Park overview
The main feature of the 13,887 hectare park is three small lakes that straddle the Continental Divide in a narrow, steep-sided glacial overflow channel. Arctic Lake is located in the headwaters of the Parsnip River that eventually drains into the Arctic Ocean. Portage and Pacific Lakes drain via James Creek into Herrick Creek and the McGregor River, which empties into the Fraser River on the way to the Pacific. This is a unique watershed as water flows to the Pacific and also to the Arctic Ocean.
The lakes are a beautiful turquoise colour, and situated in a very scenic area, with alpine peaks and ridges as a distant backdrop. Situated in an area of limestone bedrock, some watercourses drain underground. Valley bottoms alongside the lakes support wet meadows and mixed forest. Valley sides include extensive avalanche chutes and small, picturesque waterfalls.
The park protects very high value fall and spring grizzly habitat, and year-round caribou habitat. Lakes and streams support diverse fish populations, and provide excellent opportunities for fishing. Diverse fish populations including lake trout, bull trout, rainbow trout, kokanee, Dolly Varden, mountain whitefish, redside shiner, lake char, and chinook salmon, and arctic grayling in Arctic Lake.
This protected area contains an old aboriginal route that was followed by Alexander Mackenzie in 1793 during the first crossing of the continent to the Pacific Ocean.
Advisories
Safety info
- There is potential for human and bear conflicts. This area is excellent black and grizzly bear habitat. Users of the area must be knowledgeable about wilderness travel and the necessary precautions. See the general visitor safety information below.
- Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
Camping
Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. Rugged terrain with no facilities or trails other than the trail between Arctic and Pacific Lakes. Extremely difficult foot access.
Main access by boat via the Parsnip River and Arctic Creek.
Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. Rugged terrain with no facilities or trails other than the trail between Arctic and Pacific Lakes. Extremely difficult foot access.
Main access by boat via the Parsnip River and Arctic Creek.
Activities
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. The only trail is the historic Portage trail between Arctic and Pacific Lakes. Very rugged terrain.
The lakes are extremely cold due to the elevation and a short season.
There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.
There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park. Access to Arctic Lake via the Parsnip River and Arctic Creek is possible. The route down James Creek is not recommended due to the many log jams and rapids.
There are opportunities for canoeing or kayaking in this park. Access to Arctic Lake via the Parsnip River and Arctic Creek is possible. The route down James Creek is not recommended due to the many log jams and rapids.
Check the BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis for site specific regulations.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
Hunting is allowed in the park. Check the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information. Horses are not allowed in the park for hunting purposes.
This protected area is located in a remote area 90 km Northeast of Prince George. A logging road in the Parsnip Valley provides access to within a short distance of the park, boat access is also possible via the Parsnip River and Arctic Creek. The closest community is Prince George.
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: June 29, 2000
- Size: 13,887 hectares
Nature and culture
History
This protected area contains an old aboriginal route that was followed by Alexander Mackenzie in 1793 during the first crossing of the continent to the Pacific Ocean.
Cultural Heritage
Archaeological sites are found around Arctic Lake. This area is used by the McLeod Lake Indian Band for berry picking, hunting, and fishing.
Wildlife
Very high fall and spring grizzly populations and year-round caribou habitat. Diverse fish populations including lake trout, bull trout, rainbow trout, kokanee, Dolly Varden, mountain whitefish, redside shiner, lake char, and chinook salmon, and arctic grayling in Arctic Lake.
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.