Cariboo River Park

Highlights in this park

This linear park protects a large portion of the upper Cariboo River and surrounding wetlands, from Kimball Lake downstream to where the river enters Cariboo Lake. It is critical habitat for wildlife, especially moose and waterfowl.

The waterfalls, old-growth and estuaries at this park can be accessed via canoe or power boat. The park provides opportunities for water-based recreation such as canoeing, rafting and powerboating.

This park is a wilderness area that is not regularly serviced or patrolled.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

Swimming is not recommended, due to high volume water flow with dangerous currents.
Watch for river hazards, such as sweepers (trees hanging into the water), deadheads (submerged trees), sand and gravel bars, and high water during spring run-off or heavy rains.
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

Location Map

Getting there

Vehicle access is on logging roads from Likely or Barkerville in snow free months only. The park is located approximately 90 km from the town of Likely on the 8400 Road or 70 km from the town of Barkerville on the 3100 Road. Please drive with caution on these active logging roads. Use your headlights at all times. The closest communities are Wells, Likely, Barkerville, Quesnel and Williams Lake.

Camping

Wilderness camping

Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. There is an information shelter at the Cariboo River crossing on the 3100 Road.

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

Things to do

Canoeing

Only paddlers experienced with moving water should attempt this section of the Cariboo River (which is mellow compared with some sections outside the park). Wear approved PFDs and watch for deadheads and sweepers.

Kayaking

Fishing

Fish for rainbow trout and bull trout.

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

Hunting

The park is open to hunting. Please check the Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information.

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

Winter recreation

Visitors can cross-country ski or snowshoe in the park but there are no set trails.

Facilities

Boat launch

The boat launch is gravel and may be flooded at high water. It is next to the bridge by the information shelter. The road access is narrow and confined.

Campfires

While campfires are permitted, it is preferable to use a camp stove, since this is a fragile environment. If you must have a fire, bring your own firewood or use only dead and down wood. Please use existing campfire rings, do not build new ones.

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.

About this park

Cultural heritage

A 1997 study suggests that the river may have been used by the Carrier and Secwepemc First Nations as a travel corridor and food source of salmon and trout. Specific cultural heritage sites have not yet been identified in the park. However, if you find such a site, do not disturb it or remove any artifacts.
During the Cariboo Gold Rush of the 1860's, the park area was used as a route for those seeking gold at Barkerville and the surrounding areas.

History

A Wildlife Management Area before 1995, the area was recommended for park status through the Cariboo CORE process, and eventually designated through the Cariboo Chilcotin Land Use Plan. Wildlife managers have recognized the value of this river valley's important wildlife habitat for many years.

Conservation

Cariboo River Park provides important winter habitat for moose in its valley bottom wetlands and forests. The river and wetlands are an excellent nesting and rearing area for waterfowl. The area remains in a nearly natural state. Protection of the wildlife habitats are critical in the management of this park.

Wildlife

The riparian area (river bank, wetlands and nearby forest cover) is home to many large and small mammals such as black and grizzly bear, moose, deer, wolf, martin, otter, mink and squirrel. Migrating flocks of ducks and geese use the river and Kimball Lake as a stop on their way north.

Songbirds are abundant along the shoreline and near the old forest. Viewing wildlife is possible from canoe, raft, boat or by driving the 3100 Road to the bridge that crosses the river near the south end of Kimball Lake and watching for activity.

Please do not cause stress to wildlife by approaching too closely. Bring telephoto lenses and binoculars, and your reward will be seeing wild creatures behaving naturally.

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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