Ministry of Environment - Nicolum River

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Attention Visitors - Important Notice!

There are no park alerts at this time.

Park Info:

Located near Hope, Nicolum River Provincial Park is characterized by dense forest cover and a small, fast flowing river. It provides camping, picnicking, and fishing opportunities to the travelling public on Highway 3.

Park Size: 24 hectares

Special Notes:

This is a very small park with only nine campsites, so it fills quite quickly.

Management Planning:

Management Planning Information

Location:

Location Map

The park is located 8 km east of Hope on Highway 3, near the junction of Highways 3 and 5.

Map/Brochure:

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

Location Map

Nature & Culture:

History - Nicolum River was designated to Provincial Park status in 1956. It serves as the first roadside rest-stop and campground for visitors en route from the Lower Mainland to the Interior.
Cultural Heritage - In 1846, Alexander Caulfield Anderson of the Hudson's Bay Company explored the valley occupied by the Nicolum and Sumallo Rivers in search of a route to the Cariboo (the Dewdney Trail). In the process, he set up camp in the vicinity of Nicolum River Provincial Park. The section of Highway 3 at the park was once part of the historic trail.
Conservation - The park is situated in the Coastal Western Hemlock biogeoclimatic zone. Characteristic species associated with this zone and presently on site include coastal western hemlock, red cedar, and in well drained areas, Douglas-fir. The understory is sparse and consists mainly of sword fern, bracken, salmonberry, and moss species.
Wildlife - The significant wildlife species in the park are primarily songbirds and fish. These include varied thrush, black-throated grey warbler, red-breasted nutlatch, and Dolly Varden. Transient species in the area include porcupine, coyote, Columbia blacktail deer, and black bear.

Visitor Safety:

Nicolum River is susceptible to high water levels and increased water velocities during spring/summer run-off season.

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

Reservations:For parks that accept reservations, all vehicle accessible campsites (with the exception of
group sites) must be reserved through Discover Camping.

Reservations are not accepted at this park, all campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis. For parks that accept reservations or information on the reservation service, click here.

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

Contact Information:

Fraser Valley Field Office General Info - 604-466-8325 Group Bookings 604-476-9069 (Cultus Lake, Sasquatch and Golden Ears)

This park offers vehicle accessible campsites on a first-come, first-served basis - campsite reservations are not accepted. There are 9 small to medium sized sites in a treed setting. There are no double or pull-through sites, and no extra parking is available. There is no gatehouse or locked gate. If there is no staff available to help locate an available campsite, choose a site that does not have a ticket on the number post. Camping is available year round. There is no pay phone available in the park. The nearest store is 8km west in Hope.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $15.00 per party / night
BC Senior's Rate (Shoulder Season only): $7.50 per senior's couple/night

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.)	May 18 - October 8 Gate is closed during the off-season.
Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees:	May 18 - October 8
Campground Reservable Dates:	Not applicable
Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites:	9
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.

No wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping.

No group campsites.

This park has a day-use/picnic area. There are 4 picnic tables and 2 pit toilets. No other facilities are available. The gate is locked from approximately end of September to mid May.

There are no wheelchair accessible facilities at this park.

There is a cold water tap located by campsite #1. The water is supplied from an artisian well at the tap source and is only operational during the summer months.

This park has pit toilets located in the campground and day-use area. There are no flush toilets.

No showers.

No sani-station/dump facilities. The nearest sani-station is located in the town of Hope.

While campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite, we encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead. Firewood can be purchased in the park or you may bring your own wood.Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary from park to park. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don't gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil.

There are no electrical hook-ups in this park

There are no regularly scheduled interpretive programs at this park.

There are no developed trails in this park.

This park does not have a playground.

There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks. Swimming is not recommended in the fast-flowing Nicolum River.

Canoeing and kayaking are not recommended.

This park does not have a boat launch.

Rainbow Trout fishing is available in the Nicolum River. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Bicycles must keep to roadways. 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 picnic 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.

No wildlife viewing opportunities.

No winter recreation opportunities.

No SCUBA diving or snorkelling opportunities.

No windsurfing opportunities.

No waterskiing opportunities.

No hunting in the park.

No climbing or rock climbing opportunities.

No spelunking or caving opportunities.

No cabins, yurts or lodges for public use.