Fossli Provincial Park

About This Park

Day-use Fossli Park is situated on the south side of Sterling Arm on Sproat Lake, west of Port Alberni on Vancouver Island. This undeveloped park has limited facilities but does contain a beautiful walking trail. This 30-minute route leads through second-growth forest to an old homestead site on Sproat Lake. At the lake, visitors can relax on the level grassy area or pebble beach and enjoy the lovely views of Sproat Lake.

Please note: This park operates on a "User Maintained" basis. Services and facilities may differ from those offered in other BC Parks.

Park Size: 52 hectares

Stay Safe:

Access to this park is by active logging roads. The chance of encountering loaded logging trucks while traveling these roads is highly likely. Logging trucks have the right of way at all times. Drivers should use caution and yield to logging trucks; use pullouts whenever possible.
Please note: there are no campfires allowed in this park at any time.
Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park. Water collected in the park must be boiled, filtered and treated prior to consumption.
There is no sani-station/dump facilities or boat launch available at this park. The nearest facilities are located at Sproat Lake Provincial Park.

Location and Maps

Location Map

Fossli Park is situated on the south side of Sterling Arm on Sproat Lake, west of Port Alberni on Vancouver Island. Access is by boat or an approximately 30-minute walk from the Sterling Arm Mainline, a private logging road. Travel through Port Alberni on the way to Tofino and turn left on McCoy Lake Road (approx 6.5 km). Drive 3 km to Sterling Arm Road; turn left here and travel 0.9 km. At the Sterling Arm Mainline intersection turn right and travel 4 km to the second bridge. Just before the second bridge you’ll find a pullout where you can park. An old logging road from the parking lot leads to the trail that will take you to Sproat Lake. Nearby communites include: Port Alberni, Pacific Rim

Nature and Culture

History - The 130 acres that make up Fossli Provincial Park were donated to the province for parkland by Helen and Armour Ford. Helen Ford had inherited the property from her father, who in turn had purchased it from an early settler, Mr. Faber. Mr. Faber had named the area Fossli after a village in Eidfjord, Norway – fossil or fosseli is a Norwegian word meaning “waterfall in the valley".

Management Planning

Management Planning Information

Approved Master Plan

Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing

Visitors can canoe or kayak on Sproat Lake via Sproat Lake Provincial Park, but there is nowhere to launch within Fossli Provincial Park.

Cycling

Cycling is permitted on roadways only. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

Fishing

There are opportunities for lake fishing at this park. Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Hiking

A beautiful 30 minute trail through second-growth forest leads from the parking area to an old homestead site on Sproat Lake. Here, visitors can relax on the level grassy area or pebble beach and enjoy the lovely views of Sproat Lake.

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.

Pets on Leash

Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash and under control at 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.

Swimming

Although swimming is possible in Sproat Lake, there is no designated swimming area in Fossli Provincial Park. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.

Facilities Available at this Park

Picnic Areas

A picnic table and pit toilet are located at the lake. A beautiful 30-minute trail leads through second-growth forest to an old homestead site on Sproat Lake. Here visitors can relax on the level grassy area or pebble beach and enjoy the lovely views of Sproat Lake.

Pit or Flush Toilets

A pit toilet is located at the lake, approximately 30 minutes from the parking area.