Parks
Park in BC (JF Bergeron photo)
Two of British Columbia's largest wilderness parks, Tweedsmuir Provincial Park and Itcha Ilgachuz Provincial Park, are virtually next door to Nimpo Lake.
Nazko Lake Provincial Park is one hour east of the community. In summer, these parks are great for hiking, birdwatching, canoeing and fishing. Cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are winter options.
Tweedsmuir Provincial Park
Located 30km/18.5mi west of Anahim Lake, Tweedsmuir Provincial Park has a network of hiking trails suitable for 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.
Read More
Hunlen Falls, with its 370m/1,226ft drop, is one of the highest waterfalls in Canada and drains into Turner Lake, 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, the 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 Waggon 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.
Nazko Lake Provincial Park
East of Nimpo Lake on Highway 20 is Nazko Lake Provincial Park and the Nazko Lake canoe chain. The park's wetlands provide vital habitat and feeding grounds for a multitude of birds, including the American White Pelican, which is an endangered species in British Columbia.
Read Less