/the-battle-for-the-ridge
  52. https://www.pittmeadows.ca/our-community/about-pitt-meadows/history
  53. https://www.pittmeadowsmuseum.com/muse-news/memory-band-definitions
  54. https://achieveyourbucketlist.com/pitt-meadows-lake/
  55. https://essentialwilderness.com/guide-to-widgeon-creek-and-falls/
  56. https://www.riverfishingbc.com/article6.php
  57. https://fishingbc.com/story/fishing-pitt-river/
  58. https://myflyshop.com/CTE-details.cfm?ID=9&catID=2&subCatID=14
  59. https://vancouversbestplaces.com/metro-vancouver/pitt-meadows-maple-ridge/pitt-lake/
  60. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/recreation/fishing-hunting/hunting/hunting-licences
  61. https://www.livetrails.com/trails/Pitt-Wildlife-Loop-165.html
  62. https://peakvisor.com/park/pitt-addington-marsh-wildlife-management-area.html
  63. https://formosanursery.com/welcome-formosa-nursery
  64. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZzqORAq_oI
  65. https://www.westcoastpaddler.com/community/threads/pitt-lake-tides.501/
  66. https://www.tsb.gc.ca/eng/rapports-reports/aviation/2019/a19p0112/a19p0112.html
  67. https://www.bcfloatplaneassociation.com/Parks-Restrictions
  68. https://britishcolumbia.com/things-to-do-and-see/parks-and-trails/vancouver-coast-mountains/pinecone-burke-provincial-park/
  69. https://bcparks.ca/golden-ears-park/
  70. https://campnab.com/parks/british-columbia/golden-ears-provincial-park
  71. https://bcparks.ca/reservations/day-use-passes/
  72. https://www.protectedplanet.net/18397
  73. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/plants-animals-ecosystems/wildlife/wildlife-habitats/conservation-lands
  74. https://engage.gov.bc.ca/app/uploads/sites/121/2023/03/2023-03-16-Dry-Gulch-Rec-Strategy-SM.pdf
  75. https://eire.ca/history/heritage/hist1.html
  76. http://faculty.washington.edu/stevehar/Katzie.pdf
  77. https://katzie.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Katzie-EMP-Part-1-Environmental-Management-Framework-FINAL-compiled.pdf
  78. https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/history/vancouver-urban-legends-slumachs-gold-5298690
  79. https://magazine.cim.org/en/in-search/the-lost-gold-of-pitt-lake/
  80. https://skeptoid.com/episodes/952
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