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
A small, quiet campground, set between two small lakes Turquoise and Crown. This park is popular with fishermen and birders. Nestled in the rugged Pavilion Mountain Range. The limestone canyon in which Marble Canyon Provincial Park is located is a rather rare geological formation in British Columbia. That's what makes picnicking here such an unusual experience. You can sense there's something different; the white, chalk-faced slopes are certainly not composed of granite, as are the nearby Coast Mountains. And the weathered peaks, surmounted by the remarkable Chimney Rock, have the appearance of a crumbling castle wall. This canyon was once part of a Pacific island chain, another section of which lies in the northwest corner of the province. A waterfall on the far side of suitably named Turquoise Lake reminds you of the power of the elements to eventually wear all things down.
Visit historic Hat Creek Ranch and the town of Lillooet, both nearby. Explore the area, rich in the history of the Interior Salish people and the pioneers who followed the gold rush and homesteaded this area.
Park Size: 355 hectares
Special Notes:
The nearest public telephone is at Butterfly Springs 4 km east on Highway 99.
Quiet Hours - are 10 pm to 7 am. Music, generators, etc. must be shut off completely between these hours.
Hibachis and Campstoves - can burn the picnic tables. Please do not use them on the tables.
Valuables - when left unattended or at night, should be stored out of sight and locked up at all times. Please report all thefts to the park staff as soon as possible.
Traffic Safety - The speed limit within the park is 20 km/hour or less.
Motorcycles and Bicycles - are permitted on park roads only. Motorcycles must be properly licenced and must be operated by a licenced driver only. Helmets must be worn. Unlicenced ATV's or dirt bikes are not permitted.
Parking - is prohibited on the side of the road. Please park on the gravelled portion of your campsite or in designated parking spaces. Vehicles parked in day-use areas after 11 pm may be ticketed or towed.
Pets - must be on leash (no longer than 2 metres) at all times while in the park. They are not allowed on beaches or in day use areas. Owners must clean up after their pets.
Consumption of Alcohol - is prohibited except in your campsite.
Campground Hours 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.)
Year round
Gate is open year round.
Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees:
May 1 – September 30, 2009.
Off-season: no fees, no water, no garbage removal, no firewood, one pit
toilet open, user maintained.
Campground Reservable Dates:
Not applicable
Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites:
30
Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable:
(all remaining sites are first-come, first-served)
Not applicable
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.
General Visitor Information
The extremely hot, dry climate can result in overexposure to the sun. Everyone in your party should wear sunscreen of at least SPF 15, and a hat with a brim.
Roadways can be very busy. Whether you are walking, cycling, roller-blading, skateboarding or driving, please be careful. Always yield to the slowest mode of travel; e.g., cyclists yield to walkers. Obey all traffic regulations and rules of the road.
History - Established in 1956 with the addition of Pavilion Lake on April 18th, 2001.
Cultural Heritage - The Pavilion Indian Band holds special heritage and spiritual connection to Pavilion Lake and the surrounding land.
Conservation - From the campground, view spectacular limestone cliffs 1 km high, part of the Pavilion Range. The park boundary now includes all of Pavilion Lake and the lake bottom to protect the unique and sensitive freshwater stromatolite features. Because the stromatolites are fragile scuba diving in Pavilion Lake requires specialised training.
Pavilion Lake is only one of a few places in the world where
freshwater stromatolite features can be found. Similar stromatolites
to 1-2 cm have been found at nearby Kelly Lake, but there are
no known freshwater stromatolites anywhere else that approach
the large size of those found at Pavilion Lake. There are large
stromotalites found in hypersaline conditions in Hamelin Pool,
which is part of the Shark Bay world heritage site in Australia. Click
here for more information about Pavilion Lake Research Project
The coral-like structures are formed from fossilized remains of micro-organisms (microbiolites) that are considered to be similar to some of the oldest known lifeforms on Earth. Microbiolites are believed to have formed a critical stage in the evolution of life on earth. There is also scientific speculation that search for life on other planets such as Mars would focus on finding fossilized remains of similar organisms.
Wildlife - Trout are found in Crown, Turquoise, and Pavilion Lakes.
Black bears are frequently seen in the area.
B/L Parks Contracting Ltd.
E-mail address: blparks@hughes.net
Park information: 1.250.378.5334 (May to September)
Please specify PARK NAME when sending or leaving a message.
For Employment & Camp Host opportunities, please e-mail to address shown above.
Activities Available At This Park
Canoeing
There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking on Pavilion, Crown and Turquoise Lakes.
Climbing
Marble Canyon Provincial
Park has one of the best and most easily accessed icefalls in the region.
Lower Mainland rock climbers have opened dozens of routes over the past
decade in this area, which has come to be known as the "Cinderella of
BC rock," because
of its still relatively undiscovered beauty.
A maze of canyons run off
on both sides of the main canyon, through which the highway makes it
way as it passes beside the brilliantly hued Turquoise, Crown, and Pavilion
Lakes. Chimney Rock, known as Coyote Rock by members of the Fountain
Band First Nation, dominates the crenellated skyline. A good description
of routes such as the Headwall and the Great Gully are found in "Central
B.C. Rock" by Lyle Knight, a comprehensive climbing guide to routes
in the Lillooet region north through the Central Interior and east through
the Okanogan and West Kootenays.
Rainbow Trout fishing to 1 kg at Crown, Pavilion and Turquoise Lakes. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. There are opportunities for ice fishing in this park.
Hiking
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 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.
There is a small sandy beach on Crown Lake. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
Wildlife Viewing
The white, chalk-faced slopes are certainly not composed of granite, as are the nearby Coast Mountains. And the weathered peaks, surmounted by the remarkable Chimney Rock, have the appearance of a crumbling castle wall. This canyon was once part of a Pacific island chain, another section of which lies in the northwest corner of the province. A waterfall on the far side of suitably named Turquoise Lake reminds you of the power of the elements to eventually wear all things down.
Facilities Available At This Park
Campfires
Campfires are permitted and firepits are provided. Firewood can be purchased from the Park Facility Operator in some parks or you can bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. You may pre-pay for firewood with your campsite self registration. 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.
Please ensure that all barbeques or campstoves are used on the ground and not set on picnic tables.
Drinking Water
There is one hand pump.
Picnic Areas
This park has limited day-use/picnic facilities on the edge the campground.
Pit or Flush Toilets
This park has pit toilets - no flush toilets.
Vehicle Accessible Camping
This park offers 30 high-density vehicle/tent accessible campsites on a first-come, first-served basis - campsite reservations are not accepted. During the camping season, overnight visitors can now pay at the campground with a self registration system - cash only accepted. Deposit cash in the envelope (change will be provided when attendant arrives if you do not have correct amount), fill out the information and place in the vault provided at the water pump. Please detach the receipt portion and attach to the clip on the picnic table. You may also pre-pay firewood with your campsite self registration. Staff will be at the campground at least once a day during the camping season.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $15.00 per party
/ night
BC Senior's Rate (Shoulder
Season only): $7.50 per senior's couple/night
