North Island · Cape Scott
Lower Nimpkish Park
About this Park
The rustic Lower Nimpkish Park comprises a corridor of land centered on both sides of the Lower Nimpkish River. It extends 4 km from the north end of Nimpkish Lake, southeast of Port McNeill on northern Vancouver Island. The corridor is 300 m wide on each side, from the centre of the river. The river runs through the park but does not fall under BC Parks jurisdiction.
This undeveloped wilderness park offers opportunities for fishing and nature appreciation, and helps to protect important riparian habitat containing bald eagle nesting sites and habitat for marbled murrelet, a threatened species.
Location notes
Lower Nimpkish Park is located on northern Vancouver Island approximately 5 km south of Port McNeill in the regional district of Mount Waddington. The park can be accessed from the north from the subdivision of Nimpkish Heights, just south of Port McNeill. There is no formal trail access from this area and it is not recommended.
The park can also be accessed from the south by foot or by canoe or kayak at the north end of Nimpkish Lake. Paddlers should be aware that the waters of the Lower Nimpkish River are known to be dangerous and should take proper precautions.
Activities
- 9466:Canoeing There are opportunities for paddling at Lower Nimpkish Park. However, BC Parks does not manage the river (the river is not part of the park) and does not recommend canoeing, kayaking, tubing or swimming as the waters of the Lower Nimpkish River are known to be dangerous and may contain hazards such as strainers and sweepers. Proper precautions should be taken when traveling this river.
- 9466:Swimming There is no designated swimming area at this park. Visitors choosing to swim should be aware that the waters of the Lower Nimpkish River, which runs through the park, are known to be dangerous.
- 9466:Fishing The park is a popular destination for fishers searching for sockeye, Coho, chinook pink and chum salmon, as well as steelhead, cutthroat, Dolly Varden, kokanee and rainbow trout. Anglers should be aware that black bears frequent the area along the river’s edge, especially during spawning season. Please check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing.
- 9466: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.
- 9466:Hunting Portions of this park are open to hunting for specific species. Hunters must have valid licences and tags. 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.
- 9466:Kayaking There are opportunities for paddling at Lower Nimpkish Park. However, BC Parks does not manage the river (the river is not part of the park) and does not recommend canoeing, kayaking, tubing or swimming as the waters of the Lower Nimpkish River are known to be dangerous and may contain hazards such as strainers and sweepers. Proper precautions should be taken when traveling this river.
Facilities
- 9466: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
50.53644, -127.00571 · Cape Scott