In This Park

Activities Available at this Park
Facilities Available at this Park

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Visitor Information

Fire Restrictions in Effect for this Park
Smoking is prohibited
During a campfire ban, smoking is restricted in all public areas of a park or protected area. Please read this Information Bulletin.

Close To The Edge Provincial Park and Protected Area

Important Notice Attention Visitors – Important Notice!

White-Nose Syndrome
White-nose Syndrome is a fungal disease that has been linked to the mass die-off of hibernating bats in Eastern North America – it poses a significant threat to bats of the west and British Columbia. There is evidence that humans have accelerated the spread through entering caves with contaminated clothing, gear or equipment. Therefore, prevention strategies are focussed on public education/awareness to prevent the introduction of the fungus through human activities. There are currently (as of June 2011) no reported cases of WNS in B.C.

To ensure the protection of bats and their habitat in this park, BC Parks strongly advises that personal caving gear that has been used anywhere east of the Rockies not be used in B.C. Also, before entering caves in B.C, cavers and visitors should consult the provincial WNS website, which includes a link to a Decontamination Protocol for Mines and Caves.

About This Park

Close to the Edge Provincial Park This 702 hectare park and protected area is situated in the Dezaiko Range of the Rocky Mountains, approximately 160 km northeast of Prince George. This park protects the internationally significant Close To The Edge cave, which has the deepest shaft and is the third deepest overall cave (472m) in Canada. The cave was bottomed in 2001. The primary shaft drops 255 m straight down, and its diameter varies considerably (up to 30m). There are also additional, smaller caves in the park.

Park Size: 702 hectares

Know Before You Go

Park Safety

  • Close To The Edge cave is particularly dangerous because of its depth and vertical shaft. It is suitable only for very experienced cavers. Access requires crossing Hedrick Creek via a hand-operated cable car.
  • Please bring your own drinking water, as potable water is not available in the park. Drinking out of any streams or lakes is not recommended, unless the water has been filtered or treated. There are limited water resources in the eastern half of the park near the cave.

Location and Maps

Please note: Any maps listed are for information only – they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation. This park/protected area is located approximately 160 km northeast of Prince George, which is the closest community, town or city. The Pass Lake Forest Service Road leads to this park, but it is currently blocked at the McGregor River bridge, which is about 20 km from the park.

Nature and Culture

  • History: The cave was discovered in 1983, but the bottom was not reached until 2001.
  • Conservation: Important habitat for caribou, moose, black and grizzly bears. Internationally significant cave features: the deepest shaft and the third deepest cave (472m) overall in Canada; the cave has multiple pitches.
  • General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information

Activities Available at this Park

Caving

Caving

There are spelunking opportunities in the various caves in the park. Only experienced spelunkers should attempt these caves.
Hiking

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. There is a very rough trail following Hedrick Creek and then a route to Close-To-The-Edge cave location. Hedrick Creek must be crossed via a hand operated cable car.
Hunting

Hunting

This Park is open to hunting. Please consult the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information.