Itcha Ilgachuz Park
About this Park
Itcha Ilgachuz Park comprises almost 112,000 hectares of unique landscape in the West Chilcotin Uplands. The landscape is varied and contains volcanic landforms, alpine environments, and forest sites scattered with wetlands.
The Itcha Range and Ilgachuz Range are examples of isolated shield volcanoes, rising up to 2400 metres above sea level. These ranges are situated in the rain shadow of the Coast Mountains, and support a high diversity of plant and animal species.
The park was recommended for protection under the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land-Use Plan, and designated a class “A” park in 1995. Itcha Ilgachuz is a wilderness park set aside to protect alpine grasslands, wetlands, and wildlife habitat, including the largest herd of woodland caribou in southern B.C.
Special notes
- It is an offence under the Heritage Conservation Act to damage or remove artifacts from any cultural heritage site.
- If you have visited Itcha Ilgachuz Park, we would appreciate if you could please complete an online comment form. This will allow park managers to obtain valuable information from those who have experienced the area.
Location notes
Itcha Ilgachuz Park is located in the Chilcotin Uplands east of the Rainbow Range of South Tweedsmuir Park. The park is extremely remote and unroaded; the closest communities are Anahim Lake, Alexis Creek, Nimpo Lake, Redstone, and Nazko. The closest major centre is Quesnel, located approximately 200 km east of the park.
For map information, please refer to topographical map numbers: 1:50 000-93C/14, 93C/15, 93C/11, and 93C/10.
Activities
- 9456:Hiking There are unmaintained hiking trails. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
- 9456:Fishing
- 9456:Pets on leash Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
- 9456:Cycling Cycling is permitted on one trail in the park. Please call the Cariboo regional office for information.Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Itcha Ilgachuz Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.
- 9456:Horseback riding Unmaintained horse trails exist throughout the park.
- 9456:Hunting The discharge and carrying of firearms is permitted in this park for the purposes of hunting during open season. Please consult the BC Government Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information. Contact BC Parks at parkinfo@gov.bc.ca with any specific questions.
- 9456:Winter recreation There are designated trails and play areas for snowmobiling that avoid caribou habitat in Itcha Ilgachuz Park. Trails that access the play areas are between 40 and 80 kilometres in length. Skimmers, spare gas, avalanche rescue equipment and overnight gear are required for snowmobiling in this park.
Facilities
- 9456:Pit or flush toilets This park only has pit toilets. They are located beside each of the cabins near Itcha Lake.
- 9456:Campfires No firewood available. Firewood is not provided at this park. If you must have a fire please burn only dead and down wood, and be sure to extinguish the fire fully. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil so please use it conservatively, if at all. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.
Location
52.71380, -124.98102 · North Chilcotin-Cariboo
