Brim River Hot Springs Protected Area

Highlights in this protected area

Brim River Hot Springs Protected Area and the adjoining Owyacumish River Park epitomize the rugged terrain and spectacular scenery of the B.C. north coast. The rivers flow through narrow valleys with steep, bare rock walls interspersed with numerous waterfalls, all of which are surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Kitimat Coastal mountain range.

The area contains an undeveloped hot spring and their unique plant associations, old-growth forests, and an exceptional range of undisturbed natural plant communities. The remoteness and pristine condition of the area, in combination with the marine and freshwater interface, ensures high value habitat that is suitable for a wide range of wildlife species, from shorebirds to grizzly bears.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

There are no developed trails in the park.
Be bear aware while on shore in this protected area.

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

Brim River Hot Springs Protected Area is located on the north side of Gardner Canal, approximately 15 km west of Kemano Bay and about 70 km southeast of Kitamaat Village. Kitamaat Village and the city of Kitimat are the nearest communities to this protected area. Access is by boat only and Brim River is not suitable for jet boat travel. Use Marine Chart #3745 (Gardner Canal) and NTS Map Sheet #103 H/9 (Brim River).

Kitimat Visitor Information Centre

PO Box 214
2109 Forest Avenue
Kitimat, BC, Canada V8C 2G7
http://www.tourismkitimat.ca/
Email: info@tourismkitimat.ca
Phone: 250 632-6294 or 1 800 664-6554

Camping

Wilderness camping

Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.

When visiting the backcountry, always follow Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. To learn more about staying safe in the backcountry, read our backcountry guide.

Winter camping

There are winter camping opportunities in this protected area, as it can be accessed all year.

Things to do

Swimming

Swimming is possible in the ocean, but the water is cold all year. The protected area has a natural and undeveloped hot springs with no facilities. The water temperature at the hot springs source is about 56 degrees Celsius. There are other hot springs in the area at Shearwater Hot Springs Conservancy, Bishop Bay-Monkey Beach Conservancy and Weewanie Hot Springs Park which have developed facilities for soaking.

There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.

Canoeing

Adventurous and experienced kayakers may enjoy exploring this region.

Fishing

There are opportunities for fishing in Brim River.

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

Pets on leash

Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.

Facilities

Campfires

Campfires are permitted but firewood is not provided. If you must have a fire, please burn only dead and down wood, and be sure to extinguish the fire fully. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil so please use it conservatively, if at all.

We encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of campfires and using camp stoves instead.

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.

Hot spring

Location: Gardner Canal, north end of Owyacumish Bay, east side of Brim River, about 63 km south of Kitimat.
GPS: Lat. 53° 30’ 57” North; Long. 128° 21’ 37” West
Pool Water Temperature: 56°C
Facilities: None.
Comments: Undeveloped. Hot springs come out of small stream bed gravel about 600 m up the east side of Brim River. Be aware of bears in the area.

Soap, shampoo, and other cleaning products can damage sensitive hot spring ecosystems. They are not allowed in or near the hot spring.

About this protected area

History

Brim River was designated as a Protected Area on March 22, 2005 following recommendations from the Kalum Land and Resource Management Plan.

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.

Contact