Lush rainforests, rugged mountains, thundering waterfalls and scenic coastline – there are hundreds of parks in BC to explore. In 2011, BC Parks is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Encompassing a landmass greater than the state of California, the Northern BC region boasts more than 100 parks and protected areas offering exceptional diversity.
Beach lovers will head for Naikoon Provincial Park in Haida Gwaii (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 Nisga'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 Haida Gwaii 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, National Marine Conservation Area 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 100km/62mi of oceanfront, Naikoon Provincial Park is located at the north end of Graham Island, the largest island in Haida Gwaii. 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 100km/62mi hike from Misty Meadows in the south to Agate Beach in the north.
- Tow Hill, a volcanic outcrop of basalt columns towers 10m/32ft 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. Haida Gwaii is accessed by air or by ferry from Prince Rupert.
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Naikoon Provincial Park
Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site
Rated the #1 Park Destination in North America by National Geographic Traveler 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 90km/56mi from end to end. Most visitors travel with organized tour groups.
What's Special
- Gwaii Haanas is one of the only places on Earth to be protected from mountaintop to sea floor.
- Haida Gwaii Watchmen serve as guardians at five of the old village sites. They also act as a point of contact for visitor information. Watchmen 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.
- 1.5 million seabirds nest along the 4,700km/2,920mi shoreline of Haida Gwaii 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. There is no vehicle-access camping.
Close to
Gwaii Haanas is located within Haida Gwaii, accessible by air from Prince Rupert and Vancouver and accessible by ferry from Prince Rupert. If visitors are travellling without a licensed guide they must reserve, register and attend an orientation session at the Haida Heritage Centre located in Skidegate.
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Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site
Boya Lake Provincial Park
Situated on the Liard Plain, an area carved out by glaciers 20,000 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
Boya Lake Provincial Park is accessed off Highway 37. It is 150km/93mi north of Dease Lake and 107km/66mi south of Watson Lake, Yukon Territories.
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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 more than 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 3km/1.8mi 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 100km/62mi on the Nisga'a Highway (Hwy 113).
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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 12km/7.5mi 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.
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Muncho Lake Provincial Park
Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park
With 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. Unique in their natural setting, these springs are considered a "must stop" for everyone travelling 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.
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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.
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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 60m/197ft 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 60km/37mi south of Tumbler Ridge.
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Monkman Provincial Park Site
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 BC forest fires, click here. To report a forest fire within BC from a cell phone, call *5555.
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