Northern Explorer THE PRINCE GEORGE
CITIZEN THE
PRINCE GEORGE
Your 2014 Guide to Northern BC Parks
CITIZEN THE CITIZEN PRINCE GEORGE
N O R T H T O F O R T S T J O H N | S O U T H T O Q U E S N E L | E A S T T O VA L E M O U N T | W E S T T O T H E H A Z E LT O N S
yours to
explore We stopped by the side of the road near Valemount and captured this amazing picture of our daughter. Northern BC is beautiful everywhere! It doesn’t have to be a fancy destination.. – Keith Warkentin
Taken at Miworth, Calypso Bulbosa (Lady’s Slippers). THE PRINCE GEORGE – William PalmerCITIZEN THE PRINCE GEORGE
CITIZEN Northern Explorer is a product of the THE CITIZEN A product of PRINCE GEORGE
Available on-line at www.pgcitizen.ca | General Inquiries 250-562-2441 Publisher: Colleen Sparrow Editor: Neil Godbout Reader Sales: Alan Ramsay Creative: Colleen McComb
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The Citizen thanks all those who submitted photos for this publication. Unfortunately not all the great photos we receive can be included due to limited space. Provincial Park information courtesy of http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/ Regional Park information courtesy of http://www.rdffg.bc.ca/ northern explorer | 3 | may 2014
the
PARKFINDER
PROVINCIAL Arctic Pacific Lakes 56 Bearhole Lake 44 Beatton 45 Beatton River 45 Beaumont 24 Bijoux Falls 40 Bobtail Mountain 20 Bocock Peak 40 Bowron Lake 50 Bull Canyon 48 Butler Ridge 44 Cariboo Mountains 50 Cariboo River 50 Carp Lake 40 Cedar Point 50 Charlie Lake 45 Close To The Edge 56 Crooked River 24 Dahl Lake 20 East Pine 41 Erg Mountain 57
Eskers 20 Evanoff 56 Finger-Tatuk 28 Fort George Canyon 14 Fraser River 14 Giscome Portage Trail 20 Gwillim Lake 41 Heather-Dina Lakes 40 Hole In The Wall 41 Holliday Creek Arch 57 Horsefly Lake 52 Jackman Flats 58 Kakwa 57 Kiskatinaw 44 Kiskatinaw River 45 Kluskoil Lake 47 Lower/Upper Raush 58 Moberly Lake 41 Monkman 44 Mount Pope 33 Mount Robson 58 Mount Terry Fox 58
Mudzenchoot 34 Nazko Lake 48 Nechako Canyon 28 One Island Lake 44 Paarens Beach 32 Peace River Corridor 45 Pine Le Moray 40 Pine River Breaks 41 Pinnacles 47 Ptarmigan Creek 57 Puntchesakut Lake 47 Purden Lake 24 Pyramid Creek Falls 58 Rearguard Falls 58 Slim Creek 56 Small River Caves 57 Sowchea Bay 32 Stuart Lake Marine 34 Stuart River 28 Sugar Bowl-Grizzly Den 56 Sukunka Falls 41 Swan Lake 44
Taylor Landing Ten Mile Lake Three Sisters Lake Tudyah Lake Wapiti Lake West Lake West Twin Whiskers Point White Pelican
45 47 14 40 44 14 57 40 48
REGIONAL Berman Lake 11 Cedarside 54 George Hicks 54 Giscome Portage 11 Harold Mann 11 John Dahl 38 Koeneman 54 Kristian Winther 11 McMillan Creek 12 Ness Lake 12 Wilkins 12
prince george
and area
Top left a backyard mushroom, bottom left the CN rail bridge in the fall and above photo tree huggers, best friends Lisanna and Janessa at Fort George Park. – Kathy Kidd
prince george & area
This photo was taken at Connaught Hill Park. Lots of room to explore, play hide and seek, and for adults to get a 360 degree view of Prince George. – Cindy Peever Prince George has a wonderful dog/people park. Formerly known as the Ginter home, the property connects to UNBC Connector trails, and has become a place where families can come and enjoy wide open space to run with their dogs. – Cindy Peever
This photo was taken at the Cottonwood Island Nature Park and features the pedestrian bridge that connects the park to the Central B.C. Railway and Forestry Industry museum. – Cindy Peever
This is Cooper enjoying a spring walk/ run along the Fraser/Nechako River banks when the water was incredibly low! – Cindy Peever
The photos above were taken at Noah’s Ark, not only a place for kids to enjoy the ptting zooe, but also a place that holds memories of days gone by. – Cindy Peever
Taken in my yard, PIneview, Prince George. This little guy and it’s mother are frequent flyers into my yard, gardens, trees, and likely visit the surrounding neighbourhood as well. – Cindy Peever
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prince george & area
Down the Fraser River at Fort George. I live in the Fort George Park area and it is great no matter what season we’re having. We go for picnics, play and peace and quiet, as well as all the special events held there. – Linda Hoeppner A family hike up to the university. A fantastic area for families to have fun together. – Keith Warkentin
Going on a family bike ride in Prince George. Lots of great places to ride with the family. – Keith Warkentin
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prince george & area
All these photos were shot in the Prince George area, full of wildlife to enjoy! – April Block The cow moose had just swam across a small lake east of Prince George. The garter snake sunning itself in the grass, posed nicely for me! The little bee was found trying to warm up in the sun on this sunflower. The silver fox was spotted in the Buckhorn area outside of Prince George. The white tail doe is grazing in my backyard. Below a duck swimming and diving on Willow Swamp, east of Prince George.
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T:6.92”
70% of the Northern Gateway Pipeline route will use previously disturbed land, like old forestry roads, cut blocks and other disturbances. We have planned the route to minimize tree removal where possible and we will work to avoid old growth forests. This is just one of the ways we’re working to meet the expectations of British Columbians.
Learn more at gatewayfacts.ca Working in partnership with B.C. and Alberta First Nations and Métis Communities, and leading energy companies in Canada.
northern explorer | 9 | may 2014
T:9.5”
The western red cedar — Tall and strong. Home to birds, squirrels and insects. Loves the moist climate of BC. It’s lived here for hundreds of years. It should live for hundreds more. And not make way for a pipeline.
prince george & area
Prince George has alot of great walking trails along the rivers. Take time to check out the replica Cameron Street bridge, it is a nice place to take family photos. – Pat Suter Prince George has alot of deer that graze on the green grass along the cutbanks as you enter or exit the city. A fox is often spotted while driving around Prince George. – Pat Suter
northern explorer | 10 | may 2014
prince george & area
These top photos were taken in the David Douglas Botanical Garden Society’s Educational Display Garden at UNBC. These gardens are a wonderful “fresh air” place with a beautiful variety of flowers and shrubs, walking trails and foot bridge... all amidst the refreshing sound of gentle waterfalls! Bottom left photos were taken in the woods out in the great nature area at the head of McMillan Creek on the north side of Prince George. Curious at first, this little fellow in his February coat, soon told the camera man to “back off”. – Norm Monroe
Berman Lake
Harold Mann
Regional Park Berman Lake Regional Park is located 45km west of Prince George via Highway 16 and Norman Lake Road. The 38 ha park has 3 km of trails. Many of the trails follow the shoreline and naturally formed eskers, which enable access to view a variety of wildlife and the habitat in which they live. Facilities including picnic tables, fire pits, toilets, change houses, canoe launch and a beach with a swimming area.
Regional Park Harold Mann Regional Park is located 50 km northeast of Prince George via Highway 16 East and Upper Fraser Road on beautiful Eaglet Lake. The park is 13 ha in size and provides opportunities to view wildlife, especially birds, on the short but scenic trail along the creek, marsh and lake. Facilities include picnic tables, fire pits, toilets, swimming area and change houses.
Giscome Portage – Huble
Regional Park Kristian Winther Regional Park is located on the south shore of the Salmon River, 30 km north of Prince George, via the Hart Highway 97. The park is 70 acres in size and has a short ‘loop’ trail (700 metres) that travels along the Salmon River and back through some new growth forest. Facilities at the park include picnic tables, fire pits and toilets.
Huble Homestead Historic Site located on the scenic Fraser River, 40 km north of Prince George just off highway 97. The site includes the original 1912 dovetail log house, general store, blacksmith shop, barns and other heritage buildings. Enjoy a tour of the site with costumed interpreters and explore pioneer lifestyle, atmosphere, and animals.
Kristian Winther
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prince george & area
Along the Fraser River north. – Ray Kooses
McMillan Creek
Ness Lake
Regional Park McMillan Creek Regional Park is situated within the City of Prince George . The Park is accessed via the Hart Highway 97 North off Hoferkamp Road. The Park includes the Nechako River cutbanks, and provides a scenic view of Prince George and surrounding landscapes. The creek is an important habitat for rainbow trout and provides valuable spawning beds.Sport fishing on the creek. only for people under 16 and over 65 years of age. A scenic 2.5 km trail system, starting at the main parking lot, winds through several ecosystems allowing an opportunity to view various different plant species. A shorter, and much easier, 1 km trail brings you directly to the lookout on the cutbanks. Facilities include a picnic table, toilets, interpretative signs regarding the geographic history of Prince George and a safe and scenic view of the city from the cutbanks.
Regional Park Ness Lake Regional Park is located 35 km northwest of Prince George via Highway 97 and Chief Lake Road. The 14 ha park has 1.2 km of trails within its boundaries. The trails provide an easy walk to view all of the wildlife and plant life of the park. A beach provides access to the lake. Facilities include picnic tables, fire pits, toilets, change houses and a beach with a designated swimming area.
Wilkins Regional Park Wilkins Regional Park is located 15 km west of Prince George via Otway Road. The 57 ha Park has a large system of trails offering scenic views of the enormous cottonwood trees, the Nechako River and at certain times of the year, salmon can be viewed moving up the river to spawn. Facilities include a picnic shelter with a wood burning stove, toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, a boat launch and a large area of lawn.
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All photos above were taken near Cottonwood Island Park in Prince George, B.C. – Matthew Kilkenny
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prince george & area
This porcupine was out for a stroll in the early evening near Chief Lake. He immediately climbed a tree and patiently waited until I left to carry on with his travels. – Barb Morin
This photo was taken on our property on North Nechako, beautiful and serene. – Jan Cassie
Fort George Canyon Provincial Park This small 178 hectare park consists of two parcels on either side of the Fraser River south of the city of Prince George. Public recreation opportunities and trail access is available on the west side of the river. A 4.8 km trail provides access to the west side of the river. The trailhead is located off West Lake Road, 24.5 km from Prince George via Highway 16 west and Blackwater Road. From the edge of the plateau down to the river, the trail is in the park. The park is not road or trail accessible from the east side.
This photo was taken at our house outside our kitchen window.. Prince George is a beautiful place to live. – Jan Cassie
Activities: Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Wildlife Viewing Facilities: Picnic Areas, Pit Toilets
Fraser River Provincial Park This 4,899 hectare provincial park is located on the west bank of the Fraser River. It is located on the west bank of the Fraser River, on Hwy 97 South, approximately 35 kms from Prince George. Activities: Horseback Riding, Hunting, Pets on Leash Facilities: None
West Lake Provincial Park West Lake is a day-use 256 hectares park where visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking. There is a volleyball net and horseshoe pit in the main day-use area. A group picnic site (capacity 100) with pit toilets and a picnic shelter with wood stove, horseshoe pits, fire circle and play field is available. The park is located 22 km southwest of Prince George on the Blackwater Road on the north shore of West Lake. Activities: Canoeing, Fishing, Hiking, Pets on Leash, Swimming, Waterskiing, Wildlife Viewing, Windsurfing
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You don’t have to go far to find wildlife. This picture was taken in my backyard in Prince George. – Barb Morin
Facilities: Boat Launch, Drinking Water, Picnic Areas, Pit and Flush Toilets, Wheelchair Access
Three Sisters Lake Provincial Park This 968 hectares park includes three small lakes and unique canyon features on Government Creek. The park is located approximately 35 km southeast of Prince George. Turn left on Stone Creek Road and travel east for about 7.5 km to the trail head. Activities: Canoeing, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting Facilities: None
prince george & area
These photos were taken in my backyard in Haldi Subdivision. We have amazing wildlife we can watch from our back porch. – Vera Huston
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prince george & area
The top photo was fun to try and photograph this Evening Grosbeak feasting on Saskatoons. The Prince George area is a photographers paradise, any time of the year! The butterfly below is a Lorquin’s Admiral butterfly. – Dollie Morgan
This photo was taken north of the city at my home in the Chief Lake Road area. The Gray Jay who is more affectionately known as the Whiskey Jack is not usually found within the city limits of Prince George. – Marcella Kyrein
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The butterfly above is a Red Admiral butterfly. – Dollie Morgan
prince george & area
This is the Fraser Canyon, where paddle wheelers used to come through. This is an enjoyable hike from West Lake road down the the canyon. – Cindy Peever Spring photo of grizzly bear cub eating along Highway 16 west of Prince George. – Cindy Peever
Taken between Vanderhoof and Prince George. Not too often you get to see a moose couple out for a stroll. – Cindy Peever
Ferguson Lake is fecund with fungi in the fall. A walk around the lake is sure to present you with many visually interesting treasures. Mushrooms, brackets and other fungi fairly explode from the landscape. – Marcella Kyrein
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prince george & area
I took this photo in our yard at Ness Lake 30 minutes northwest of Prince George. These two stayed around for an hour or so until our border collie began barking at them. – Mark Stofer
Dahl Lake Provincial Park Dahl Lake Provincial Park is a 1,583 hectares day-use park providing a wilderness atmosphere within an hours drive of Prince George. The park is located 60 km southwest of Prince George. The parking area is at Norman Lake 19 km south of Highway 16 on the Norman Lake road. Norman Lake road is 43 km west of Prince George. Activities: Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing Facilities: Picnic Areas, Pit Toilets
Bobtail Mountain Provincial Park The Bobtail Mountain trailhead is southeast of the park. This forest
service trail is about 5 km in length with a change in elevation of 470 metres. It meanders up along the southern park boundary to a south facing viewpoint at the summit of Bobtail Mountain, ending at a north facing viewpoint where a small hut has been built to provide shelter. The 1,360 hectare park is located about 55 km southwest of Prince George with access via the Gregg Creek forest service road. The nearest community, town or city is Prince George. Activities: Fishing, Hiking, Hunting Facilities: Cabins / Huts / Yurts
Giscome Portage Trail Protected Area Giscome Portage Trail is a desig-
Our dock at Ness Lake early morning in late summer. No better place to be. – Mark Stofer
nated Heritage Trail and a route approximately 8.5 km in length. Giscome Portage Trail is located 40 km North of Prince George and 6 km off Highway 97 North on Mitchell Road. There is also another access point where the trail comes out at Barney Creek Road (close to Summit Lake), which is 48 km North of Prince George on Highway 97. The closest communities, towns and cities are Prince George and Bear Lake. Activities: Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Pets on Leash,Wildlife Viewing Facilities: Pit Toilets
Eskers Provincial Park Encompassing 3,979 hectares of gently rolling terrain and many small
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lakes, the park conserves a portion of the 40 km long Stuart River Eskers Complex. Visitors can enjoy walking and hiking. The park is located 40 km northwest of Prince George. Turn west off highway 97 north onto Chief Lake Road. Continue west for 27 km (at km 12 Chief Lake Road turns into Ness Lake Road). At the west end of Ness Lake turn north onto Ness Lake Road North. Follow this road for 1 km to the Eskers Provincial Park entrance. Activities: Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Pets on Leash, Wildlife Viewing Facilities: Drinking Water, Picnic Areas, Pit Toilets, Wheelchair Access
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prince george & area
These photos were taken at Cluculz Lake, B.C. Left photo Ashley and I love to explore in our kayaks and Cluculz Lake provides the perfect water and scenery for this activity. We love it! Photo on right is Jenna catching frogs. The lake provides many activities for kids to explore and catch (and release) little creatures! – Lana Schulli
Tubing at Summit Lake is a favourite family summer past time! – Karen Brulotte
The Ramsay boys try their luck at the Square Lake dock in Crooked River Provincial Park ( Bear Lake ) The fish weren’t biting but the blueberries were great along the way. – Alan Ramsay
Crooked River Provincial Park Three beautiful lakes are contained within this 970 hectare park. Visitors like to hike to nearby Square Lake or along the willow-lined Crooked River. A natural feature in the park is Livingston Springs a cold water springs that run year round. The park is located 70 km north of Prince
George on Highway #97. This is approximately a one hour drive. The closest communities, towns and cities are Bear Lake and Prince George. Activities: Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Pets on Leash, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing, Windsurfing Facilties: Campfires, Drinking Water, Picnic Areas, Pet and Flush Toilets, Playground, Sani-Station/Dump, Showers, Vehicle Accessible Camping, Wheelchair Access
Purden Lake Provincial Park Purden Lake Provincial Park, on the north shore of Purden Lake, is dominated by the Cariboo Mountains to the south and the McGregor range of the Rockies to the north. This 2521 hectare park is located 64 km east of Prince George on the Yellowhead Highway #16.
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Activities: Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Pets on Leash, Swimming, Waterskiing, Wildlife Viewing, Windsurfing Facilties: Boat Launch, Campfires, Drinking Water, Picnic Areas, Pit and Flush Toilets, Playground, Sani-Station/Dump, Vehicle Accessible Camping, Wheelchair Access
WEST
of prince george
This photo is from the Stellako River area, west of Prince George. The river flows between Francois and Fraser Lake. It is a nice area for day hiking, camping and fly fishing. Jared Quarenghi hoists a junior Rainbow from the Stellako River. Photo taken by Mike Quarenghi. – Chiro Nomid
This photo was taken at Greer Creek Falls Forestry Hiking Trail by Vanderhoof, B.C. The colour of the moss on the side of the falls was breathtaking! The hike to the waterfall and a picnic site is great for a days outing for the whole family to enjoy. You can even take the trail to the top of the falls for an added bonus. – Leanne Otway
Photo taken at Finger Lake Resort. It signifies the beauty of the location and the reason anyone who has ever been there always returns. The left photo is near the end of the lake where we paddled our kayaks to see the pelicans that reside here. – Mike Hochachka
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WEST OF PRINCE GEORGE
The photo above was taken on Finger Lake near Vanderhoof. It is a remote lake that has the reward of seeing these pelicans when you paddle to the far end. Apparently the fishing is a treat too! In the photo on the left, this grizzly bear was sitting at the edge of Finger Creek outside of Vanderhoof. He was fishing and taking a break. Patience is needed when fishing apparently, no matter who or what you are. – Barb Morin
Finger-Tatuk Provincial Park 17,151 hectare Finger-Tatuk Provincial Park surrounds Finger and Tatuk Lakes and extends south to include the smaller Turff, Vance, Cory, Bodley, and Harp Lakes south of the Tatuk Hills. It is located 80 kilometres south of Vanderhoof and 115 kms southwest of Prince George. To access Finger Lake and the west end of Tatuk Lake, use the Kluskus forest service road near Vanderhoof. Access to the east end of Tatuk Lake is via the Pelican (Prince George) or Bobtail (Highway #16) Forest Service Roads. Activities: Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing,Hiking, Hunting, Pets on Leash, Swimming, Waterskiing, Wildlife Viewing, Windsurfing Facilities: Boat Launch, Cabins/Huts/ Yurts, Campfires, Pit and Flush Toilets, Vehicle
Accessible Camping, Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Nechako Canyon Protected Area The Nechako Canyon Protected Area includes the 7 km long Grand Canyon of the Nechako. Just outside the protected area off the Holy Cross Road, is the Cheslatta River Recreation Site. From the recreation site, a forest service trail follows the Cheslatta River to meet the the Nechako River at the 18 metre high Cheslatta Falls. The Cheslatta Falls hiking trail is 1.2 km one way. This 1,246 hectare protected area is located about 80 km southwest of Vanderhoof. Access is via the Holy Cross forest service road on the west side of the canyon, or the Kenney Dam Road to the east. Activites: Fishing, Hiking, Hunting Facilities: None
Stuart River Provincial Park Stuart River provides critical habitat for chinook and sockeye salmon as well as the endangered white sturgeon. It also serves as a habitat for moose, bear, smaller fur-bearers, and species such as swans, eagles, and bitterns. This 21,021 hectares park takes in three-quarters of the 110 km long Stuart River corridor between Fort St. James and the Nechako River. Road access to the corridor exists at several points but the most efficient access is by boat. Activites: Canoeing, Fishing, Hunting, Wildlife Viewing Facilities: None
Beaumont Provincial Park Beaumont Provincial Park lies within
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the Nechako Plateau bordered to the west and north by the Hazelton, Skeena and Omineca mountains. This 191.8 hecatre park offers a beautiful, sandy beach for swimming and sunbathing and a variety of facilities for water-oriented activities enhance visitor enjoyment. A 134 km drive west of Prince George on Highway 16. The closest communities, towns and cities are Vanderhoof, Fraser Lake and Fort Fraser. Activities: Canoing, Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Pets on Leash, Swimming, Waterskiing, Wildlife Viewing, Windsurfing Facilities: Boat Lauch, Campfires, Drinking Water, Picnic Areas, Pet and Flush Toilets, Playground, Sani-Station/Dump, Vehicle Accessible Camping, Wheelchair Access
WEST OF PRINCE GEORGE An evening campfire at Pinchi Bay on Stuart Lake, B.C. – Merv and Wencke Angelski
The Forest Service campsites are great places to relax and take in the views. This was taken in the Vanderhoof District. – Connie Gibson
Amelie swmming the sandy shoreline at Beaumont Provincial Park near Fraser Lake. – Karen Brulotte
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WEST OF PRINCE GEORGE
These photos above were taken at Stellako River, off Francois Lake. Beautiful colours in the fall, great catch and release fly fishing. Easy access is a bonus! – Cindy Peever This photo is of Hudsons Bay Mountain Evelyn Glacier. – Cindy Peever
Paarens Beach
Sowchea Bay
Provincial Park Situated on the south-west shore of beautiful Stuart Lake, Paarens Beach is a delightful small 43 hectare provincial park that few people outside of the area seem to know about. It is is located less than a two-hour drive northwest of Prince George on the south shore of Stuart Lake and about 11 kilometres from the community of Fort St. James. From Prince George take Highway #16 west one hundred kilometres to Vanderhoof, at which point it is another 54 kilometres north on Highway #27. Activities: Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Pets on Leash, Swimming, Waterskiing, Windsurfing Facilities: Boat Launch, Campfires, Drinking Water, Picnic Areas, Pit Toilets, Playground, Vehicle Accessible Camping, Wheelchair Access
Provincial Park This 13 hectare park is a busy destination for boaters and anglers, with a single lane concrete boat launch available with limited parking. From Prince George travel 100 km west on Highway 16 to Vanderhoof. From Vanderhoof travel 55 km north on Highway 27 to Fort St. James. From Fort St. James travel 20 km west on Sowchea Bay Road. Activities: Canoeing, Fishing, Pets on Leash, Swimming, Waterskiing, Windsurfing Facilities: Boat Launch, Campfires, Drinking Water, Pit Toilets, Vehicle Accessible Camping
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WEST OF PRINCE GEORGE
Mount Pope Provincial Park Mount Pope is a 2,030 hectare day-use park popular with hikers and rockclimbers. A 6.5 km hiking trail to the peak provides a panoramic view of Stuart Lake and the mountains to the north. Thirty-nine climbing routes have been documented. Mount Pope is located about 7 kms northwest of Fort St. James on the northeast side of Stuart Lake. Proceed through Fort St. James on Stuart Drive W and turn left (west) on Stones Bay Road. The trailhead parking lot is 4 kms down Stones Bay Road on the right. Activities: Climbing, Cycling, Hiking, Hunting, Wildlife Viewing Facilities: None
Paaren’s Beach campground in Fort St. James: The sunsets, sandy beaches and the sheer vastness of Stuart Lake rivals Mexico. – Tana Woodward
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WEST OF PRINCE GEORGE
Just another day taking the dogs for a hike at the pristine T’slicko Falls in Fort St. James B.C., observing the smallest of the salmon family the Kokane as they make their final journey up the falls. Left photo includes Levi Lukeniuk with his dogs Willow and Sampson. Top right photo includes Amanda Schemenauer and her dog Sampson. – Amanda Schemenauer
Stuart Lake Marine Provincial Park Stuart Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in the province at 90 km long with 270 km of shoreline. The community of Fort St. James is located on the southeast end. The main body of the lake is between 6 to 10 km wide and is road accessible at many locations. 32 km northwest of Fort St. James on the north shore of Stuart Lake; road access from Fort St. James is 30 km on Tachie Road and south 2 km to the lake on Hibiscus Road.
Activities: Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Hunting, Pets on Leash, Swimming Facilities: Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Mudzenchoot Provincial Park This 644 hectare park is located about 90 km northwest of Fort St. James. The nearest road access is the Witch forest service road off the Germansen Landing North road. Activities: Fishing, Hunting, Pets on Leash Facilities: None
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This picture was taken while steelhead fishing on the Bulkley River near Smithers, B.C. I would recommend it to others because this is a beautiful scenic part of B.C. and to have the added benefit of enjoying the outdoors for all 4 seasons either fly fishing, hiking, golfing or skiing and snowshoeing in the winter is a wonderful privilege. – Ron Fujino
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WEST OF PRINCE GEORGE
These photos were taken at Great Beaver Lake. It’s a great place to go camping with family and friends. My granddaughter Maddie and my husband Wayne and I enjoyed paddling up the river, which is an easy paddle from the campsite. – Dollie Morgan
Big Dipper over the outhouse. Night or day, one is not at a loss for spectacular sights in central British Columbia! I took this photo in my hay meadow after a long day baling hay in my meadow overlooking Mollice Lake, south of Francois Lake. – Mike Robertson
“The Heart Bear” Bears and other wildlife are a common sight in the Central Interior. I snapped this photo from my front porch, when this young black bear with a big heart, paid a visit to my home on Mollice Lake, south of Burns Lake. – Mike Robertson
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WEST OF PRINCE GEORGE
I would recommend boating on Ootsa Lake and taking the Portage over into the White Sail. They both are beautiful Lakes to be boating and fishing in and watching the scenery. – Mary Weselowski
I would reommend people come out and watch the people of Morris Town fish. Do some camping or just sight see for the day. –Mary Weselowski
I would recommend White Swan Park in Fraser Lake to everyone. It is a beautiful park and has a great boat launch and long wharf to walk out on and watch the seagulls. It is a great place to park your RV, boating or just have a picnic, walk the dog, swim or take in the summer sun. – Mary Weselowski
Top left photo is in Preistly, an old CN place, You can take a hike and look at the old houses and go into Richmond Lake for a day of fishing or just to go camping. In the photo below is Chesalata Falls. The falls are beautiful and the trail off of the main road to the alls is a great hike. Great place for a picnic or a wiener roast or go camping. –Mary Weselowski
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NORTH
of prince george
This eagle is a resident of Carp Lake, situated north of Macleod Lake, BC. The fishing is unbelievable and campground very comfortable with incredible views. – Christine Souka
Kimiko holding fish caught by Mom and Grandpa at Davie Lake, B.C. – Merv and Wencke Angelski
This is Gantahaz Lake in Mackenzie, BC. The tranquility of the surroundings is unbelievable. Loons, beavers, eagles and water so clear you can see the tadpoles swimming around! – Christine Souka
John Dahl Regional Park John Dahl Regional Park is located within the District of Mackenzie. The Regional Park contains the 2.2 km long Barb Dahl trail, the 1.5 km long Dick Dauphinee trail, and viewpoints overlooking Morfee Lakes. There is also a playground area for children. Trails remain open year round and provide walking/hiking experiences in spring, summer and fall.
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NORTH OF PRINCE GEORGE
North of Prince George, B.C. Slender Lake in October. Photos taken by Len Shankel
Whiskers Point Provincial Park This 116 hectare park features a beautiful sandy beach, representation of the wet, cool sub-boreal spruce forest. Located 130 km north of Prince George on Highway 97. Communities close to this park include Mackenzie, Mcleod Lake, Bear Lake and Prince George. Activities: Canoeing, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Pets on Leash, Swimming, Waterskiing, Wildlife Viewing, Windsurfing Facilities: Boat Launch, Campfires, Drinking Water, Picnic Areas, Pit and Flush Toilets, Playground, Vehicle Accessible Camping, Wheelchair Access
Carp Lake Provincial Park This 38,149 hectare park includes Carp Lake, nearby War Lake, numerous smaller lakes and streams, and the 8-kilometre waterway that connects Carp and War Lakes and forms the beginning of the McLeod River. A walk to War Lake brings visitors to War Falls, a spectacular cascade of water that comprises two distinct waterfalls separated by about 100 metres of rushing, white water. Carp Lake Park is two hours drive northwest of Prince George. The main access road to the park joins Highway 97 (the John Hart Highway) at the community of McLeod Lake, 141 km north of Prince George. It
is 32 km from McLeod Lake to the Carp Lake campground. Activities: Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Pets on Peash, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing Facilities: Boat Launch, Campfires, Drinking Water, Group Camping, Picnic Areas, Pit Toilets, Playground, Sani-Station/ Dump, Vehicle Accessible Camping, Walk-In / Wilderness Camping
Tudyah Lake Provincial Park This 56 hectare park is located 9 km north of McLeod Lake on Highway 97. Tudyah Lake lies in a wide, open section of the Rocky Mountain Trench, just before highway 39 branches off toward Mackenzie. Activities: Canoeing, Fishing, Hiking, Pets on Leash, Swimming, Waterskiing Facilities: Boat Launch, Campfires, Drinking Water, Group Camping, Picnic Areas, Pit Toilets, Vehicle Accessible Camping, Wheelchair Access
Bijoux Falls Provincial Park Bijoux Falls Provincial Park is a day use park only. This 40 hectare park is located 44 km north of McLeod Lake on Highway 97. The nearest communities, towns and cities are Prince George, MacKenzie, Chetwynd and McLeod Lake. Activities: Hiking, Pets on Leash, Wildlife Viewing
Facilities: Picnic Areas, Pit Toilets, Wheelchair Access
Pine Le Moray Provincial Park Tucked amidst the rugged Hart Ranges of the Rocky Mountains, Pine Le Moray Provincial Park and Protected Area provides scenic splendor and a welcome retreat for visitors travelling the Hart Highway. This 43,245 hectare park and protected area is located on the east and west slopes of the continental divide, 70 km southwest of Chetwynd and 50 km northeast of McLeod Lake. The park’s northern and northwestern boundary is adjacent to Highway 97 near Pine Pass. The park can also be accessed via a forest service road on the east side along Le Moray Creek. Activities: Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Pets on Leash, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing Facilities: Campfires, Drinking Water, Picnic Areas, Vehicle Accessible Camping, Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Heather - Dina Lakes Provincial Park This 5,786 hectare park is comprised of mature, mixed forest and is dotted with numerous, small lakes. The Parsnip West Forest Service Road (PWFSR) can be reached from Highway 39 by heading north from
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the closest community of Mackenzie for approximately 10km. There are two main entry points into the park, both of which are accessed from the PWFSR. A sign near the 25km marker of the PWFSR indicates the turnoff to Heather Lake and the site is located less than 1km from the turnoff. The Dina Lake site is also marked with a sign and is located approximately 31km on the PWFSR. Activities: Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Pets on Leash, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing Facilities: Boat Launch, Campfires, Picnic Areas, Pet Toilets, Vehicle Accessible Camping, Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Bocock Peak Provincial Park This 1,143 hectare park is a remote, high elevation park located on the continental divide in the headwaters of the Peace River. It contains distinct geological features such as limestone cave systems and preserves important wildlife habitat. Located south of the Peace Arm of Williston Lake and adjacent to Eleven Mile Creek, approximately 70 km west of Hudson’s Hope. There are no designated trails to this remote area. Activities: Caving, Cycling, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Wildlife Viewing Facilities: Campfires, Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
NORTH OF PRINCE GEORGE
Moberly Lake Provincial Park Moberly Lake Provincial Park is situated on the southern shore of Moberly Lake which is situated on the boundary between the Rocky Mountain foothills to the west and the Peace plateau to the east. This 98 hectare park is located approximately 25 kilometres northwest of Chetwynd on Highway #29; 3 km paved road access. Activities: Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Pets on Leash, Swimming, Waterskiing, Windsurfing Facilities: Boat Launch, Campfires, Drinking Water, Picnic Areas, Pet Toilets, Playground, Sani-Station/Dump, Vehicle Accessible Camping, wheelchair Access
Pine River Breaks Provincial Park
This 615 hectare park is located on the north side of the Pine River, approximately halfway between the District of Chetwynd and East Pine River, near Sundance Lakes on Highway 97. The site is several kilometres north of Mount Wartenbe in the extreme southern portion of the Peace Lowlands. Access is via
Highway 97, and south at Sundance Lakes along a trail through private property, or through Sundance Pit Road that leads towards a trail on crown land and into the park. Visitors can also access the area by using the boat launch located at East Pine Provincial Park and boating up the Pine River. Activities: Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Pets on Leash, Wildlife Viewing Facilities: Campfires, Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
East Pine Provincial Park Situated near the junction of the East Pine and Murray Rivers in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, East Pine Provincial Park provides visitors with fishing, canoeing and boating opportunities on both rivers. Located 30 km east of Chetwynd on Highway 97. Activities: Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Pets on Leash Facilities: Boat Launch, Campfires
Gwillim Lake Provincial Park Gwillim Lake Provincial Park provides a peaceful outdoor experience. This 32,326 hectare park is located 56 km southeast of Chetwynd; take Highway 29 south off Highway 97 (paved access). Activities: Canoeing, Climbing, Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Pets on Leash, Scuba Diving, Swimming, Waterskiing, Wildlife Viewing, Windsurfing Facilities: Boat Launch, Campfires, Drinking Water, Picnic Areas, Pit Toilets, Playground, Vehicle Accessible Camping, Walk-In/Wilderness Camping, Wheelchair Access
Sukunka Falls Provincial Park Three sets of falls are located in the park, the northernmost being the most impressive of the series. Unique viewing opportunities are offered of the Sukunka Falls and rapids from roadside locations. This 360 hectare park is located approximately 45 km south of Chetwynd via the Chetwynd-Tumbler Ridge Highway and the Sukunka Forest Service road. At km 21 of the Sukunka Forest
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Service road, there is a pullout which provides visitors with a good view of the falls, rapids and surrounding parkland. Activities: Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Pets on Leash, Wildlife Viewing Facilities: Campfires, Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Hole-in-the-Wall Provincial Park Hole-In-The-Wall Provincial Park is named after the resurgence spring which emerges from a limestone rock wall. Visitors will be amazed by the size and sheer volume of water. This 137 hectare park is located 50 km along the Sukunka Forest Service Road. The closest communities, towns and cities are Tumbler Ridge and Chetwynd. Activities: Hiking, Horseback Riding, Pets on Leash, Wildlife Viewing Facilities: Campfires, Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
NORTH OF PRINCE GEORGE
The berries in the Mackenzie area in August and September are amazing. Blueberries are so plentiful and easy to access it takes no time to fill a bucket with plump big blueberries, and maybe eat a few. – Mark Fercho
Photos above are taken at Williston Lake.During the first few months of summer, Williston Lake, which is the largest lake in BC and a reservoir is lower, and many of the shores are sand. There are many kilometers of private sandy beach available for adventures and fun. Kids can play on sandy cut banks, or enjoy a private beach where the only other tracks in the sand may be from a big wolf! – Mark Fercho
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This photo was taken driving along the ridge on top of Morfee Mountain. You can drive from in town Mackenzie to the top of Morfee Mountain in less than 20 minutes on a good road, then be able to drive along the mountain top or get out of your vehicle and enjoy mountain top hiking or a picnic. It is a lot of fun on a hot summer day! – Mark Fercho
NORTH OF PRINCE GEORGE
Bearhole Lake Provincial Park and Protected Area This 17460 hectare park and clear water lake definitely has a lot to offer. It is located 25 km east of Tumbler Ridge on the Alberta Plateau. Access is via 20 km west along the Kiskatinaw Forest Service Road You can access the Forestry Road from the Heritage Highway. Activities: Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing Facilities: Boat Launch, Campfires, Picnic Areas, Pit Toilets, Vehicle Accessible Camping, Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Monkman Provincial Park Monkman Provincial Park, nestled in the Hart Ranges of the Central Rocky Mountains and Foothills, covers 62,867 hectares. It is located on the Murray River Road, 60 kilometres south of Tumbler Ridge. Several roads provide access to this community. Turn south off highway 97 at Chetwynd onto Highway 29, or turn south off of Highway 97 onto highway 52 approximately 17 km west of Dawson Creek. Activities: Caving, Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Pets on Leash, Wildlife Viewing Facilities: Campfires, Drinking Water, Picnic Areas, Pit Toilets, Vehicle Accessible Camping, Walk-In/Wilderness Camping, Wheelchair Access
This photo is from Kinuseo Falls in Monkman Provincial Park, south of Tumbler Ridge. A beautiful area in the northern Rockies with many hiking and camping options. Rya Quarenghi feeling the spray at the bottom of Kinuseo Falls. Photo taken by Mike Quarenghi – Chrio Nomid
Wapiti Lake Provincial Park This 16,809 hectare park is located about 60 km south of Tumbler Ridge in the upper portions of the Wapiti River drainage. It is accessed via the Ojay Main Road. Follow this road to kilometre 29 and turn right onto the 2500 road (at approx 25 km) a road that leads to an old well site. The trail starts at the southwest corner of this site. The trail is approximately 19 km and follows the north side of the Wapiti River and the shores of a few smaller lakes. A view of Wapiti Falls can be achieved by following a short 200 metre trail off the main trail at kilometre 7.
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Activities: Canoeing, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Pets on Leash, Wildlife Viewing Facilities: Cabins/Huts/Yurts, Campfires Pet Toilets, Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
One Island Lake Provincial Park Located in the Alberta Plateau, this small 59 hectare park is situated by a clear lake noted for its fishing opportunities. Located 60 km southeast of Dawson Creek. Take Hwy #2 east of Dawson Creek for 30 km and look for the Park signs. Activities: Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Pets on Leash, Scuba Diving, Swimming, Waterskiing, Windsurfing Facilities: Boat Launch, Campfires, Drinking Water, Picnic Areas, Pit Toilets, Playground, Vehicle Accessible Camping
Swan Lake Provincial Park A small picturesque lakeshore 82 hectare park that offers boating, swimming, a grassy campground and day-use area, baseball diamonds and playground area. Located 35 kilometres southeast of Dawson Creek, 2 km gravel access off Highway #2. Activities: Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Pets on Leash, Scuba Diving, Swimming, Waterskiing, Windsurfing Facilities: Boat Launch, Campfires, Drinking Water, Picnic Areas, Pit Toilets, Playground, Vehicle Accessible Camping, Wheelchair Access
Kiskatinaw Provincial Park This 58 hectare park is located along the banks of the Kiskatinaw River on the original Alaska Highway, near a historic wooden curved trestle bridge. Located 28 km north of Dawson Creek off Highway 97 (Alaska Highway) on the Old Alaska Highway. Activities: Cycling, Fishing, Pets on Leash, Swimming Facilities: Campfires, Drinking Water, Picnic Areas, Pit Toilets, Playground, Vehicle Accessible Camping
NORTH OF PRINCE GEORGE
Kiskatinaw River Protected Area Visitors to Kiskatinaw River Protected Area will enjoy the scenic grasslands and have a good opportunity to view wildlife. The 198 hectare protected area is located at the confluence of the Kiskatinaw and Peace Rivers about 10 km from the Alberta border. There is no road access to this park. Activities: Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing Facilities: None
Taylor Landing Provincial Park This 2.4 hectare park is located at Mile 36 of the Alaska Highway, 1 kilometre south of the community of Taylor on the south side of the Taylor Bridge. Activities: Canoeing, Fishing, Pets on Leash Facilities: Campfires
Butler Ridge Provincial Park Located on the north shore of
Williston Lake’s Peach Reach, this 6024 hectare park provides boat access to B.C.’s largest man-made lake. The hiking along Butler Ridge is spectacular. The ridge itself extends 15 km south to north throughout the entire length of the park and is accessed via a trail on the park’s south side. Located 40 km west of Hudson’s Hope off Highway 29; gravel road access. Activities: Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Pets on Leash, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing Facilities: Boat Launch, Campfires, Pit Toilets, Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Playground, Vehicle Accessible Camping, Wheelchair Access
Beatton River Provincial Park This 186 hecatre park is located at the confluence of the Beatton and Peace Rivers. The park is approximately 40 km from Fort St. John. Visitors to the area can best access the park by boat. Activities: Canoeing, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Pets on Leash, Wildlife Viewing Facilities: None
Peace River Corridor
Beatton Provincial Park This 320 hectare park is a popular summer recreation destination for swimming, fishing and hiking, located on the shores of Charlie Lake. It is 13 km northwest of Fort St. John off Highway #97 on the 244 road, approximately a 20 minute drive. Activities: Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Pets on Leash, Swimming, Waterskiing, Windsurfing Facilities: Boat Launch, Campfires, Drinking Water, Picnic Areas, Pit Toilets,
Provincial Park Peace River Corridor Provincial Park protects a series of islands within the Peace River Canyon as well as some scenic grassland habitats on the Peace River shoreline. The three distinct areas are the Peace River Corridor Island Site, Wak’anaahtaah, and Alces River. This 2014 hectare park is located 40 km southeast of Fort St. John along a section of the Peace River 25 km upstream of the Alberta border. Road access is via Highway 97 and rural roads.
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Activities: Canoeing, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Pets on Leash, Wildlife Viewing Facilities: Campfires, Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Charlie Lake Provincial Park This 176 hectare park is situated on the southwestern shore of 13 km long Charlie Lake. Covering some 92 hectares, the park lies within the rolling landscape of the Interior Plains. It is located 11 km north of Fort St. John at the junction of the Alaska Highway and Highway 29. Activities: Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Pets on Leash, Swimming Facilities: Boat Launch, Campfires, Drinking Water, Picnic Areas, Pit Toilets, Playground, Sani-Station/Dump, Vehicle Accessible Camping, Wheelchair Access
SOUTH
of prince george Hixon is a great place to spend time in the summer. The Navor Creek has some great swim spots and the kids have to climb the cutbanks. The Hixon Falls is a great place to swim or try your luck fishing. – Pat Suter
A drive to Barkerville will almost always guarantee seeing some wildlife. – Pat Suter
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SOUTH OF PRINCE GEORGE
Ten Mile Lake Provincial Park Ten Mile Lake is a very popular recreational destination for local residents and visitors. A 2-km nature trail to a large beaver pond, through forest and along an abandoned rail road is very rewarding to hike. This 260 hectare park is approximately 12 km north of Quesnel on Highway #97. Activities: Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Pets on Leash, Swimming, Waterskiing Facilities: Boat Launch, Campfires, Drinking Water, Picnic Areas, Pit and Flush Toilets, Playground, Sani-Station/Dump, Showers, Vehicle Accessible Camping, Wheelchair Access
Pinnacles Provincial Park Pinnacles Provincial Park comprises approximately 124 hectares of pine forest overlooking Baker Creek. From the Pinnacles viewpoint, visitors enjoy the unique formation of “Hoodoos”. The park is located 8 km from downtown Quesnel. It can be accessed via Pinnacles Road (paved) in west Quesnel off of Highway 97. Activities: Hiking, Pets on Leash, Wildlife
Viewing
Facilities: Pit Toilet
This photo is from Dragon Lake in Quesnel. It is a lake home to a wide variety of bird species and provides anglers with an opportunity for trophy sized Rainbow Trout. Jason Sacher poses with a chunky Dragon Rainbow on a beautiful fall afternoon. Photo taken by Mike Quarenghi
Puntchesakut Lake Provincial Park Puntchesakut Lake Provincial Park comprises approximately 38 hectares of gently rolling aspen forest. Located on the east side of Puntchesakut Lake, the park offers 1200 metres of waterfront, including a beautiful stretch of sandy beach. The park is located approximately 40 km west of Quesnel. It can be accessed via Nazko Road (wellmaintained and paved), and the trip takes approximately 25 minutes. Activities: Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Pets on Leash, Swimming, Waterskiing Facilities: Boat Launch, Campfires, Drinking Water, Picnic Areas, Pit Toilets
Kluskoil Lake Provincial Park This 15,548 hectare wilderness park is located 100 km northwest of Quesnel. To get there, travel 10 km west on the Nazko Highway to the Bouchie Lake School. Turn right onto the Blackwater Road until it joins the Batnuni Road. Follow the
Batnuni Road, and turn off to the left at the 108 km mark. This track will lead to the upper crossing of the Euchiniko River (at the south end of Titetown Lake). This crossing is several feet deep most of the year, and even higher during spring runoff. From here one can travel 18 km to Kluskoil Lake on the Alexander
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Mackenzie Heritage Trail Lake by foot, horseback, mountain bike, ATV or high clearance 4x4. Kluskoil Lake can also be accessed by float plane. Activities: Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding,Hutning, Pets on Leash, Swimming Facilities: Pit Toilets, Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
SOUTH OF PRINCE GEORGE This photo of a golden eagle in flight in the rain was taken on Ahbua Lake. I watched this eagle fly by many times before finally getting a shot of him and his great presence. Ahbau lake is great place to kayak since the water levels are very low and keeps most power boats off the lake due to rocks that lurk below the water and some many weeds and shallow areas. It is a great place to view wildlife. – Mike Hochachka
Nazko Lake Provincial Park This is a 12,419 hectare wilderness park, offering a two to three day wilderness canoe circuit, along with three rustic, vehicle-access campgrounds at Summit, Loomis and Deerpelt Lakes. The park is located in the northern part of the Chilcotin Plateau northwest of Alexis Creek. Access is on logging roads and a dirt track. Nazko Lake Park Access: Take Highway 20 west from Williams Lake. Pass through the village of Alexis Creek (111 km from Williams Lake). Bull Canyon Park is six km further on. At the top of the hill past this small park, look for the Alexis Lakes Road and turn right. Travel approximately 32 km on the Alexis Lakes Road then turn left onto the 4600 Road (Clusko-Aneko Forest Service Road). The road to Loomis Lake and the Nazko Lake Canoe Chain is at kilometre 11.5, on the right, just past the 4645 marker sign. Loomis Lake is 11 km from the 4600 Road, and Deerpelt Lake, where the Canoe Chain starts, is about another 2.5 km. Alternate Route: Travelling west on Highway 20 approximately 67 km west of Williams Lake (or 21 km west of Riske Creek), turn right on the 1300 Road (also called Bush Road or Alex Graham/Raven Lake Forest Service Road). Continue on the 1300 Road for approximately 44 km. Just past the 45 marker sign on the 1300 Road turn left onto the 4600 Road. Travel for 45.5 km. The access road to the Nazko Lake Canoe Chain is on
the right, just past the 4645 marker sign. Continue as above. Activities: Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Pets on Leash, Swimming Facilities: Boat Launch, Campfires, Pit Toilets, Vehicle Accessible Camping, Walk-In/ Wilderness Camping
Bull Canyon Provincial Park Bull Canyon is a small campground along Highway 20, ideal for visitors travelling in the Chilcotin. The park is located in a beautiful canyon, with the glacier blue Chilcotin River flowing past the campground. Six kilometres west of the community of Alexis Creek, off Highway 20. The nearest communities, towns and cities are Alexis Creek, Redstone, Hanceville and Williams Lake. Activities: Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Pets on Leash Facilities: Campfires, Drinking Water, Picnic Areas, Pit Toilets, Vehicle Accessible Camping, Wheelchair Access
This was taken on Ahbau Lake from my kayak during the pouring rain weekend (summer). We called this trip the Stages of Rain tour on this day trip of 27kms in the rain. It was worth it to see this amazing animal. – Mike Hochachka
White Pelican Provincial Park Stum Lake, within White Pelican Provincial Park, is closed to the public from March 1 - August 31 every year to protect the White Pelican nesting colony. This colony of American White Pelicans is the only nesting colony in British Columbia. This 2763 hectare park is located approximately 60 km northwest of Williams Lake on the Chilcotin Plateau. Facilities: None
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This photo was taken in Quesnel in Feb , as the eagle flies, 2.7 Km south of Dragon Lake. The neighbour lost a Alpaca and this was the reason “Eddy the Eagle” showed up. I took this opportunity and setup my gamecam and found lots of activity, coyote’s,fox,ravens and of course the eagle. – Hans Van Der Haas
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SOUTH OF PRINCE GEORGE
This is The Quesnel Lake wetlands. There is a wonderful hike called the Cameron Ridge Trail, which leads you to this outstanding view of the wetlands, above the north arm of Quesnel Lake. It’s really something different, and I would recommend checking it out. – Dollie Morgan
Bowron Lake
Cariboo Mountains
Provincial Park Bowron Lake Park is a large wilderness area situated on the western slopes of the Cariboo Mountain Range. The world-renowned Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit encompasses a 116 km chain of lakes, waterways and connecting portages. This wilderness canoe trip takes from 6 to 10 days to complete, depending on your time frame and skill level. For those looking for a shorter trip, the west side of the circuit can be paddled in 2 to 4 days. Bowron Lake Park is located about 120 kilometres east of Quesnel. Drive north on Highway 97 through Quesnel, then follow signs onto Highway 26, which leads through Wells. Approximately 1km before the historic townsite of Barkerville, turn left onto the Bowron Lake Road. From there it’s another 27 km to the park entrance on a wide, well-graded dirt road where a 25 unit frontcountry campground and the 116 km wilderness canoe circuit are located. Activities: Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Pets on Leash, Swimming Facilities: Boat Launch, Cabins/Huts/ Yurts, Campfires, Drinking Water, Group Camping, Pit Toilets, Vehicle Accessible Camping, Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Provincial Park This 113,469 hectare park is located northeast of Likely and east of Quesnel. The Ghost Lake camping area can be accessed by travelling to Barkerville from Quesnel via Highway 26, and then taking the 3100 Forestry Road (gravel) from Barkerville. The park is located approximately 70 km (allow 1.5 hours) from Barkerville on the 3100 road. This is an active logging road: please drive cautiously with headlights on. Turn left onto a sign-posted 4-km access road, which leads to the camping area.Another route to Ghost Lake is via Likely (about 90 km). The 8400 Road (Cariboo Lake Road) from Likely leads north past Cariboo Lake, and eventually connects up with the 3100 Road. Follow this to the Ghost Lake turnoff (signed), turn right and drive another 4 km to the campsite. The park can also be accessed from the McBride Valley via the Castle Creek Forest Service Road, which leads up Castle Creek and ends about 5 km from the park boundary. Cariboo Mountains Provincial Park can also be accessed from Quesnel Lake by boat or along logging roads. Activities: Canoeing, Fishing, Hunting, Pets on Leash, Swimming Facilities: Campfires, Pit Toilet, Vehicle Accessible Camping, Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Cariboo River
Another beautiful day on Quesnel Lake. This shows the Twain Islands in the distance. Quesnel Lake, south of Prince George, is the deepest fjord lake in the world! I recommend a visit! – Dollie Morgan
Provincial Park This 3,211 hectare park is a wilderness are.a The waterfalls, old-growth and estuaries at this park can be accessed via canoe or power boat. Vehicle access is on logging roads from Likely or Barkerville in snow free months only. The park is located approximately 90 km from the town of Likely on the 8400 Road or 70 km from the town of Barkerville on the 3100 Road. Please drive with caution on these active logging roads. Use your headlights at all times. The closest communities, towns and cities are Wells, Likely, Barkerville, Quesnel and Williams Lake. Activities: Canoeing, Fishing, Hunting Facilities: Boat Launch, Campfires, WalkIn/Wilderness Camping
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Cedar Point Provincial Park Cedar Point Park is 8 hectares and situated on Quesnel Lake, six km from the town of Likely. Drive to Likely via 150 Mile House (120 km northeast) or via McLeese Lake (about 120 km due east) off Hwy 97. The park is 6 km beyond Likely. The closest communities, towns and cities are Likely, Horsefly and Williams Lake. Activities: Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Pets on Leash, Swimming, Waterskiing Facilities: Boat Launch, Campfires, Drinking Water, Group Camping, Picnic Areas, Pit Toilets, Playground, Sani-Station/ Dump, Vehicle Accessible Camping, Wheelchair Access
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SOUTH OF PRINCE GEORGE
This picture was taken on St Marie’s lake, just south of Prince George. These curious little otters were just a small part of the beautiful scenery so close to town. – Barb Morin
This picture was taken on the side of a building at Bowron lake. If you look closely there is a little mouse sitting in between the baby sparrows. This is one of the beautiful areas I have kayaked. I would recommend it to everyone. – Barb Morin
Horsefly Lake
On the way to Wells B.C. there was a small pond with this moose cooling off. She wasn’t eating, just taking it easy in the great outdoors. – Barb Morin
Provincial Park This is a large, deep lake and is usually fished on a troll – included are a number of smaller lakes excellent for fly-fishing. This 148 hectare park is located on Horsefly Lake, approximately 65 km from 150 Mile House off Highway 97; 55 km of the route is paved, and 10 km is well-maintained gravel. The closest community is Horsefly, located 13 km southwest
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of the park. Other communities are Likely and Williams Lake. Activities: Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Pets on Leash, Scuba Diving, Swimming, Waterskiing, Wildlife Viewing, Windsurfing Facilities: Boat Launch, Campfires, Drinking Water, Picnic Areas, Pit Toilets, Playground, Showers, Vehicle Accessible Camping, Walk-In/ Wilderness Camping, Wheelchair Access
SOUTH OF PRINCE GEORGE
Enjoying a dip in Raven Lake with my son after a long hike. This is a beautiful backpacking trip I would recommend to anyone. – Keith Warkentin
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Raven Lake! Took my son on his first overnight backpacking trip. An amazing hike with amazing views. Love Northern B.C.! – Keith Warkentin
EAST
of prince george
Cedarside Regional Park Cedarside Regional Park is 18.5 ha in size and is located 3 km south of Valemount on Little Cranberry Lake. Facilities include a large parking area, toilets, picnic tables, fire pits and easy access to a large sandy beach.
George Hicks Regional Park George Hicks Regional Park is 2.5 ha in size and is located at Valemount, BC along Swift Creek. The Park has a small trail and lookout platform that provides excellent salmon viewing opportunities in late July to mid August. The Chinook Salmon come from the Pacific Ocean, up the Fraser River and then enter Swift Creek to spawn.Facilities at George Hicks include bus parking, an information kiosk, picnic tables, toilets and a viewing platform.
Koeneman Regional Park Koeneman Regional Park is located in McBride. The 4.5 ha park provides a pastoral picture on the east side of the Fraser River. A notable feature is the dovetail cornered log house. Facilities include picnic tables, fire pits, toilets, and a large open field. A new picnic shelter is under construction.
This photo was taken on the McBride highway. Many times, when we travel on the Yellowhead Highway, we will see bears digging up ant hills along the side of the road. I encourage everyone to get out and enjoy our beautiful country, you'll never know what's around the next bend in the road. – Dollie Morgan
Our family was truly wowed by the massive trees and beauty of the Ancient Forest. Such a hidden gem near our city! Left photo Adree hikes through the fern-lined Ancient Forest trail. Right photo is an amazing example of the gigantic Ancient Forest old growth trees. – Karen Brulotte
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This photo was taken at the Ancient Forest just east of Prince George. The hike is beautiful but it’s the waterfalls at the end that will keep you coming back. Fabulous British Columbia. – Bonnie Anderson
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EAST OF PRINCE GEORGE
We decided to snow shoe up to Kinney Lake which is in Mount Robson Park. We never get tired of the scenery,it is as beautiful in the winter as it is in the summer, if you are on route to Edmonton highway 16, take a hour out of your drive and hike up the trail to Kinney Lake, it is an easy hike the whole family can do. – Dianne Mickelson
A bull elk stands proudly while being photographed just east of McBride – Wes Seykora
Sugarbowl - Grizzly Den Provincial Park & Protected Area The area includes a developed trail system that offers popular alpine backcountry recreation opportunities close to Prince George. This 24,765 hectare park is located about 95 km southeast of Prince George on Highway 16. To access both the Grizzly Den Trail and Raven Lake Trail drive east following Highway 16 to Hungary Creek, a distance of approximately 88 km from the east end of the Yellowhead Bridge in Prince George. As you travel along Highway 16 east you will pass by the Sugarbowl Trailhead (80 km) and the Viking Ridge Trailhead (85 km), both within the boundaries of Sugarbowl - Grizzly Den Provincial Park. About .3 kms past Hungary Creek, turn right on to the Hungary Creek Forest Road and drive south keeping on the main road. After about 13 kms you will reach the Grizzly Den Trailhead parking lot, and about 2.6 km beyond this park-
ing lot you will reach the Raven Lake Trailhead parking lot. Activities: Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Wildlife Viewing Facilities: Cabins/Huts/Yurts, Walk-In/ Wilderness Camping
Evanoff Provincial Park This park protects one of the most remarkable caves, the nationally significant Fang Cave complex, which includes the ninth longest cave in Canada. Other caves include the Tooth Decave and Window on the West. Fang Trail: 6 km hiking trail, access to alpine lakes. Torpy Trail: 1.5 km hiking trail, access to small alpine lake from high elevation forest road east of Pass Lake. The 1,473 hectare park is located approximately 121 km east of Prince George along Highway 16, the Bowron Forest Service Road and Pass Lake Road in the McGregor Mountains. Prince George is the closest community, town or city.
There are two points to access the park; one from the west end just to the north of Pass Lake and one from the Upper Torpy Road and then through a logging block up to the south boundary. Activities: Caving, Hiking, Hunting, Wildlife Viewing Facilities: Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Arctic Pacific Lakes Provincial Park The main feature of the 13, 887 hectare park is three small lakes that straddle the Continental Divide in a narrow, steep-sided glacial overflow channel. This protected area is located in a remote area 90 km Northeast of Prince George. A logging road in the Parsnip Valley provides access to within a short distance of the park, boat access is also possible via the Parsnip River and Arctic Creek. Activities: Canoeing, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Swimming Facilities: Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
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Close To The Edge Provincial Park and Protected Area This park protects the internationally significant Close To The Edge cave, which has the deepest shaft and is the third deepest overall cave (472m) in Canada. This 702 hectare park/protected area is located approximately 160 km northeast of Prince George, and is accessible via the Pass Lake forest service road to Gleason creek. Activities: Caving, Hiking, Hunting Facilities: None
Slim Creek Provincial Park This 506 hectare park is located along highway 16, approximately 110 kms east of Prince George. The closest communities are Prince George and McBride. Activities: Fishing, Hunting Facilities: None
EAST OF PRINCE GEORGE
Erg Mountain Provincial Park Erg Mountain has been a hiking destination, and offers an excellent viewpoint of the Upper Fraser Valley and surrounding mountains. The entrance to this 10,011 hectare park is about 5 km west of Crescent Spur, about 165 km east of Prince George along the Yellowhead (Highway 16) corridor approximately 500 m west of Catfish Creek. Erg Mountain Provincial Park is close to the Ptarmigan Creek Protected Area, and the two parks share the same access road and trailhead. The trailhead is 8 km in from Highway 16. Activities: Fishing, Hiking, Wildlife Viewing Facilities: Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Ptarmigan Creek Provincial Park and Protected Area This 4,6333 hectare park protects an entire watershed and habitat for Caribou and Grizzly Bears. The access road to the park and protected area is about 5 km west of Crescent Spur, about 165 km east of Prince George along the Yellowhead
(Highway 16) corridor, approximately 500 m west of Catfish Creek. Ptarmigan Creek Provincial Park is close to Erg Mountain Provincial Park, and the two parks share to same access road and trail head. The trailhead is 8kms from highway 16. Activities: Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Pets on Leash, Wildlife Viewing Facilities: Campfires, Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Kakwa Provincial Park and Protected Area The main physical features in this 170,890 hectare park and protect area include Mount Sir Alexander (3270 m), Mount Ida (3189 m) and Kakwa Lake. Located approximately 70 km north of McBride in British Columbia. The Kakwa Provincial Park can be accessed from McBride in B.C., Grand Prairie in Alberta, or by air charter. Acitivities: Climbing, Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Pets on Leash, Wildlife Viewing Facilities: Cabins/Huts/Yurts, Campfires, Pit Toilets, Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
West Twin
Holliday Creek Arch
Provincial Park and Protected Area This 22,317 hectare park and protected area contains the only protected corridor across the Robson Valley trench.Located approximately 180 km southeast of Prince George by Highway 16 there is a pull out with a Forestry Interpretation Trail. To access Boulder Mountain Hike, drive 166 km from Prince George on Highway 16 toward McBride and at the Goat River Forestry Road, turn in and drive another 1 km. Where a side road turns left park your vehicle. This is where the hike begins. There is a popular hiking trail off the West Dore River Road (just northwest of McBride). This hike is 7 km to the cabin and then the hike can extend to various areas of the park. Activities: Hiking, Hunting, Pets on Leash Facilities: Cabins/Huts/Yurts, Picnic Areas, Pit Toilet, Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Protected Area This small, 395 hectare protected area showcases a magnificent natural stone arch. In excess of 80 metres wide and 18 metres high, this arch spans a steep, rocky gully. This small 395 hectare protected area is located between the communities of Dunster and McBride, north of Highway 16. Activities: Hiking, Hunting, Pets on Leash, Wildlife Viewing Facilities: None
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Small River Caves Provincial Park This 1,818 hectare park protects a provincially important karst/ cave system. Located on the west side of the Small River drainage, high above the valley bottom, this cave complex is remote and difficult to access. It is considered to be a very dangerous cave system that should only be attempted by highly experienced cavers. Activities: Caving Facilities: None
EAST OF PRINCE GEORGE
Lower and Upper Raush
Rearguard Falls
Protected Area Lower Raush (1,279 ha) and the Upper Raush (5,582 ha) are two distinctly separate protected areas. Located on the south west side of the Fraser River, just south of McBride, these protected areas have no road access or facilities of any kind. There is an old road on the east side of the Raush River, on private land, and permission from the owner must be obtained. Activities: Hunting Facilities: None
Provincial Park The Rearguard Falls viewpoint provides an excellent opportunity for travelers to witness the end of a long journey by the Chinook, largest of the Pacific salmon. This 48 hectare park is located 285 km east of Prince George on Highway 16. The closest communities are Tete Jaune Cache, Valemount and McBride. Activities: Fishing, Hiking, Pets on Leash, Wildlife Viewing Facilities: Campfires, Pit Toilets
Somewhere betwwen Prince George and Valemount. – Linda Hoeppner
Jackman Flats Provincial Park Rare plant communities and shifting sand dune structures now exist in this rather small 615 hectare park. Jackman Flats Provincial park is located 10 km north of Valemount, on Highway 5, minutes from Mount Robson Provincial Park. Activities: Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Wildlife Viewing Facilities: Picnic Areas, Pit Toilet
Mount Terry Fox
to Terry Fox for his outstanding achievements. A Highway 16 viewpoint 7 km west of Mt. Robson west gate provides a view of the mountain. Located adjacent to the west boundary of Mt. Robson Provincial Park, 3 hours from Prince George. Communities close by include Tete Jaune Cache, Valemount and McBride. Activities: Hiking, Pets on Leash Facilities: Campfires, Picnic Areas, Flush Toilets
Pyramid Creek Falls Provincial Park A spectacular waterfall from a hanging valley is protected by this 13 hectare park. 30 km north of the community of Blue River. Pyramid Creek Falls is visible from Hwy #5 and from Canadian National Railway. Access to the falls is limited as the park is on the east side of the North Thompson River. The closest communities to this park are Clearwater, Vavenby, McBride and Kamloops. Activities: Hunting, Pets on Leash Facilities: None
Provincial Park This 1930 hectare park is dedicated
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Mount Robson Provincial Park Mount Robson Provincial Park, the second oldest park in British Columbia’s park system, is truly one of the world’s crown jewels. The mountain for which the park is named guards the park’s western entrance. At 3,954 metres, Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, towers over the lesser surrounding peaks. This 224,866 hectare park is located in east, central British Columbia, just west of the British Columbia/ Alberta border and Jasper National Park. Approximately 4 hours north of Kamloops, BC on Highway 5; 3 1/2 hours east of Prince George, BC on Highway 16; and 5 hours west of Edmonton, Alberta on Highway 16. Activities: Canoeing, Caving, Climbing, Cycling, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Pets on Leash, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing Facilities: Boat Launch, Campfires, Drinking Water, Group Camping, Picnic Areas, Pit and Flush Toilets, Playground, SaniStation/Dump, Showers, Vehicle Accessible Camping, Walk-In/Wilderness Camping, Wheelchair Access