A campfire ban is currently in effect for this park. For more information about campfire bans and about provincial parks with park closures and campfire bans in effect, visit the BC Parks campfire ban webpage.
Updated September 7, 2009
Birkenhead Lake Walk-in wilderness campsite is now closed. Very large, dead Douglas fir trees have been identified as potential hazards to camping or remaining in the area for long periods. At the same time, these trees provide a unique, high value habitat to animals as they decay and break apart. There are no plans in the near future to build a new wilderness site at this location. Camping remains available in the main and high density campgrounds.
New water system
We are pleased to announce that a new water system is now available at Birkenhead Lake Provincial Park.
The water system delivers potable water through out the park via a piped, chlorine treated water system. Standpipes with water taps will replace the two hand pumps in the main campground.
The new tap at the high-density campsite along the main road is the closest one for day users at the parking lot, boat launch and beach.
The sani-station is operational once again and also has potable water available.
BE BEAR AWARE!
Bears are very active in this park. Properly secure and store all food items. The park and adjacent lands are home to both grizzly and black bears.
Coolers are not bear proof! Do not leave food or coolers unattended in the campground or day use area. Store such in your vehicle overnight. Black bears move through these areas on a regular basis. Do not create a bear attractant in your campsite by leaving food out as you may turn a healthy bear into a problem garbage bear.
Failure to be "Bear Aware" may result in eviction from the campground of the offending humans.
During the fall season, please take your garbage with you when you leave.
Campground Hours of Operation
All dates are subject to change without notice
Opening and Closing Campground Dates:
(high density campground campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water,
security, etc.)
May 1 – October 15
(road not plowed during winter)
Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees:
May 15 – September 15
Off-season: no fee, no services
Campground Reservable Dates:
May 15 – September 15
Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites:
79
Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable:
(all remaining sites are first-come, first-served)
49
Note: The above information is
for the campground only. Park users can still walk into the park
if conditions such as weather permit. Check the "Attention Visitor
Notice" above for park alerts.
Park Info
Birkenhead Lake Provincial Park was first established in 1963 to provide lakeside camping and other recreation experiences for travellers between Whistler and Lillooet. The park was expanded in 1996 from 3,642 hectares to 9,755 hectares, adding significant conservation values of the Sockeye Creek watershed. The park was again expanded by 684 hectares in 2008 to include more of the alpine headwaters of the western side of the Sockeye Creek watershed.
The park protects important habitat for a variety of wildlife, including spotted owls, mountain goats, black bears and grizzly bears. Old growth forests, subalpine and alpine environments, large and small lakes all contribute to the park's diversity.
Located 22 km West of D’Arcy. 90 km North of Whistler, 145 km North of Squamish. Take Highway 99 from Pemberton northeast to Mt. Currie, turn off Highway 99 to D’Arcy. Just before D’Arcy (about 50km from Mt. Currie) there are highway signs indicating a turn off on to a gravel road that leads to Birkenhead Lake. From there it is a 17 km drive along a gravel road. The nearest communities, towns and cities are D’arcy, Pemberton and Mt Currie.
Canoes and kayaks are welcome but be aware of strong winds which can blow
up suddenly on the lake. There are no developed, boat accessible campsites on the lake. Daily and hourly
canoe rentals are available on site. For more details, please contact the
park facility operator.
Cycling
Bicycles must keep to roadways and designated mountain bike trails. Birkenhead Lake Trail: The 8-kilometre gravel trail to Birkenhead Lake Estates at the south end of the lake joins up with Birkenhead Road and Tenas Valley logging road. This trail is used by both hikers and cyclists.
Cautionary note: There may also be horseback riding on the west half of the Birkenhead Lake trail up to Sockeye Creek.
Fishing
Good fishing for Kokanee and Rainbow Trout. There are no Dolly Varden in Birkenhead Lake. Please note: fishing regulations require anglers to release all Bull Trout caught.Bull Trout are on the endangered species list. Some anglers have mistaken the Bull Trout species for a Dolly Varden. Since the Bull Trout species has suffered, there is currently a recovery program in place and the park is requesting the public's assistance. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence
Hiking
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.
Caution Note: The lakeside Wilderness Trail and the Birkenhead Lake Trail: approximately 1.0 km from the trail head at the parking lot, both of these trails cross a 50 metre section of a rock debris avalanche path. Trail users must use caution when crossing over loose rock rubble and may be required to ford the stream. Crossings should be avoided during periods of prolonged, heavy rain.
Wilderness Trail: A 2-kilometre hiking trail through old growth forest leads to a flat, treed area with views of the mountains across the lake and views back of the day use area beaches. A short section connects with the Birkenhead Lake Trail, allowing for a longer hike or a loop back to the trailhead.
Birkenhead Lake Trail: The 8-kilometre trail to Birkenhead Lake Estates at the south end of the lake joins up with Birkenhead Road and Tenas Valley logging road. This trail is used by both hikers and cyclists. There may also be horseback riding on the west half of the Birkenhead Lake trail up to Sockeye Creek.
Goat Lookout Trail: This 1-kilometre trail on the south side of the valley is a bit rough and steep in places, but offers a view of the lake at it's end and in the spring and fall mountain goats may be seen on the cliffs above the campground. Cautionary Note: During the spring snow melt (April - June), Phelix Creek water levels rise and may crest the log bridge approximately 100 metres from the start of the trail. High water conditions may require temporary seasonal closure of the trail. Best you otherwise hike the trail in the mornings during May and June.
Interpretive Programs
Programs may be scheduled in the park. Click here for details or check the notice board in the park for updates.
Pets on Leash
Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. However, there is one designated open area at the far end of the day-use area for dogs. 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.
Swimming
There is a sandy beach and swimming is available in this cold water lake (August is usually the warmest water month). Please stay within the swimming area identified by the marker buoys. There are currently no swimming floats. There are NO LIFEGUARDS on duty at provincial parks.
Wildlife Viewing
There is no viewing platform but mountain goats can be seen in the spring on the high cliffs to the north, above the day use area and campground.
Windsurfing
This park provides good windsurfing opportunities.
Winter Recreation
During the winter season, the 2km road from the park gate to the lake is good for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Facilities Available At This Park
Boat Launch
There is a concrete double-wide boat launch available in the day-use area at this park. Vehicle and trailer parking is available overnight. A floating dock is next to the boat launch. Boats can be left in the water (tie-up space is limited on the dock) or beached overnight at the owners own risk. There is no nearby marina to moor boats. Waterskiing on the lake is not recommended.
Campfires
While campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite, we encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead. Firewood can be purchased in the park or you may bring your own wood.Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary from park to park. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don't gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.
Drinking Water
A pressurized, treated water system is now available. Potable water is available at taps in the main campground, the high density campground and the sani-station.
Picnic Areas
There is a day-use/picnicking area with picnic tables and parking area. Some of the picnic tables have barbeque attachments; bring your own briquettes. There are no fire pits in the day-use area and open fires are not permitted. There is a sandy beach. There are no phones in the park. A pay telephone is located at D'Arcy, 22 km (13 miles) away on Portage Road.
Pit or Flush Toilets
Pit toilets are available in both the day-use and campground areas. No flush toilets at this park.
Sani-Station/Dump
summary
Vehicle Accessible Camping
This park offers vehicle accessible campsites. There are 94 sites, 7 of which are double sites. There are no pull through sites. There is room for a maximum of 2 vehicles per site. No extra parking is available. There is no gatehouse. There is a locked gate in the off season, generally from late October to early May, however you may still hike in and camp. There are facilities or services available, and no fees, in the off season. A sani-station is available and operational only during the full service camping season.
If there is no staff available to direct you to a site, check the reservation board at the park entrance, then choose a site with no reservation or camping receipt posted at the campsite. Staff will come around to collect fees. The closest store is D'Arcy approximately 22 kilometres on the Pemberton Portage Road. The nearest pay phone is also in D'Arcy. Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $15.00 per party / night
BC Senior's Rate (Shoulder Season only):
$7.50 per senior's couple/night
Sani-station dumping fee: $2.00
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
There are no developed walk-in or boat-in wilderness campsites in this park.
Wheelchair Access
There is a wheelchair accessible gravel trail located near the beach. There are no toilets or campsites for the disabled.
