North Island · Cape Scott
Nimpkish Lake Park
About this Park
Nimpkish Lake Park, located south of Port McNeill on northern Vancouver Island offers a rugged wilderness experience in a remote setting. The park, situated at the south end of Nimpkish Lake, comprises the southernmost east-facing slopes of the Karmutzen mountain range and all of Tlakwa Creek drainage.
Nimpkish Lake Park protects old-growth coastal western hemlock forests in the Tlakwa Creek watershed, which features high ecological and wildlife values. Opportunities for nature appreciation, backcountry skiing, mountaineering and wilderness camping exist at this park, which is home to black-tailed deer and a variety of other wildlife.
Location notes
Nimpkish Lake Park is located at the south end of Nimpkish Lake, approximately 32km south of Port McNeill. The easiest access to the park is by boat from Nimpkish Lake via the boat launch at Western Forest Products recreation site at Kim Creek, near the Nimpkish Service Station located halfway between Woss and Port McNeill on Highway 19.
There are a number of logging roads which end near the park boundary and provide moderate to strenuous walk-in access. These roads are within Western Forest Products TFL 37 and include: Tlakwa Creek, Upper Tahsish River, Kilpala and Karmutzen Creek. It is recommended that visitors contact Western Forest Products in Woss for detailed information on these roads. The chance of encountering loaded logging trucks while traveling these roads is highly likely. Visitors should be very cautious.
Activities
- 9532:Canoeing Opportunities for kayaking or canoeing exist in Nimpkish Lake, which is outside of Nimpkish Lake Park.
- 9532:Swimming Opportunities for swimming exist in Nimpkish Lake, which is outside of Nimpkish Lake Park.
- 9532:Fishing Opportunities for fresh water fishing exist in the park in the Tlakwa Creek. Anglers can also fish in Nimpkish Lake, outside of the park. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing.
- 9532:Pets on leash Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash and under control at all times. 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.
- 9532:Cycling There are no developed trails at this park. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Nimpkish Lake 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.
- 9532:Windsurfing Nimpkish Lake, which is located outside of Nimpkish Lake Park, is a popular spot for windsurfing. Most windsurfers access the lake from the Western Forest Products recreation site, via Hwy 19.
- 9532: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.
- 9532:Winter recreation This park offers opportunities for backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering in areas near Tlakwa Mountain and Karmutzen Mountain. Both of these areas must be accessed via Western Forest Products logging roads.
Facilities
- 9532:Campfires While fires are allowed, we encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. If you must use a campfire, please practice Leave No Trace camping ethics.
Location
50.33777, -127.00467 · Cape Scott