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
Strathcona-Westmin Park is surrounded by Strathcona Provincial Park on central Vancouver Island. This park is unique in that it incorporates a working mine, the Myra Falls Operation of Boliden-Westmin Resources Ltd. This mine produces ore containing zinc, copper, gold and silver and has a capacity of 1.4 million tons annually.
Aside from mining, this rugged forest environment offers a variety of recreational opportunities for visitors - particularly hiking and backcountry camping. Routes range from 15-minute walks to more than 8 hour hikes. A short trails lead from the Boliden-Westmin mine to beautiful Upper and Lower Myra Falls – scenic waterfalls located deep in the forest. Other longer trails lead to the lower Thelwood Valley - a great place to see Roosevelt elk and other wildlife - and access the backcountry at Price Creek, Philips Ridge, Tennent Lake and Mount Myra.
Bring your own water as no potable water is available.
Campfires are not permitted; please bring your own camp stove.
General Visitor Information
Strathcona-Westmin Provincial Park has a significant black bear population. It is common to encounter bears along the trails and roadsides. Visitors should use caution around bears and not approach. Keep pets on a leash. For more on bear safety click here.
Strathcona-Westmin Provincial Park is surrounded by Strathcona Provincial Park on central Vancouver Island. Located at the south end of Buttle Lake, the park covers the lower portions of the Myra Creek and Thelwood Creek valleys. To reach the park, visitors drive west on Hwy 28 from Campbell River to the entrance to Strathcona Provincial Park (48 km); proceed down the Buttle Lake road (Western Mines Road) past the Buttle Narrows Bridge toward Strathcona-Westmin park, an additional 35 km.
Nearby communities include: Campbell River, Comox Valley, Courtenay, Gold River
Nature & Culture
History - Strathcona-Westmin Class B Provincial Park covers the area permitted for Boliden-Westmin resources to carry out mining operations. The land was given special designation because of mineral values and the decision by the provincial government to allow exploration and mining in this area. This park was separated out of Strathcona Park in 1965 and designated as a Class B provincial park. Mining began in 1966 and will continue dependant on reserves and commodity prices.
Conservation / Wildlife - The lower portion of Thelwood Creek has spawning beds for Rainbow, Dolly Varden and Cutthroat trout, as well as char. These spawning areas are essential to maintaining the fishery of Buttle Lake in Strathcona Provincial Park. The park also protects important habitat for Roosevelt elk and beaver. Strathcona-Westmin Provincial Park has a significant black bear population. It is common to encounter bears along the trails and roadsides. Other wildlife in the park includes the red-listed Vancouver Island wolverine, as well as cougars, deer, wolves and a variety of birds and amphibians
Tributaries to Buttle Lake are closed to angling. This includes Thelwood and Myra Creeks. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities range from short easy walks to steep, difficult backcountry hikes. Parking and trailhead facilities at Strathcona-Westmin Park provide access to hiking opportunities in surrounding Strathcona Park. Three trailheads offer visitor information shelters, parking areas and pit toilets. Click here for description of each trail.
Pets on Leash
Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash and under control 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.
Wildlife Viewing
Viewing platforms at Lower and Upper Myra Falls offer spectacular views of the waterfalls. The trail to Upper Myra Falls leads through beautiful old-growth forest. Philips Ridge and Mount Myra offer great views of the surrounding alpine environment of Strathcona Park.
Facilities Available At This Park
Pit or Flush Toilets
This park has pit toilets located at the Lower Myra Falls parking lot and at the Philips Ridge/Upper Myra Falls parking lot.
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed around Arnica Lake on the Phillips Ridge Trail. No facilities are provided. Please practice “Leave No Trace” camping ethics.
Winter Camping
Strathcona-Westmin Provincial Park is accessible year round; there is no fee for winter camping.
