Lakelse Lake Wetlands Park
1,214 ha
Area
2004
Established
Class A
Park class
Park
Type
About this Park
Lakelse Lake Wetlands Park covers 1,214 hectares at the south end of Lakelse Lake, the largest warm water lake in north western British Columbia.
The park contains internationally significant salmon spawning and rearing habitat and regionally important migratory and over-wintering waterfowl and moose winter range. Trumpeter swans over-winter in the wetlands and grizzly Bears frequent the area in spring and fall.
Safety information
- Personal watercrafts (PWC) and motorized vessels are to avoid accessing Clearwater and Andalas Creeks to prevent disturbing and displacing waterfowl and wildlife in the park. Signs are posted near the entrances of these two creeks.
- The bog system is very susceptible to disturbance. Organic soils and dwarf shrubs can be severely damaged by vehicles and trampling. Re-growth after damage is slow.
Location notes
Lakelse Lake Wetlands Park is located at the south end of Lakelse Lake approximately 18 km south of Terrace and 40 km north of Kitimat on Highway 37. Access is by boat from Lakelse Lake or hiking via the old logging roads. Use NTS Map Sheet #103 I/7 (Lakelse Lake).
Activities
- 8966:Hiking Access into the wetlands can be made via the old logging roads leading into the park from the east side of Highway 37, between Schulbuckhand Creek and Onion Lake. These roads are not maintained and can be narrow and overgrown.
- 8966:Canoeing Canoeists and Kayakers may enjoy exploring the wetlands. There is a small area for parking vehicles and launching canoes or kayaks near the northeast corner of the park. Directions: Turn off Hwy 37 about 1.3 km south of Mount Layton Hot Springs. Take the single lane dirt road on the west side of Hwy 37, beside Schulbuckhand (Scully) Creek. Close the metal gate behind you (near the start of the side road) after you have passed through. Continue down the single lane dirt road for about 1.4 km and turn left into the grassy parking lot and canoe launch area beside Lakelse Lake. Fires and overnight camping are not allowed in the day-use area.
- 8966:Fishing It is possible to catch trout, char and Coho salmon in Andalas and Clearwater Creeks.
- 8966: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.
- 8966:Winter recreation Cross-country Skiing There are cross-country skiing opportunities in the park. Cross-country skiing is possible on old logging roads on the east side of the park. Developed facilities are located a few kilometres south of the park. Snowshoeing There are snowshoeing opportunities in the park. Snowshoeing is possible on old logging roads on the east side of the park.
- 8966:Kayaking Canoeists and Kayakers may enjoy exploring the wetlands. There is a small area for parking vehicles and launching canoes or kayaks near the northeast corner of the park. Directions: Turn off Hwy 37 about 1.3 km south of Mount Layton Hot Springs. Take the single lane dirt road on the west side of Hwy 37, beside Schulbuckhand (Scully) Creek. Close the metal gate behind you (near the start of the side road) after you have passed through. Continue down the single lane dirt road for about 1.4 km and turn left into the grassy parking lot and canoe launch area beside Lakelse Lake. Fires and overnight camping are not allowed in the day-use area.
Facilities
- 8966:Campfires Campfires are permitted, but firewood is not provided. We encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of campfires and using campstoves instead. 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.
Location
54.33868, -128.58475 · Lakelse Douglas Channel
