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.
As of July 29, 2009 a wildfire started by lightning has burnt approximately 50 hectares of forest in the Corkscrew Basin between the Itcha and Ilgachuz Mountain Ranges inside the Itcha Ilgachuz Provincial Park. BC Parks recommends that the public and any PUP holders not utilize the Pan Phillips (aka Blackwater Trail) Trail until further notice. Hot dry weather and Mountain Pine Beetle killed forests make wildfire behaviour unpredictable and a running crown fire can be expected if winds pick up.
Park Info
Itcha Ilgachuz Provincial Park comprises almost 112,000 hectares of unique landscape in the West Chilcotin Uplands. The landscape is diverse, and contains volcanic landforms, alpine environments, and forest sites scattered with wetlands.
The park was recommended for protection under the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land-Use Plan, and designated a Class A Park in 1995. Itcha Ilgachuz is a wilderness park set aside to protect alpine grasslands, wetlands, and wildlife habitat, including the largest herd of woodland caribou in southern BC. The Itcha Range and Ilgachuz Range are examples of isolated shield volcanoes, rising up to 2400 meters above sea level. These ranges are situated in the rain shadow of the Coast Mountains, and support a high diversity of plant and animal species.
Park Size: 111,977 hectares
Special Notes:
It is an offence under the Heritage Conservation Act to damage or remove artifacts from any cultural heritage site.
Itcha Ilgachuz Provincial Park is located in the Chilcotin Uplands east of the Rainbow Range of South Tweedsmuir Park. The park is extremely remote and unroaded; the closest communities are Anahim Lake, Alexis Creek, Nimpo Lake, Redstone, and Nazko. The closest major centre is Quesnel, located approximately 200km east of the park. For map information, please refer to topographical map numbers: 1:50 000-93C/14, 93C/15, 93C/11, and 93C/10.
Cycling is permitted on one trail in the park. Please call the Cariboo Regional office for information.
Fishing
Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
There are unmaintained hiking trails. 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.
Horseback Riding
Unmaintained horse trails exist throughout the park.
Hunting
This park is open to hunting. Please check the BC Hunting and Trapping Regulations for more information. Horses are allowed in the park for hunting purposes.
Pets on Leash
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.
Winter Recreation
There are designated trails and play areas for snowmobiling that avoid caribou habitat in Itcha Ilgachuz Park. Trails that access the play areas are between 40 and 80 kilometers in length. Skimmers, spare gas, avalanche rescue equipment and overnight gear are required for snowmobiling in this park.
Facilities Available At This Park
Cabins / Huts / Yurts
There are 2 cabins located near Itcha Lake for public use. They hold approximately 6 people each and are very rustic. People need to be prepared to camp outside in the event the cabins are full. These cabins are maintained by the Itcha Cabin Society and donations towards their maintenance are requested.
Campfires
No firewood available. Firewood is not provided at this park. If you must have a fire please burn only dead and down wood, and be sure to extinguish the fire fully. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil so please use it conservatively, if at all. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.
Pit or Flush Toilets
This park only has pit toilets. They are located beside each of the cabins near Itcha Lake.
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. The park is open year round.
