Butler Ridge Provincial Park
April 21, 2009:
- The Dunlevy Boatlaunch is closed until further notice, due to water erosion.
About This Park
Located on the north shore of Williston Lake's Peach Reach, Butler Ridge Provincial Park provides boat access to B.C.'s largest man-made lake and offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing and hiking. The hiking along Butler Ridge is spectacular. The ridge itself extends 15 km south to north throughout the entire length of the park and is accessed via a trail on the park's south side.
Park Size: 6024 hectares
Maps and Brochures
Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.
- Park Map (63 kb, pdf)
Nature and Culture
- History - Butler Ridge was named after General Sir W.F. Butler, a British Army officer recognized for his involvement in the Red River Rebellion. Working for the Canadian Government, he made a scouting trip west to the Rockies. The report he submitted back to the Government, contributed to the establishment of the Northwest Mounted Police in the area. He returned to the area again in 1873. His journey west took him by dogsled to what we now know as Fort St. John. He continued on to Hudson's Hope by horseback and from there paddled the Peace River by canoe. Since that time the area has received many names such as the Butler Range, Butler Mountain, and eventually to what we know it as today, Butler Ridge. The park was established in 2000.
- Cultural Heritage - First Nations of the Treaty 8 Tribal Association have traditionally used the area.
- Conservation - Butler Ridge Provincial Park is located in the Peace Foothill ecosection just east of the Rocky Mountains. The area provides important winter range for caribou and stone sheep habitat in the higher elevations as well as moose and elk winter range in the lower elevations. A blue-listed species, the Arkansas rose, has been recorded in the park.
- Wildlife (specific to this park or area) - This area provides excellent fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. If you look closely, you may be able to spot stone sheep resting in the canyon, just to the right of the boat launch. Deer, elk, golden eagles and other wildlife are common to the area as well as numerous waterfowl and shorebirds.
- General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information
Management Planning
Management Planning Information
- Online Management planning information for this park is not available at this time.
Activities Available at this Park
Canoeing
Exercise caution at all times due to a large amount of drifting debris continually emerging from the flooded lake bottom. In addition, strong winds frequently create high waves on the open water.
Cycling
Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Fishing
Williston Lake has numerous sport fish, such as rainbow trout and kokanee, for the avid angler. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
A hiking trail up to Butler Ridge can be accessed on the Dunlevy Forest Service Road east of Hudson's Hope. The trail accesses Butler Ridge and provides visitors with amazing views of Williston Lake and the surrounding Rocky Mountains.
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.
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.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is permitted.
Hunting
The park is open to hunting. All hunters to the area should refer to the current BC Hunting Regulation synopsis.
Pets on Leash
Keep pets on leash at al times in backcountry areas to avoid conflicts with wildlife
Swimming
Visitors can swim at their own risk in Williston Lake, there are no designated swimming areas. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
Wildlife Viewing
There are wildlife viewing opportunities. Stone Sheep, Moose, Elk, Deer, Black Bear and Grizzly Bears frequent the park.
Winter Recreation
Winter recreation opportunities include snowmobiling and ski touring.
Facilities Available at this Park
Boat Launch
Water levels change seasonally and BC Hydro may alter water levels in Williston Lake without notice, making the boat ramp unusable. Contact BC Hydro to confirm water levels.
Campfires
Keep backcountry fires small.
Pit or Flush Toilets
This park only has pit toilets - no flush toilets.
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.
