An interesting area of high biological diversity, with trail access. This park represents aspen, Douglas fir and grassland associations in a richly diverse area. It contributes to the representation of the Pavilion Range Ecosections.
No camping or day-use facilities are provided. Bird watching, hunting, hiking and nature appreciation are potential activities in the area.
Wilderness camping is available in this park. If you are camping in the park, please ensure Leave No Trace camping is practiced.
There is one trail providing access to the lake, which is about a five minute hike. There are no designated trails. Lower ridges in the area provide easy walking.
There are rainbow trout in the lake. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times. 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.
Hunting is permitted only during lawful game hunting season. For more information, check the Hunting and Trapping regulations. Exempt from the No Hunting, No Shooting Restrictions within 400 metres of the center of park roads.
Situated 40 km west of Cache Creek. To access the park, drive north from Cache Creek along Hwy 97, west along Hwy 99, then south along the Hat Creek road, turn left on Road 463 and follow the logging roads. Visitors should have access to a BC backroads map as there are numerous logging roads in the area. There is no road access to the lake. The nearest community is Cache Creek.
History
The park was established on April 30, 1996 as a result of recommendations made in the Kamloops Land and Resource Management Plan. The park will be managed according to the Interim Management Direction Statement for Bedard Aspen Park.
Conservation
The park encompasses Bedard Lake, a lake perched above a large area of slope instability. The combination of the small lake, rich in insects and crustaceans, and deciduous forest and distinctive landforms gives this site high biological diversity.
The slopes and flats below are dominated by aspen and willow with some old-growth fir and spruce. Many willows are over 25 cm in diameter, which is unusual. Moose and many bird species such as Tree Swallow, Common Loon and Ruffed Grouse reside in the area.
Flowers, trees and shrubs are part of the park’s natural heritage, please don’t damage or remove them.
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.