Encompassing a landmass greater than the state of California, the Northern BC region boasts 60 parks offering exceptional diversity.
Beach lovers will head for Naikoon Provincial Park in the Queen Charlotte Islands to beach comb for agates. Spelunkers will be keen on Monkman Provincial Park while volcano aficionados will head for the lava beds at Nisg'a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park. Curious about bears? Khutzeymateen Provincial Park has the largest known concentration of grizzly bears in BC. Those drawn to First Nations culture will travel to Gwaii Haanas. Totally into the backcountry experience? Check out Northern Rocky Mountains Provincial Park where the route requires two feet or four hooves.
Collecting UNESCO World Heritage Sites? Northern BC proudly boasts two. SGang Gwaay, located within Gwaii Haanas in the Queen Charlotte Islands and Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park which with adjacent parks in Alaska and the Yukon forms the world's largest international World Heritage Site. There is so much to see and do in the north.
Highlight Parks in Northern BC Include:
Naikoon Provincial Park
Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site
Boya Lake Provincial Park
Nisga'a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park
Muncho Lake Provincial Park
Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park
Stone Mountain & Northern Rocky Mountains Provincial Parks
Monkman Provincial Park
Naikoon Provincial Park
With 100 km/62 mi of oceanfront, Naikoon Provincial Park is located at the north end of Graham Island, the largest of the Queen Charlotte Islands. It is said that on a sunny day Alaska can be seen from Rose Point at the tip of the park. However, the moss-shrouded old-growth forest bespeaks more rain than sun. If visitors come prepared for the weather they will be enchanted by this mystical world, as far removed from the bright lights and big noise of the city as it is possible to be.
What's special?
- The multi-day 100 km/62 mi hike from Misty Meadows in the south to Agate Beach in the north.
- Tow Hill, a volcanic outcrop of basalt columns towers 100 m/328 ft over the lava flows below. The well-marked trail climbs to the top or continues to The Blowhole on the shoreline.
- Pesuta Shipwreck Trail – a scenic 3-4 hour hike from the community of Tlell.
- Beachcombing for agates and glass fishing floats.
- Massive numbers of bald eagles hang out here – in the trees, on the beach, everywhere.
- ATV travel is usually permitted on North and East Beach but check with parks staff.
Camping?
Vehicle-access campsites (73) are offered at Misty Meadows in the south and Agate Beach in the north. No reservations. Wilderness camping is permitted.
Close to?
The park is just minutes from the town of Massett in the north and the community of Tlell in the south. The Queen Charlotte Islands are accessed by air or by ferry from Prince Rupert.
More Information?
Naikoon Provincial Park
Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site
Rated the #1 Park Destination in North America by National Geographic Travel magazine, Gwaii Haanas is home to SGang Gwaay, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Renowned as a kayaking destination, Gwaii Haanas is a wild and remote collection of 138 islands that stretch 90 km/56 mi from end to end. Most visitors travel with organized tour groups.
What's Special?
- Haida Heritage Centre at Kaay Llnagaay documents the living culture of the Haida Nation and is the first step on any journey into Gwaii Haanas.
- Base camps at the park's most popular heritage sites are staffed by Watchmen who help visitors experience Haida culture through its sacred places – thermal pools, ancient forests, totem poles and the ruins of historical longhouses.
- Distinct flora and fauna have evolved on these isolated isles. For example, the black bears are much bigger here.
- Seabirds – 1.5 million nest along the 4,700 km/2920 mi shoreline of the Queen Charlotte Islands from May through August. Because the islands are situated on the Pacific flyway, dozens of species of migrating birds also stop by in the spring and fall.
- Grey whales follow a migratory route through the waters of Haida Gwaii. Orca, humpback, and minke whales as well as dolphins, porpoises and harbour seals are also regularly sighted.
Camping?
Wilderness camping is permitted throughout Gwaii Haanas, except where restricted for cultural or ecological reasons. If traveling independently, reservations are required to enter the park. Call 1-800-HELLO BC (1-800-435-5622) from within North America or 250-387-1642 from overseas. There is no vehicle-access camping.
Close to?
The park is located within the Queen Charlotte Islands, accessible by air or ferry from Prince Rupert. Before entering the park visitors must register and attend an orientation session at the Haida Heritage Centre located in Skidegate.
More Information?
Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site
Boya Lake Provincial Park
Situated on the Liard Plain, an area carved out by glaciers 8,000 years ago, the park's terrain is a maze of gravel ridges and pothole lakes. Several short and easy interpretive trails explain it all. But it is the warm water lake that awards this park its status as a summer vacation favourite. Along with swimming, its many bays and islands make it a destination park for boaters – power and paddle alike.
Camping?
Boya Lake offers 44 vehicle-access campsites, no reservations required.
Close to?
La Boya Provincial Park is accessed off Highway 37. It is 150 km/93 mi north of Dease Lake and 107 km/66.5 mi south of Watson Lake, Yukon Territories.
More Information?
Boya Lake Provincial Park Site
Nisga'a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park
The dramatic landscape of this unusual park is the site of Canada's youngest lava flow. In the mid-1700s lava spilled over the crater, covering the valley bottom, killing over 2,000 Nisga'a people. Today the park offers visitors an opportunity to explore the unique features of a volcanic landscape at the same time they learn about the culture and legends of the Nisga'a Nation.
What's special?
- The park is included in a landmark treaty with the Nisga'a Nation and is the first provincial park to be jointly managed by a First Nation and BC Parks.
- A 3 km/1.8 mi guided hike to a viewpoint overlooking the crater.
- Five short interpretive trails through the park terrain.
- Examples of different types of lava flows and features – cinder cones, tree moulds, lava tubes and caves, spatter cones and Lava Lake.
Camping?
The park offers 16 vehicle-access campsites, some are wheelchair accessible. No reservations. Wilderness camping is permitted in the backcountry and alpine areas.
Close to?
The park is most easily accessed from Terrace by heading north for 100 km/62 mi on the Nisga'a Highway.
More Information?
Nisga'a Memorial Lava Bed Provincial Park Site
Muncho Lake Provincial Park
The cold, deep waters of this jade-coloured lake may not motivate humans to leap in but the fish are just fine with it. Lake trout, arctic grayling, bull trout and whitefish cruise this 12 km/7.5 mi long lake just waiting for an invite to the barbeque. With its classically beautiful lake-in-the-mountains landscape, Muncho Lake Provincial Park is a favoured stopover for travelers on the Alaska Highway.
Camping?
The park offers 30 vehicle-access sites located in campgrounds at opposite ends of the lake. No reservations.
Close to?
Muncho Lake is located at KM 681 of the Alaska Highway, between Watson Lake to the northwest and Fort Nelson to the southeast.
More Information?
Muncho Lake Provincial Park
Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park
With two hot springs ranging in temperature from 42° C to 52° C, this park is another favourite stop for Alaska-bound travellers. Situated in a warm water swamp and boreal forest, the area is also beloved by moose and bears. In fact, from August 1st onwards each year the second hot spring known as "Beta" is closed because bears trump tourists in their own backyard. Unique in their natural setting, these springs are considered a "must stop" for everyone traveling the Alaska Highway.
Camping?
The park offers 53 vehicle-access campsites. Of these, 20 are reservable.
Close to?
Liard River Hot Springs is located at KM 765 of the Alaska Highway, between Watson Lake to the northwest and Fort Nelson to the southeast.
More Information?
Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park Site
Stone Mountain & Northern Rocky Mountains Provincial Parks
Adjoining provincial parks, Stone Mountain and Northern Rocky Mountains introduce travelers on the Alaska Highway to the "wild" in wilderness. Known as the "Serengeti of the North," these parks are home to an abundance and diversity of wildlife: moose, elk, stone sheep, mountain goat, wolves, grizzly and black bears, marten, fisher, weasel and wolverines to start with only the bigger species.
Stone Mountain and its popular Summit Lake recreation area is easily accessed by vehicle but the spectacular landscapes of the Northern Rocky Mountains Provincial Park take a lot more work. Backpackers travel in by foot, by horseback, by boat or by plane.
Camping?
Stone Mountain Provincial Park – 28 vehicle-access campsites at Summit Lake. No reservations.
Northern Rocky Mountains Provincial Park – primitive wilderness sites.
Close to?
The parks are located on the Alaska Highway, a two-hour drive west of Fort Nelson.
More information?
Stone Mountain Provincial Park Site
Northern Rocky Mountains Provincial Park Site
Monkman Provincial Park
Nestled in the Hart Ranges of the Central Rocky Mountains and foothills, Monkman Provincial Park offers a diverse and inspiring landscape of jagged peaks, forested valleys, unique geological formations, pristine lakes and alpine meadows. Opportunities to explore encompass the gamut from easy, two-hour trails to challenging, multi-day adventures.
What's special?
- Kinuseo Falls, making its spectacular 60 m/197 ft plunge into the canyon below.
- Stone Corral Trail – the park's most notable hike leads visitors to small caves with stalactites, moonsmilk and other limestone formations.
- Monkman Pass Memorial Trail – a newly developed, multi-day wilderness hike that will quickly achieve iconic status due to its dramatic scenery.
Camping?
There are 20 user-maintained, vehicle-access campsites and numerous wilderness campsites. No reservations.
Close to?
Monkman Provincial Park is 60 km/37 mi south of Tumbler Ridge.
More Information?
Monkman Provincial Park Site