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.
In order to meet budget targets, trail maintenance has been reduced on the Yohetta/Tzchaikazan Loop Trail in this park. Although this trail will remain open, users may encounter fallen trees and/or trail wash-outs. Extra caution is advised.
Park Info
Ts'il?os (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
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 - October 31 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.
General Visitor Information
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.
Ts'il?os 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..
Kayaking is popular on Chilko Lake. Canoeing on Chilko Lake is not recommended.
Climbing
There are climbing opportunities available at the south end of Chilko Lake; however they are remote and hard to access.
Cycling
The Ts'il?os Management
Plan provides opportunities for mountain biking on designated roads and low
elevation trails so that there is minimal impact on the environment or conflict
with other users. Please see designated areas below:
Mountain Biking is permitted on:
The Yohetta Valley trail as far as the West end of Yohetta Lake (Olson’s
Cabin)
Existing roads and as designated in the North Chilko Lake Unit
Existing roads in the Tsuniah Unit
Existing roads in the Tullin Unit
At all time horses and hikers have priority.
Mountain Biking is not permitted in the following areas:
Ts'il?os
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.
Hiking
The backcountry of Ts'il?os 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.
Horseback Riding
There is horseback riding at this park, although trails are neither maintained nor marked.
Ts'il?os
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.
Hunting
The park is open to hunting. Please refer to the British Columbia Hunting Regulations for more information.
Ts'il?os 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.
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.
Swimming
There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks. There is no developed
sandy beach, and the water is very cold.
Winter Recreation
It is possible to crosscountry ski and snowshoe in the park, however,
there are no set trails.
Facilities Available At This Park
Boat Launch
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.
Campfires
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.
Drinking Water
Cold water pumps are found in the campgrounds.
Picnic Areas
This park has a day-use/picnic
area at Nu Chugh Beniz Campground only. There are a few picnic tables in
this area.
Pit or Flush Toilets
This park only has pit toilets located at the campground. There are no
flush toilets.
Vehicle Accessible Camping
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.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $10.00 per party
/ night
BC Senior's Rate (Shoulder
Season only): $5.00 per senior's couple/night
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.
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed, but no facilities
are provided.
