- Access to this park is by active logging roads. The chance of encountering loaded logging trucks while traveling these roads is highly likely. Logging trucks have the right of way at all times. Drivers should use caution and yield to logging trucks; use pullouts whenever possible. Visitors should carry a full-sized spare tire.
- The banks along the river are extremely steep with canyon sections, creating hazards. Please use caution when hiking along the river’s edge.
Nitinat River Provincial Park
About This Park
Nestled in an old growth forest of Douglas fir and Western hemlock, rugged Nitinat River Provincial Park offers opportunities for wilderness hiking and camping, as well as sports fishing and wildlife viewing. The Nitinat River carves through this lush forest, creating a series of spectacular falls and quiet pools perfect for viewing steelhead and salmon.While these deep pools within the canyon are closed to anglers, fishing is possible in the area around the Nitinat River bridge pool. This scenic wilderness park, which protects a variety of rare and endangered plant species, has no developed camping or day-use facilities, aside from a rough, unmaintained route leading from the roadside to the river.Nitinat River Park can be reached by logging road from the communities of Port Alberni, Cowichan Lake and Port Renfrew.
Park Size: 160 hectares
Location and Maps
Nitinat River Provincial Park is located above Nitinat Lake, northwest of Port Renfrew on southern Vancouver Island. The park can be accessed via Port Alberni, Cowichan Lake or Port Renfrew along the Nitinat Main logging road. Two sites – Nitinat River Falls and Nitinat River bridge pool – are located approximately 8 and 15 km southwest of Cowichan Lake, accessed via logging roads. Nearby communities include: Cowichan Lake, Duncan, Port Alberni, Port Renfrew
Nature and Culture
- Conservation / Wildlife - Nitinat River Provincial Park protects 160 hectares of rainforest and riparian habitat for several endangered species, including threatened plant species such as Scouler’s corydalis and the tooth-leaved monkey flower. The park protects an important stretch of the Nitinat River system, including spawning grounds of summer steelhead, winter steelhead, sea-run Cutthroat and Rainbow trout, and chum, coho and Chinook salmon.
Nitinat River Falls protects old-growth Douglas fir and Western hemlock forest and deep river pools important for summer steelhead, as well as winter range for Roosevelt elk. - General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information
Management Planning
Management Planning Information
- Online Management planning information for this park is not available at this time.
Activities Available at this Park
Canoeing
Fishing
The Nitinat River is home to steelhead, salmon and a variety of fresh water species. The pools within the canyon are closed to fishing, while the Nitinat River bridge pool is an open area for fishing. Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing.
Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Pets on Leash
Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Wildlife Viewing
Facilities Available at this Park
