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
Francois Lake Park is located at the east end of Francois Lake, protecting 25 km of shoreline and predominantly coniferous forests. Recreation opportunities include boating and fishing on Francois Lake, with rustic camping and picnic facilities in a dramatic viewscape. The park's forest and plant life provides a high quality moose winter habitat and is home to a wide range of mammals, birds and fish species.
Park Size: 7,214 hectares
Stay Safe:
Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
Located at the east end of Francois Lake, Francois Lake Park is approximately 12 km from Highway 16, southwest of Fraser Lake.
Nature & Culture
History - Francois Lake Park was protected by the provincial government in 1999 following recommendations of the Vanderhoof Land and Resource Management Plan.
Cultural Heritage - The Francois Lake area has an abundant First Nations history. Along with the adjacent Uncha Mountain Red Hills Park, the area includes land claims from the Office of the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs and the Carrier-Sekani Tribal Council. The various bands with an interest in the greater Francois Lake and Uncha Mountain Red Hills Park include Wet’suwet’en First Nation, Nadleh Whut’en Band, Stellat’en First Nation, Burns Lake Band, Nee Tahi Buhn Band, and Skin Tyee Band. The area was traditionally used by the First Nations people for hunting, fishing and gathering and many culturally modified trees have been located in the park. A major First Nations village site was located at Anjur Bay. Trails throughout the park may have been part of a grease trail linking coastal and interior First Nations people.
Conservation - Francois Lake Park is located within the Bukley Basin Ecosection and protects important habitat, including riparian zones, to many wildlife species. Remnant productive low-elevation old-growth forest is found near the lakeshore due to an unusual microclimate. Along with Uncha Mountain Red Hills Park to the west, Francois Lake Park protects a 47 km long corridor along the south shore of Francois Lake, and retains connectivity between riparian and upland ecosystems. Rare plant species and plant communities are found within the park.
Wildlife - Deer, moose and black bear are among the large mammals whose habitat is protected in the park, while sockeye salmon rearing and migrating habitat is found near the lakeshore.
Francois Lake is a large body of water that can experience quick weather changes and rough water. Take caution when paddling.
Fishing
Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
This park has hiking and/or walking trails. A short trail leads to the day-use area at Black Point. 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/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 swimming opportunities at the park. There are no lifeguards in provincial parks.
Facilities Available At This Park
Boat Launch
A gravel boat launch is available at Sawmill Point. Public boat launches are available at each of the public ferry landings outside the park.
Campfires
Campfires are permitted in fire rings. Please bring your own firewood.
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. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented and some parks may use communal fire rings. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.
Picnic Areas
Day-use/picnic areas are available at Sawmill Point and user-maintained Black Point.
Vehicle Accessible Camping
This park offers vehicle accessible campsites on a first-come, first-served basis - campsite reservations are not accepted. Rustic camping is available at Sawmill Point. Facilities include fire rings, pit toilets, picnic tables and a gravel boat ramp.
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.
