Park overview
Call Lake Park is situated in an ecologically diverse area. The rolling topography includes wetlands, coniferous and deciduous forests as well as rare grasslands. The varied range of habitats supports many types of mammals and birds, and provides a range of recreational opportunities.
Hiking and mountain biking are popular activities on the trails, while anglers enjoy the opportunity to fish for brook trout in Call Lake. In the winter, the trails are available for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Advisories
Safety info
- Bring your own drinking water, as potable water is not available in the park.
Activities
This park has hiking and walking trails. 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.
There are two trails in Call Lake Park:
- The first trail is accessed from the end of VanGaalen Road. This 700 m long trail follows a ridge with some nice views of the Bulkley Valley before dropping down to Call Lake.
- The second trail is accessed from the end of Mountainview Road and is a great hiking and biking trail. This 3 km and 5 km stacked loop trail extends beyond the park boundary but is signed outside the park. The upper part of the trail follows a ridge and provides great views of the Bulkley Valley and Hudson Bay Mountain, while the lower part of the trail parallels the shore of Call Lake. It is approximately 700 m from the parking lot to the lake via the lower trail.
Please close all gates when entering or leaving the park.
Call Lake is stocked with brook trout and ice fishing is available during the winter season. 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 the potential for problems with bears and other wildlife.
Bicycling is permitted on established park trails only. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
For details on e-biking within Call Lake Park, see the e-biking section.
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are permitted on signed or designated trails within Call Lake Park, provided they meet the definitions and criteria for e-bike use as outlined in the BC Parks cycling guidelines.
Horses and horseback riding are permitted.
Hiking trails from VanGaalen and Mountainview Roads lead visitors to Call Lake and can be used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
There are also opportunities for ice skating on Call Lake.
Snowmobiling is allowed along trails within the park and on Call Lake. However, the adjacent Wildlife Habitat Management Area is non-motorized, so snowmobilers must be aware of the park boundary. Within the park, snowmobilers are asked to limit their speed and stay off the outer 20 m of the lake to allow room for skiers and snowshoers.
Call Lake is stocked with brook trout and ice fishing is available during the winter season. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Call Lake Park lies approximately 5 km southeast of Smithers. Hiking trails begin at VanGaalen and Mountainview Roads (access from Upper Viewmount Road), just north of Highway 16. The closest communities, towns and cities are Smithers and Telkwa.
Park and activity maps
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: June 29, 1999
- Size: 60 hectares
Park contact
BC Parks
250-847-7260
Nature and culture
History
The area surrounding Call Lake has long been used recreationally by local residents and was previously grazed by cattle. In 1999, with recommendation from the Bulkley Land and Resource Management Plan, Call Lake was designated as a class A provincial park to protect conservation values and to provide diverse recreational and educational opportunities.
Cultural Heritage
Call Lake Park lies within the asserted traditional territory of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation. Historically, the area was likely burned by First Nations to increase berry production.
Conservation
Call Lake Park lies in the under-represented SBSdk variant of the Bulkley Basin Ecosection. The park protects an important part of the Bulkley Valley corridor, 90% of which is privately owned land. The park is home to several hectares of the red-listed Saskatoon slender wheatgrass scrub-steppe plant community.
Wildlife
Call Lake Park, in combination with the adjacent Wildlife Habitat Management Area, provides critical winter and spring moose and deer habitat and spring and summer bear habitat. The varied topography and ecosystems provide habitat for numerous mammals and birds. Call Lake is stocked with brook trout.
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.