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Park Contact
This park operated by:Northwest Escapes Ltd.
Lakelse Visitor Center and Park Patrol: 250 615-9250
nwescapesbc@telus.net
Office/Winter Phone: 250 638-8490


Lakelse Lake Provincial Park
About This Park
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
Know Before You Go
Park Safety
- For safety reasons, firearms are not permitted in the park. Lakelse Lake Park is closed to hunting.
- Please boat and water ski with care. Areas around docking and launching facilities are not suitable for water skiing; please avoid them.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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
- Approved Lakelse Lake Provincial Park Management Direction Statement [PDF] Because of the large size of the maps, they are listed separately.
Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing

Cycling

Fishing

Hiking

Pets on Leash

Swimming

Waterskiing

Wildlife Viewing

Windsurfing

Winter Recreation
Facilities Available at this Park

Boat Launch

Campfires

Drinking Water

Electrical Hookups
10-11, 25-34, 39, 41-51, 110-123, 129-133, 136-138, 144-147.

Group Camping
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

Pit or Flush Toilets

Playground

Sani-Station/Dump

Showers

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.
