Rolling grasslands, snow-capped mountains, lush forests and pristine lakes – there are hundreds of parks in BC to explore. In 2011, BC Parks celebrated its 100th anniversary.
The ecologically diverse terrain of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region spans a plateau set between the Pacific Ocean in the west and the Cariboo Mountain Range in the east. This offers back country aficionados and casual hikers endless opportunities for adventure.
Whether it's a week in a canoe gliding through the world famous Bowron Lakes chain or an afternoon on horseback in the Rainbow Mountains, visitors to the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast will find it an engaging experience. Some of the country's most beautiful waterways flow through this region with gemstone lakes mirroring the soaring peaks and forested flanks of the Cariboo Mountains. The diverse ecosystems foster prolific populations of moose, deer, bears, coyote, fox, beaver, small mammals, songbirds and waterfowl.
Learn more about Highlight Parks in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast:
Bowron Lakes Provincial Park
Ts'il?os Provincial Park
Tweedsmuir Provincial Park
South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park
Bowron Lakes Provincial Park
Renowned for a canoe circuit that is ranked among the best in the world, Bowron Lakes Provincial Park offers visitors an intimate experience with a diverse landscape. Over the six to 10 days it takes to complete the 116-km/72-mile circuit, paddlers are exposed to lakes, rivers, waterfalls and river rapids they can choose to shoot or portage. Reigning over it all are the snow-capped Cariboo Mountains to the east with the softened edges of the Quesnel Highlands to the west.
Warm-water lakes with sandy beaches beckon swimmers to stay over while the cooler temps of the glacier-fed lakes beckon fishers for the kokanee and trout. The circuit is basically rectangular so there is no backtracking. There is also a shorter, 2-4 day western circuit. Short or long, canoeists should understand that this park is a wilderness area so the necessary skills and appropriate equipment are essential.
The canoe circuit is open from mid-May to early October (weather permitting). Reserving a departure time for the canoe circuit is highly recommended. Reserve from January 2 to September 30 at www.discovercamping.ca.
Camping
There are 25 vehicle-access sites near the Registration Centre and 54 wilderness sites on the canoe circuit.
Nearby Communities
The park is 30km/19mi from the community of Wells and 120km/75mi east of the town of Quesnel.
Ts'il?os Provincial Park
Ts'il?os (pronounced "sigh-loss") Provincial Park is part of the traditional territory of the Xeni Gwet'in First Nation. Accordingly, traditional activities like gathering medicinal plants, hunting, trapping and cattle grazing are still permitted.
The park is located in an undeveloped and isolated part of the Chilcotin region, created less for recreational purposes than to protect cultural values, habitats and the diverse ecosystem. While hiking and camping are the cornerstones of this park's popularity, trails are not maintained and there are no facilities beyond rustic campgrounds. Hikers need to be certain of their route finding skills and self sufficient at survival.
Why come? To walk where few have walked before, to marvel at the rugged peaks of the Coast Mountains, to be awestruck by the turquoise hue of Chilko Lake. Mountain biking is permitted in designated areas and local lodges offer horseback riding, hunting and fishing excursions in the park.
Camping
There are 24 vehicle-access sites in two locations. Some sites may be closed at times due to bear activity. No reservations required.
Nearby Communities
Ts'il?os Provincial Park is a four to six hour (weather dependent) drive southwest from Williams Lake. Access is off of Highway 20, either from Hanceville or from Tatla Lake.
Tweedsmuir Provincial Park
At nearly 1 million hectares/2.4 million acres, Tweedsmuir Provincial Park offers solitude and serenity. An extensive trail system guides hikers into the most scenic areas – colourful volcanic mountains, snow-capped peaks, lush forests and alpine meadows teeming with wildlife.
Highlights
- The volcanic Rainbow Mountains with red, orange, yellow and lavender lava rock.
- Hunlen Falls plunging 260m/853ft into a cloud of spray.
- The Turner Lake Canoe Circuit, a 3-5 day trip through a chain of lakes, rivers and creeks. Canoe rentals at Turner Lake.
- Alexander Mackenzie Heritage (Grease) Trail. This famous 420km/261mi trail has what is considered to be its most scenic stretch, 80km/50mi, within Tweedsmuir Provincial Park.
- Fantastic fishing for trout, Dolly Varden, and salmon.
- Black and grizzly bears congregate on the rivers during salmon spawning from May to October.
- Local lodges offers guided trips into the park.
Camping
There are 36 vehicle-access campsites at two locations plus wilderness camping with minimal facilities. No reservations.
Nearby Communities
Tweedsmuir Provincial Park is intersected by Highway 20, located between the communities of Bella Coola in the west and Anahim Lake in the east.
South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park
More than 150km/93mi of trails open this protected area up to hikers. A variety of loop routes from a few hours to a few days extend this experience to hikers of all abilities as well as mountain bikers and horseback riders. The area is a visually spectacular panorama of grasslands, alpine lakes and meadows back dropped by soaring, snow clad peaks.
Camping
Wilderness camping only.
Nearby Communities
The Spruce Lake Protected Area is 150km/93mi north of Whistler and 95km/59mi west of Lillooet.
Visiting Provincial Parks
- Camping fees in effect
- Reservations may be required
- Pets may not be permitted in all parks
- Campfires may not be permitted in all parks
- Electrical hook-ups offered in Alice Lake, Porteau Cove, Steelhead and Juniper Beach provincial parks only
- Please leave the area you visit undisturbed and be sure to carry out your garbage
- Cougars, bears and other wildlife inhabit the region
Play a part in protecting BC's forests. Abide by local park rules, exercise caution and ensure all fires are extinguished. For more information on forest fires, click here. To report a forest fire within BC from a cell phone, call *5555.
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