Bear Island Conservancy

Highlights in this conservancy

Bear Island Conservancy is a small, 317 hectare protected area on the shores of Babine Lake.

The conservancy was established in 2008 after recommendation from the Morice Land and Resource Management Plan. The conservancy encompasses approximately 4 km of lakeshore and two islands (Bear and Cub). Part of the conservancy was a former Forest Service recreation site.

This site continues to be maintained as a vehicle accessible campground popular with people who enjoy fishing on Babine Lake, especially during the August Sockeye fishery.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

The road into the campground is a steep gravel road. Under some conditions, large RVs may have difficulty getting back up the road.
The conservancy campground is in a wilderness area that is also home to bears. Please keep a clean campsite and educate yourself on bear safety.
Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.

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

Bear Island Conservancy is located approximately 5 km north of the Village of Granisle on the shores of Babine Lake and is 60 km east of Smithers.

From the Village of Granisle, head north for 4.5 km on Topley Landing Road (gravel road along Babine Lake). Turn right and follow the campground road for about 200 m to the campground. The nearest communities are Granisle, Topley, Smithers, Houston, and Burns Lake.

Camping

Frontcountry camping

This park offers vehicle accessible campsites on a first come, first served basis. Campsite reservations are not accepted.

Camping is available in the snow-free season (May through October). There are five rustic campsites, all within 100 m of the lake.

Things to do

Swimming

Babine Lake is a large, cold lake. Swimming is usually limited to July and August.

There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.

Canoeing

Boating on Babine Lake is a popular activity. Babine Lake is a large lake that can rapidly develop large waves. Small boats should use caution if venturing far from shore.

There is no boat launch at this conservancy, but a public boat launch is available at Granisle. The conservancy does have good landing sites for boats.

Fishing

There are fishing opportunities in this park.

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

Wildlife viewing

The main wildlife viewing opportunity is birding along the lakeshore or on the islands.

Pets on leash

Pets and 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.

Facilities

Campfires

Campfires are permitted. While fires are allowed, we encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. Campfire rings are provided at each campsite. Visitors must provide their own firewood. Please do not collect firewood from inside the Conservancy.

Campfire bans may be in place. Before lighting a fire, check for bans or restrictions on BC Wildfire Service and on local or Indigenous government websites.

Picnic areas

There is no designated day-use and picnic area, but visitors are welcome to picnic in unoccupied campsites.

Pit or flush toilets

This park only has pit toilets, no flush toilets.

About this conservancy

Cultural heritage

This conservancy lies within the traditional territory of the Nat’oot’en Nation.

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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