This park is currently closed due to fire hazard.
Fire Restrictions in Effect for this Park
Please Note: During a campfire ban, smoking is restricted in all public areas of a park or protected area. Please read this Information Bulletin [PDF].

In This Park

Activities Available at this Park
Facilities Available at this Park

On This Page

Visitor Information

Please boat and water ski with care. Areas around docking and launching facilities are not suitable for water skiing. Please avoid them.

Park Contact

This park proudly operated by:
Northwest Escapes Ltd.
Lakelse Gate house:
250 798-2466
Lakelse Park Patrol cell:
250 615-9250
E-mail: nwescapesbc@telus.net
Office/Winter Phone:
250 638-8490

Lakelse Lake Provincial Park

Important Notice Attention Visitors – Important Notice!

  • BC Parks intends to apply for the following restrictions to be submitted for Transport Canada’s consideration during winter 2016/17:
    • Only motors of less than 10 HP permitted within the Lakelse Wetlands boating restriction area (south of the red line on the attached map [PDF 612KB]).
    • The applied for restriction will be seasonal in nature and apply from March 1st to October 1st.
    If you have any questions, concerns, support or would like to discuss further please contact David Brown, Planning Section Head at ph. 778-505-2041.
  • Motor boats are to avoid the entrances of Ena, Andalas and Clearwater Creeks, at the south end of Lakelse Lake. Please see the attached brochure for more details and explanation. [PDF 462KB]
  • Personal watercrafts (PWC) and motorized vessels are to avoid accessing Clearwater and Andalas Creeks to prevent disturbing and displacing waterfowl and wildlife in the Park. Signs are posted near the entrances of these two creeks.

About This Park

Lakelse Lake Provincial ParkPhotoGallery
Lakelse Lake Provincial Park is situated in the Skeena River Watershed and is surrounded by the mountains of the Kitimat Range.

The park preserves stands of impressive old growth cedar, hemlock and Sitka spruce forests which thrive in the moist air swept in from the Pacific Ocean. Salmon-bearing streams, sandy beaches, water sports and wildlife are some attractions this park offers.

Established Date: March 16, 1956

Park Size: 354 hectares

Special Notes:
  • Dogs must be on a leash at all times, including Gruchy’s Beach Trail. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.
  • licenced motor vehicles, including motorcycles, are restricted to vehicle roads and parking areas. Please keep vehicles and equipment on the camp pads or driveways. Unlicenced vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles, are not permitted in the park.
  • For safety reasons, firearms are not permitted in the park. Lakelse Lake Park is closed to hunting.
Campground Dates of Operation
All dates are subject to change without notice
Opening and Closing Campground Dates:
(campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water, security, etc.) 		May 12 – September 17
Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees: May 12 – September 17
Campground Reservable Dates: May 12 – September 16
Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites: 156
Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable:
 The campgrounds are 100% reservable.
Note: The above information is for the campground only. Park users can still walk into the park if conditions such as weather permit. Check the "Attention Visitor Notice" above for park alerts.

Reservations

All campsite and group site reservations must be made through Discover Camping. When reservations are not available all campsites function as first-come, first-served.

Make A Reservation

Campsite Reservations:
Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.

Group Camp/Picnic Reservations:
Group campsite and/or group picnic site reservations are accepted at this park through Discover Camping for dates starting May 12 to September 9.

Location and Maps

Please note: Any maps listed are for information only – they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation. Approximately 20 km south of Terrace and 40 km north of Kitimat on Highway #37. Located approximately 2.5 km north of the Mount Layton Hotsprings. From the junction of Highway #37 and #16, it is 14 km to Gruchy’s Beach day use-area, 15 km to the Lakelse Lake picnic site and group site and 19 km to Furlong Bay Campground.

Maps and Brochures

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

Nature and Culture

  • History: The word “Lakelse” comes from the Tsimshian language meaning “fresh water mussel,” for the mollusk that is found on the bottom of both Lakelse Lake and River. Prior to Lakelse Lake becoming a provincial park, Hatchery Creek, which runs throughout the park, was the site of a sockeye salmon hatchery operated by the Canadian Government between 1919 and 1936. Lakelse Lake Provincial Park was established on March 16, 1956.
  • Wildlife: Within this old growth coastal forest, diverse wildlife populations and plant communities exist. The Kermodei bear, a white species of black bear, is native to the area. Coyote, moose, wolf, cougar, and many other mammals are also in the area.

    About 100 bird species have been counted in the area, including Canada geese, bald eagles, ospreys and trumpeter swans. This swan is the largest species of North American waterfowl and was once on the brink of extinction. A good sized group of them spends the winter at Lakelse Lake.

Management Planning

Management Planning Information

Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing

Canoeing

Canoeing, windsurfing, and sailing are all popular activities on Lakelse Lake. No rentals available at this time.
Cycling

Cycling

There are no bicycle trails in this park. Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Fishing

Fishing

Some excellent fishing opportunities await during summer and winter. Trout and Dolly Varden are common catches in the lake while the area’s rivers boast world-class salmon and steelhead runs. All five species of Pacific salmon spawn in these waters. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking

Hiking

Hike the easy 2 km Twin Spruce Trail or the easy 1 km Gruchy’s Beach Trail and observe the coastal old growth forests and salmon streams. 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. Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
Pets on Leash

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.
Swimming

Swimming

A swimming area is roped off at Furlong Bay and the Lakelse picnic site. The beaches are sandy and the water temperature is cool in August. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
Waterskiing

Waterskiing

There are water-skiing opportunities on Lakelse Lake.
Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife Viewing

There is no viewing platform but the viewing is great for spawning salmon and wildlife.
Windsurfing

Windsurfing

There are windsurfing opportunities on Lakelse Lake.
Winter Recreation

Winter Recreation

Snowshoeing is available in the winter on existing hiking trails. Ice-skating is available on Lakelse Lake. Check for proper ice thickness before going out and bring your own skates. Cross-country skiing is available at Onion Lake approximately a 5-minute drive south of Furlong Bay Campground. Downhill skiing and tobogganing are available outside the park at Shames Mountain, approximately a 45-minute drive west of Terrace.

Facilities Available at this Park

Boat Launch

Boat Launch

A double, paved boat launch and loading dock complete with parking are conveniently situated to the nearby day-use area at Furlong Bay. Boating, water-skiing and fishing are popular activities on Lakelse Lake. There is no access to the boat launch from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am during the camping season and off-season.
Campfires

Campfires

Firewood can be purchased from the Park Operator for a fee. The firewood fee is $6.00 per bundle of wood (including GST). Campfires are allowed in the day-use areas but must be contained in the provided fire rings. Fires are not allowed at Gruchy’s Beach area. 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.
Drinking Water

Drinking Water

Cold water taps are located throughout the park. Hose hookups for campers/trailers are not available. Taps are shut off during the off-season.
Electrical Hookups

Electrical Hookups

50 campsites have RV electrical outlets (120 V; 30 Amp; 60 Hz):
10-11, 25-34, 39, 41-51, 110-123, 129-133, 136-138, 144-147.
There is an additional electrical service charge of $6/night (includes tax) for these sites (whether the power is in use or not).
Group Camping

Group Camping

There is a group campsite at this park. It offers 8 campsites, a covered shelter, a grassy area, a sandy beach, volleyball net and a large fire ring. The group campsites are open from May 12 to September 10. Click here for reservation information.
Youth group camping charges per night are $1/person (6+), with a $50 minimum and $150 maximum. Read the Youth Group policy about Criteria for Youth Groups.

Regular group camping charges per night are the base rate for the site, which is $120.00/group site/night, plus $5/adult (16+, minimum charge for 15 adults), plus $1/child (6-15). Children under 6 are free!
Picnic Areas

Picnic Areas

This park has two day-use/picnic areas. They both have tables, a covered picnic shelter with wood stove, parking, fire rings, water and sandy beaches. The Furlong Bay picnic site also has a grassy playground area, wheelchair access to the beach, volleyball net, a toilet/change house and a pay phone. Gates are locked from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am.
Pit or Flush Toilets

Pit or Flush Toilets

Pit and flush toilets are located throughout the park. Flush toilets are shut down during the off-season.
Playground

Playground

An adventure playground with grassy area for children is located in the Furlong Bay day-use area.
Sani-Station/Dump

Sani-Station/Dump

A sani-station/dump is available during the collecting season. It is located between the gatehouse and the main information shelter, Furlong Bay Campground.
Sani-station Use Fee: $5.00 per discharge
Showers

Showers

There are three toilet/shower buildings they are located in Furlong Bay Campground.
Vehicle Accessible Camping

Vehicle Accessible Camping

This park offers reservable vehicle accessible campsites in Furlong Bay Campground. The campground is half paved and half gravel and there are 16 double sites. The campsites can accommodate RVs and are shaded/treed. Parking is available for extra vehicles.

The park has a gatehouse and gate that is locked from 11:00 pm to 5:00 am. The nearest store is approximately 20 km away in Terrace.

As the campground is 100% reservable, you must register at the gatehouse during gatehouse hours. Outside of gatehouse hours, register with the park operator at campsite #21 before occupying a campsite.

Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $28.00 per party / night plus, if applicable $6.00 electrical/night = $34.00/party/night.
BC Senior’s Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $14.00 per senior party/night plus, if applicable $6.00 electrical/night = $20.00/party/night. Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.
Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair Access

The toilets, buildings and Furlong Beach area are wheelchair accessible.