Conditions as of March 12, 2008:

• The trail system in the Lower Carmanah Valley is open but in rough shape. The trails are passable but some portions are re-routes.
• Boardwalk repairs will be underway for March and April.
• Road access (Rosander Main) to the lower Carmanah Valley (feature zone) is open but very rough.
• The following trails are closed:
• Upper Carmanah Trail closed indefinitely.
• Trail to the Carmanah Giant
• Access to the West Coast Trail of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
• There is active logging in the area. Visitors should carry a full-sized spare tire and be aware that they are driving in an active hauling area.
• Be bear aware, as bear sightings are frequent in the park. More information on bear safety.

Special Notes:

• Visitors to Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park are reminded that the park is a wilderness area. Trails are primitive and very muddy. Carmanah Walbran has no gas, food, roofed lodging, telephone or medical services. Gas, food and telephone service are available at the Didtidaht Nation Centre located in Nitinat, approximately 20 km from the park. The primary destination point of visitors to the park is the Park Facility Operator’s station, located at the lower Carmanah Valley Trailhead. This area offers parking, pit toilets and walk-in camping above the valley.
• A long-term management strategy for the Walbran Valley is currently under development. Until the Walbran's recreation values and conservation and safety issues have been fully inventoried, hiking in the Walbran is strongly discouraged.
• National Topographic Series map number 92, sheets C/10 and C/15 cover the Carmanah Valley area. These maps are available from Government Agents and most map retailers in British Columbia.

Management Planning:

Management Planning Information

• Approved Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan

• Location Map

Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park is located 20 km northwest of Port Renfrew on the southwestern coast of Vancouver Island. There are three different routes leading to the Caycuse River Bridge, which is the only way to access the park.

Visitors traveling from Port Alberni should follow the Bamfield Road for approximately 40 km to the Franklin River Junction. At the junction, turn left onto South Main and proceed eastward, past the logging camp buildings and toward Nitinat Lake. Continue on South Main for approximately 23 km to the Nitinat River Bridge. Stay on South Main until reaching the Caycuse River Bridge.

Travelers from Port Renfrew should follow the Lake Cowichan Connector Road north to Honeymoon Bay. At Honeymoon Bay, turn left and proceed along South Shore Road, which becomes Nitinat Main, continuing to the junction of Nitinat Main and South Main. Turn left onto South Main and proceed to the Caycuse River Bridge.

Those accessing the park via Lake Cowichan should follow South Shore Road past Gordon Bay Provincial Park to the Nitinat Main, or follow the North Shore Road through Youbou to the Nitinat Main. Continue along Nitinat Main till it connects with Junction South. Turn left onto South Main and proceed to the Caycuse River Bridge.

Once you have crossed the Caycuse River Bridge, turn right immediately and proceed on Rosander Main for approximately 29 km to the park.

Communities near the park include:Port Renfrew, Port Alberni, Cowichan Lake, Duncan, Victoria

Any maps listed are for information only - they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

• Map
• Location Map

Carmanah Walbran is remote and rugged. Access to the park is via private logging roads. Great care must be exercised while traveling these roads as they are at times narrow, bumpy, and used frequently by industrial logging trucks. Always drive with your headlights on as visibility may be limited due to dust and adverse weather. Logging trucks have the right of way at all times; other users are expected to pull off onto the nearest shoulders when encountering a truck. Visitors should make the trip in an appropriate vehicle with adequate clearance for bumpy terrain; at least one spare tire should be carried. Park visitors should carry a first aid kit at all times. The closest emergency telephone is located at the Didtidaht Reserve. In the case of an emergency you should contact either Enquiry BC at (250) 387-6121, the RCMP in Port Alberni or Lake Cowichan, or dial 911. The closest hospitals are located in Port Alberni and Duncan.

Visitor Safety Information (park safety, hazards, wildlife safety information, health risks)

Reservations are not accepted at this park; all wilderness campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis. For parks that accept reservations or information on the reservation service, click here.

Explore Parks: Fees, park listings, what you should know before you go and other useful links.

Contact Information:

R.L.C. Enterprize Ltd.
E-mail address: office@rlcenterprize.com
Phone: (250) 474-1336
Click here to view a non-government web link, for additional information.

	There are no vehicle-accessible camping facilities at this park.
	Wilderness camping is allowed at several locations upstream from The Three Sisters in the Carmanah Valley, with walk-in camping available above the Valley where the Carmanah Valley Trailhead is located. This is the only area in the park where campfires are permitted. Camping is also permitted during the summer months in the Valley on the Carmanah Creek’s exposed gravel bars. Campfires are prohibited here, and campers are expected to adhere to Leave No Trace camping practices. Campsites with tent pads, picnic tables and fire rings are provided beyond the parking area on the service road. Short-term vehicle camping is permitted in the parking lot. A backcountry camping fee is charged at Carmanah Walbran; self registration vaults are located in the parking lot at the Carmanah Valley Trailhead. Backcountry Camping Fee: $5.00 per person / night, for all persons 13 years of age or older
	There are no group campsites available at this park.
	There are day-use/picnicking areas in the park.
	There are no wheelchair facilities available at this park.
	Cold water taps are located at the parking area near the Park Facility Operator’s Station and at the Trailhead. Taps are shut off during the off season. It is recommended that you boil, filter or treat this water prior to consumption.
	There are 6 pit toilets located at convenient points throughout the park.
	There are no shower facilities at this park.
	There are no sani-station/dump facilities at this park.
	Campfires are only allowed in the steel fire rings located in the campsites along the service road and in the area near the Carmanah Valley Trailhead. Campfire time restrictions are in effect: Cooking fires are allowed from 7:00 am - 9:00 am; 11:00 am - 1:00 pm; and 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm; small campfires after 7:00 pm. These restrictions will improve air quality and firewood conservation while still permitting fires. Campfire rings are provided. Fires are NOT PERMITTED elsewhere in the park. Firewood can be purchased from the Park Facility Operator during peak season, or you can bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don't gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.
	There are no electrical hook-ups in this park.
	There are no regularly scheduled interpretive programs at this park.
	The Carmanah Valley offers spectacular opportunities for wilderness hiking. Many sections of the trail in the Carmanah Valley are extremely muddy and difficult. Be equipped with appropriate clothing (including adequate raingear) and good hiking boots. Several of the Carmanah hikes are described below - please note that hiking times may vary depending on trail conditions and weather. Distances are one-way and the approximate hiking times are based on good weather conditions. Click here for information on trails in the Carmanah Valley. For your own safety and preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
	There is no playground at this park.
	There are no opportunities for swimming in this park.
	There are no opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park.
	No boat launch is available at this park.
	There is no fishing permitted in the park. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
	Cycling is not permitted.
	No horseback riding at this park.
	Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash and under control all times. 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.
	The old-growth setting of Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park is awe-inspiring no matter where you go. Trails from the Carmanah Valley Trailhead lead to a variety of park highlights. Viewing platforms are located at Coast Tower, Three Sisters and Heaven Tree. An elevated platform at Three Sisters offers visitors a different perspective of this majestic old growth forest. These viewing platforms also help to protect the vegetation surrounding these natural wonders.
	No winter recreation opportunities.
	No SCUBA diving or snorkelling opportunities.
	No windsurfing opportunities.
	No waterskiing opportunities.
	Portions of this park are open to hunting for specific species. Hunters must have valid licences and tags. Please refer to the current Hunting and Trapping Regulations and Synopsis publication for closures and regulations.
	No climbing or rock climbing opportunities.
	No spelunking or caving opportunities.
	No cabins, yurts or lodges for public use.