Banana Island Park

Highlights in this park

A small and environmentally sensitive island in the South Thompson River, Banana Island Park is not suitable for recreation.

The park protects spring salmon spawning grounds and nesting grounds for a variety of birds and waterfowl such as Canada geese, osprey and bald eagles and also wintering habitat for tundra and trumpeter swan. Nesting waterfowl are found here from April to July, with nesting raptors from spring until August.

Know before you go

Advisories

Special notes

There are no camping or day-use facilities provided at this park. There are no toilets in the park.
Banana Island is not suitable for dogs due to wildlife issues and the potential for trauma to nesting waterfowl. This is a very sensitive area, used from spring through late summer by nesting birds.

Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.

Visit responsibly

Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:

Maps and location

Getting there

Banana Island is located on the South Thompson River, approximately 35 km east of Kamloops. The closest communities are Pritchard, Kamloops and Chase.

Things to do

Canoeing

Canoes or kayaks provide access to the island.

Fishing

Good spinning and fly for trout. Also whitefish and bull trout when in season.

Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

Wildlife viewing

There is viewing of Canada geese, osprey and bald eagle, and wintering habitat for tundra and trumpeter swan.

Hunting

Hunting is permitted in this park.

Anyone hunting in British Columbia must comply with BC hunting regulations. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

About this park

Cultural Heritage

Cultural significance is associated with the historical use of the river, evidenced by the many kekuli pits (semi-underground pit-houses) on the island. Historical use by the Neskonlith Indian band.

History

The park was created on April 30, 1996 as a result of recommendations made in the Kamloops Land and Resource Management Plan.

Conservation

The island is long, narrow and vegetated with ponderosa pine and grassy undercover. It is a significant waterfowl nesting site, especially for Canada geese and also for osprey and bald eagle, and wintering habitat for tundra and trumpeter swan. The downstream end of the island is also near spring salmon spawning grounds.

Wildlife

Nesting waterfowl are found here from April to July, with nesting raptors from spring until August.

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.

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