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.
Park Info
A chain of large and small lakes, potholes and wetlands in a forested setting in the upper Emar Creek watershed, offering small, user-maintained, wilderness campsites, and a circular canoe route with short portages.
Park Size: 1,604 hectares
Special Notes:
The park is a wilderness area that is not regularly serviced or
patrolled. Visitors must be self-sufficient and prepared for user-maintained
wilderness camping. Bring your own water, as potable water is not
available in the park. Parking and camping at Janice Lake and Willowgrouse Lake.
General Visitor Information
Visitor Safety Information (park safety, hazards, wildlife safety information, health risks)
Drive North on HWY 5 to Little Fort. Turn right onto HWY 24 and head west approx 22 km. Entrance to the park is unmarked as of yet and is approximately 500 meters west of the summit sign, on the left.
Nature & Culture
History - The park was created April 30, 1996 as a result of recommendations made in the Kamloops Land and Resource Management Plan. The park will be managed according to the Management Direction Statement for Emar Lakes Park.
Cultural Heritage - The Hudson's Bay Company Brigade Trail has been identified near Jim and Richard Lakes (the trail may be given a Heritage Trail designation). There is evidence for possible traditional native use in the area.
Conservation - The park encompasses a small chain of lakes and surrounding forested plateau in the upper Emar Creek drainage. Protection to lodgepole pine, mixed spruce/pine stands and aspen groves is ensured along with important habitat for wildlife.
Wildlife - Habitat for moose, Black Tern, Common Loon, Ruffed Grouse, and Great Horned Owl.
A circular canoe route with short, user maintained portages, cleared at the beginning of each summer (completed for 2008). Portage through Janice Lake, Dytiscid Lake, Emar Lake, Willowgrouse Lake, Boulder Lake, Club Lake and Next Lake. Parking and camping at Janice Lake and Willowgrouse Lake, backcountry camping is allowed.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities in all lakes for rainbow trout including the lake chain. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
There are primitive trails between the lakes as part of the canoe route.
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.
Swimming
There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
Wildlife Viewing
There is no viewing platform but there are excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Winter Recreation
There are cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities in this park but there are no maintained winter trails.
Facilities Available At This Park
Boat Launch
Car top only launching area at Janice (Long Island) Lake.
Campfires
Fire rings at Janice Lake site only; no firewood is provided. The gathering of firewood in a Park is illegal, so fires should only be used for emergency drying and warming. If a fire is used for an emergency, please keep it small, and ensure it is completely out before you leave. Use a camp stove for cooking.
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
User-maintained wilderness sites are located at the northeast and northwest corners of Janice (Long Island) Lake. Parking and camping at Janice Lake and Willowgrouse Lake. There is a pit toilet and two rustic picnic tables at the northeast site. Note that the resort at the northwest end of the lake is privately owned.
