Ministry of Environment

Parks Listed Alphabetically: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Attention Visitors - Important Notice!

Please note that access to the campsites in this park is a rough two wheel drive access for 4 km to either campsite. The roads are outside the park and in poor condition, they can be driven, but it is recommended to drive very slowly (speed should be kept to 5 km per hour).

Park Info:

Ts'ilʔos (pronounced "sigh-loss") Provincial Park comprises approximately 233,000 hectares of rugged mountains, clear blue lakes, glaciers, alpine meadows, and waterfalls. It is bordered by the rugged peaks of the Coast Mountains to the west, and the dry Interior Plateau to the east. The diversity and contrast in landscapes and vegetation are a result of a rainshadow effect on the east side of the mountains. While the northern and eastern portions of the park are relatively dry, the south end of Chilko Lake is characterized by moist areas of the coastal western hemlock zone.

The provincial park was established in January of 1994 as a wilderness area set aside to protect vegetation, wildlife and fish habitats, cultural values, and special features. The diverse ecosystems in the park remain largely undisturbed by human activity, making this park an ecologically significant area in the province. Chilko Lake, the largest, natural high-elevation freshwater lake in Canada, dominates the park. Stunningly beautiful, due to its blue-green hues and dramatic mountain backdrops, Chilko Lake is popular with boaters, kayakers, and anglers. Backcountry hiking and camping is also a cornerstone of the recreational opportunities offered by this remote park.

The park is managed through a cooperative relationship between BC Parks, the Ts'ilhquot'in People of Xeni, a Local Advisory Group, and the Ts'ilʔos Advisory Group. Activities present in the area before the park's creation, and still permitted today, include hunting, trapping, and cattle grazing. The historical importance of these uses is recognized, and there is a commitment in the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land-Use Plan to ensuring that such activities continue at existing levels.

Park Size: 233,240 hectares

Special Notes:

Management Planning:

Management Planning Information

Location:

Location Map

Ts'ilʔos Provincial Park is located in a relatively undeveloped and isolated part of the Chilcotin. As the crow flies, the park is approximately 160 km southwest of Williams Lake, or 250 km north of Vancouver. There are two main vehicle access routes into the park, and two campgrounds, one at the end of each route. Both routes take 4 - 6 hours from Williams Lake, though travel time varies considerably depending on weather conditions. Roads are rough, and conditions vary considerably. Drive carefully and with lights on. The nearest communities to the park are Nemiah Valley, Hanceville, Tatla Lake and Williams Lake.

No scheduled flights serve the park. Several airstrips are located outside the park boundary; a Park Use Permit is required for commercial air access within the park.

Topographical map numbers 1:50,000 92N/1, 92N/8, 92O/4, 92O/5, 92N/9, 92J/13 and 92K/16 cover the park. These are necessary for hikers, horseback riders and other backcountry travellers..

Map/Brochure:

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

Park Map (370 KB PDF)

Nature & Culture:

History

Conservation

Wildlife

Visitor Safety:

Black and grizzly bears inhabit the park and can be encountered at any time. Due to bear hazards, Gwa Da Ts'ih campground may be closed during salmon spawning season (mid-August to mid-September).
Ts'ilʔos Provincial Park is remote. Visitors must be self-sufficient and competent in order to deal with the challenges of the outdoors. BC Parks does not provide rescue services.
Only experienced boaters and kayakers should attempt Chilko Lake, due to the unpredictable winds and other challenges such as high waves, icy waters, and a shortage of safe landing areas. Canoeing on Chilko Lake is not recommended.

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.

This park offers vehicle accessible campsites on a first-come, first-served basis - campsite reservations are not accepted. There is a variety of shaded, treed, and open sites at each campground and parking is available for extra vehicles. The Nu Chugh Beniz campground has 16 camp sites, 1 of which is a large pull through, 3 double, and the rest are single vehicle sites. There are also 4 tent pads at this campground. At the Gwa Da Ts'ih campground there are 8 single vehicle sites.

Gwa Da Ts'ih Campground: To reach this small, rustic campground at the north end of Chilko Lake, take Highway 20 to Tatla Lake, then drive 63 km on a gravel road from Tatla Lake to the Gwa Da Ts'ih campground. Follow signs for Chilko Lake. Lodges nearby may offer meals and some basic supplies.

Nu Chugh Beniz Campground: This very scenic but often windy campground on the east side of Chilko Lake is accessed via Highway 20 to Hanceville, then 121 km on gravel from Hanceville via Konni Lake and the Nemiah Valley. Supplies are available near the campground at the Nemiah Valley Tl'ebayi Community Centre: gas, propane, laundry and internet service.

These campgrounds run on a self registration system and drop boxes are in place so people can pay their overnight fee. There are no payphones at either campground.
The closest store to the Nu Chugh Beniz campground is at Nemiah Valley Tl'ebayi Community Centre or at Hanceville. The closest store to the Gwa Da Ts'ih campground is at Tatla Lake.

Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $10.00 per party / night
BC Senior's Rate (Shoulder Season only): $5.00 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.)	Year round (Gate is open during the off-season)
Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees:	June 15 - September 30 for both campgrounds
Campground Reservable Dates:	Not applicable
Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites:	- Gwa da Ts'ih = 8 rustic - Nu Chugh Beniz = 16
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.

Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.

No group campsites.

This park has a day-use/picnic area at Nu Chugh Beniz Campground only. There are a few picnic tables in this area.

There are no wheelchair accessible facilities at this park.

Cold water pumps are found in the campgrounds.

This park only has pit toilets located at the campground. There are no flush toilets.

No showers.

No sani-station/dump facilities.

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.

The backcountry of Ts'ilʔos Park is recommended for experienced travellers only who are equipped for trail finding, first aid, and survival situations. Hiking routes are not maintained and there are no facilities. Trail Information

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.

This park does not have a playground.

There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks. There is no developed sandy beach, and the water is very cold.

Kayaking is popular on Chilko Lake. Canoeing on Chilko Lake is not recommended.

A concrete boat launch is available for trailerized boats at Gwa Da Ts'ih, while a natural launch, suitable for cartop boats, is located at Nu Chugh Beniz.

Fishing information. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Ts'ilʔos Park Lodge offers a number of recreational opportunities in this park (including horseback riding expeditions, hunting trips and flyfishing). Click here to view a non-government web link, for additional information.

Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

There is horseback riding at this park, although trails are neither maintained nor marked.

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.

No wildlife viewing opportunities.

It is possible to crosscountry ski and snowshoe in the park, however, there are no set trails.

No SCUBA diving or snorkelling opportunities.

No windsurfing opportunities.

No waterskiing opportunities.

The park is open to hunting. Please refer to the British Columbia Hunting Regulations for more information.

There are climbing opportunities available at the south end of Chilko Lake; however they are remote and hard to access.

No spelunking or caving opportunities.

No cabins, yurts or lodges for public use.