Anahim Lake Parks
Precipice Valley, Rosemary Smart photo
Anahim Lake provides easy access to two of British Columbia's most pristine wilderness parks: Tweedsmuir Provincial Park (approximately 1,000,000ha/2,000,000ac) and Itcha Ilgachuz Provincial Park (112,000ha/276,758ac).
In summer, enjoy hiking and birdwatching along trails and canoeing lakes and rivers. In winter, the focus shifts to cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Both parks have designated fishing and outfitting areas.
Tweedsmuir Provincial Park
Located 30km/18.5mi west of Anahim Lake, Tweedsmuir Provincial Park has a network of hiking trails suitable to all levels of fitness and experience: The Precipice Trail plunges down the leading edge of the Bella Coola Valley, while the Alexander Mackenzie Heritage Trail is steeped in culture and history. Rainbow Range Trail passes through startling multi-hued mountainsides.
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Hunlen Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in Canada (a 370m/1,226ft drop) and drains into Turner Lake, which is the beginning of the Turner Lake chain. Comprising seven lakes in total, the Turner Lake chain draws canoe and kayak enthusiasts from across North America. Along this water route, paddlers can try their angling luck for cutthroat trout. Wild Pacific salmon fishing is also available in the park's rivers.
Only the southern end of the park is accessible by vehicle via Hwy 20 from Anahim Lake. Some campgrounds are accessible on the western edges of the park within the Bella Coola Valley.
Itcha Ilgachuz Provincial Park
Located 40km/25mi directly north of Anahim Lake, Itcha Ilgachuz Provincial Park provides critical winter habitat for the largest remaining herd of woodland caribou in British Columbia. Additionally, the park is home to California bighorn sheep, grizzly and black bears, mountain goats and cougars. Birdwatchers will easily spot abundant waterfowl and songbirds.
The park has several hiking trails, including Blackwater Wagon Road and Christensen Creek Trail. The former begins near the Rodeo Grounds on Dorsey Road. The latter begins about 12km/7.5mi north of Anahim Lake on Dean River just beyond Christensen Creek Bridge.
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