As the 2007 winner of the Canadian "Communities in Bloom" – a national competition promoting green spaces in urban settings – Quesnel takes its gardens and city parks seriously, boasting more than 10 major parks, 30 landscaped flower beds and numerous neighbourhood parks. See colourful rose gardens, go lawn bowling, take the family to the water-spray park, or stroll the Riverfront Trail System.
Three provincial parks in the Quesnel area (Pinnacles Provincial Park, Puntchesakut Lake Provincial Park, and Ten Mile Lake Provincial Park) provide great opportunities to get out and enjoy nature, whether camping, hiking, examining hoodoos, swimming, paddling or wildlife viewing.
LeBourdais Park
Named after local historian Louis LeBourdais, LeBourdais Park is Quesnel's main city park, and is home to the Quesnel Visitor Centre, Quesnel & District Museum and Heritage Rose Garden. This is the most northerly formal civic rose garden in British Columbia; some rose varieties were originally sent more than 100 years ago from England. Spend a day picnicking or touring the museum and garden. Families will enjoy the children's playground and water-spray area. LeBourdais Park is on Legion Drive at the entrance to downtown Quesnel, and borders the Pioneer Cemetery, one of Quesnel's many historic and heritage sites.
West Fraser Timber Park
West Fraser Timber Park is Quesnel's largest city park, located on Johnson Avenue at the base of Plywood Hill. Explore the Nature Education Centre (operated by the Baker Creek Enhancement Society), duck pond, heritage garden, or hiking trails. The park also features a baseball diamond, lawn bowling facility, playground, and tennis courts.
Ceal Tingley Park/Chuck Beath Memorial Park
Ceal Tingley Park, located at Quesnel's city centre near the confluence of the Fraser and Quesnel rivers, has numerous bright flower gardens and shady cottonwoods and evergreens; picnic in the sun or relax in the shade. Ceal Tingley Park is situated at the start of the Riverfront Trail System; take an hour to leisurely stroll along this 5km/3mi paved trail. The park also features a restored antique steam shovel once used by gold miners.
Chuck Beath Memorial Park on Highway 97 near the Quesnel River Bridge serves as the northern entrance point to the Riverfront Trail. An antique steam shovel recalls the area’s gold mine history. The park also has a shady picnic area and ample parking.
Pinnacles Provincial Park
Pinnacles Provincial Park (128ha/36ac) is home to hoodoos – ancient sediment formations that are fragile, eroding remnants of past volcanic activity. Hike up a 2km/1.2mi well-maintained trail and view these impressive geological spires and the mighty Fraser River in the background. Pinnacles Provincial Park is a 10-minute drive along Pinnacles Road in West Quesnel, and is open year round.
Puntchesakut Lake Provincial Park
Puntchesakut Lake Provincial Park (38ha/94ac) is a great location for lake-oriented seasonal activities. Explore the natural setting of rolling aspen forest, and 1,200m/3,937ft willow- and birch-lined shores. The lake supports year-round fishing, so cast a line for rainbow trout or Rocky Mountain whitefish. In summer, bask in the sun on the park's sandy beach, swim in the lake's warm waters or skim along its surface in a canoe. Puntchesakut Lake Provincial Park is a half hour drive from Quesnel.
Ten Mile Lake Provincial Park
Ten Mile Lake Provincial Park (260ha/642ac) is located between the moist Quesnel Highlands and the dry Chilcotin Plateau supports various wildlife species. Towering white spruce, Douglas fir, aspen, and lodgepole pine with low dogwood and Saskatoon shrubs provide the perfect setting for camping. As well, the park features a number of campsite amenities, picnic tables, and a playground.
Explore the abandoned Pacific Great Eastern Railway tracks, or stroll the 2km/1.2mi nature trail leading to a large beaver lodge and dam, and check out waterfowl nesting boxes along the pond's edge. Ten Mile Lake Provincial Park is fifteen minutes north of Quesnel on Highway 97.
Drop into the Quesnel Visitor Centre for more information, maps, and local and provincial park listings.
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