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.
Call Lake Park is situated in an ecologically diverse area of rolling topography including forested and non-forested wetlands, coniferous and deciduous forests, and rare grasslands. The varied range of habitats supports many types of mammals and birds, and provides a range of recreational opportunities. Hiking and mountain biking are popular activities on the trails, while anglers enjoy the opportunity to fish for brook trout in Call Lake. In the winter, the trails are available for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
Park Size: 62 hectares
General Visitor Information
Bring your own drinking
water, as potable water is not available in the park.
Call Lake Park lies approximately 5km southeast of Smithers. Hiking trails begin at VanGaalen and Mountainview Roads (access from Upper Viewmount Road), just north of Highway 16. The closest communities, towns and cities are Smithers and Telkwa.
Nature & Culture
History - The area surrounding Call Lake has long been used recreationally by local residents and was previously grazed by cattle. In 1999, with recommendation from the Bulkley Land and Resource Management Plan, Call Lake was designated as a Class A provincial park to protect conservation values and to provide diverse recreational and educational opportunities.
Cultural Heritage - Call Lake Park lies within the asserted traditional territory of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation. Historically, the area was likely burned by First Nations to increase berry production.
Conservation - Call Lake Park lies in the under-represented SBSdk variant of the Bulkley Basin Ecosection. The park protects an important part of the Bulkley Valley corridor, 90% of which is privately owned land. The park is home to several hectares of the red-listed Saskatoon-slender wheatgrass scrub-steppe plant community.
Wildlife - Call Lake Park provides critical winter and spring moose and deer habitat and spring and summer bear habitat. The varied topography and ecosystems provide habitat for numerous mammals and birds. Call Lake is stocked with brook trout.
There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park. Both trails can be used to carry a boat into the lake. All boats must be removed from the park following use.
Cycling
Bicycling is permitted on established park trails only. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Fishing
Call Lake is stocked with brook trout and ice fishing is available during the winter season. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
This park has hiking and/or walking trails. 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.
There are two trails in Call Lake Provincial Park:
he first is accessed from the end of VanGaalen Road. This 700m long trail
follows a ridge with some nice views of the Bulkley Valley before dropping
down to Call Lake.
The second trail is accessed from the end of Mountainview Road and is a great hiking and biking trail. This 5km loop trail extends beyond the park boundary and is not signed outside the park. The upper part of the trail follows a ridge and provides great views of the Bulkley Valley and Hudson Bay Mountain, while the lower part of the trail parallels the shore of Call Lake. It is approximately 700m from the parking lot to the lake via the lower trail.
Please close all gates when entering or leaving the park.
Horseback Riding
Horses and/or horseback riding are permitted.
Pets on Leash
Pets/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.
Winter Recreation
The hiking trail at Call Lake can be used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The Babine Mountain Provincial Park is close by and also offers opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. There are opportunities for ice-skating on Call Lake. Hiking trails from VanGaalen or Mountainveiw Road lead visitors to the Lake. There are no facilities provided. There are also snowmobiling opportunities along trails in the park.
Call Lake is stocked with brook trout and ice fishing is available during the winter season. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
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