• There are no park alerts at this time.

Special Notes:

Management Planning:

• Approved Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan

Giscome Portage Trail is located 40 km North of Prince George and 6 km off Highway 97 North on Mitchell Road. There is also another access point where the trail comes out at Barney Creek Road (close to Summit Lake), which is 48 km North of Prince George on Highway 97. The closest communities, towns and cities are Prince George and Bear Lake.

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

• Park Map (56 kb pdf)

• History - Giscome Portage Trail was designated an official Heritage Site July 17th, 1997. BC Parks took over management of the trail when it was designated a Protected Area in the year 2000.
• Cultural Heritage - The Portage, which means, “carry”, was first used by the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation as a trade route and for harvesting plants and animals. The first reference to a Portage in the vicinity of what would later be known as the Giscome Portage is found in the journals of Simon Fraser (1806). The gold strikes on Germansen and Manson Creeks led to the Omineca Gold Rush in the late 1860’s. In 1863 a guide from the Lheidli T’enneh lead two Black miners across the trail, John Robert Giscome of Jamaica and Henry McDame from the Bahamas. These two men originally came to North America for the California Gold Rush, but arriving near the end of the rush they headed to the gold fields of the North. The trail now bears the name of Giscome as one of the first non-natives to travel across the portage. After being petitioned, the government constructed a wagon road over the Giscome Portage, and the navigation on the Crooked River was improved in 1871. Despite the numerous travellers using the Giscome Portage, no actual community developed there until the early years of the 20th century. This community was later to be known as the Huble Homestead. World War I initiated the decline of Giscome Portage and the decline accelerated with the construction of a road between Prince George and Summit Lake in 1919. Giscome Portage was bypassed as the transportation method shifted from water to road.
• Wildlife - Park Visitors are able to view many species of native wildlife within a natural setting. Frequently sited wildlife species include moose, deer, black bear, beaver, grouse and eagles.
• General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information

• Use caution at road crossing on North Fraser Forest Road. High use by logging trucks.
• There are many bugs in the swampy and wet areas; insect repellent is recommended.

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

No camping at this park.

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

	No vehicle accessible camping facilities at this park.
	No wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping.
	No group campsites.
	No day-use or picnic facilities.
	There are no wheelchair accessible facilities at this park.
	Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
	This park has 1 pit toilet at the half-way mark (North Fraser River Road Crossing). There are additional pit toilets at the Huble Homestead Regional Park Site.
	No showers.
	No sani-station/dump facilities.
	Campfires are not permitted.
	There are no electrical hook-ups in this park.
	There are no regularly scheduled interpretive programs at this park.
	This trail is an easy 8.5 km long and there are trail heads at both ends of the trail. In winter this trail is used for Cross-Country Skiing. 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.
	This park does not have a playground.
	No swimming.
	There are no opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park.
	This park does not have a boat launch.
	There are fishing opportunities. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
	Cycling is permitted. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
	No horseback riding.
	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.
	There is no viewing platform but there is a beautiful bridge for wildlife viewing at Tay Creek.
	Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing is allowed in the park but there is no track setting. There is a one-way 8.5 km trail and is easy rolling terrain.
	No SCUBA diving or snorkelling opportunities.
	No windsurfing opportunities.
	No waterskiing opportunities.
	Hunting is allowed in the park. Please check the BC Hunting and Trapping Regulations for more information.
	No climbing or rock climbing opportunities.
	No spelunking or caving opportunities.
	No cabins, yurts or lodges for public use.