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Backcountry camping

Campers need a permit for backcountry camping at Carmanah Walbran. 

Backcountry camping fee: $5 person (6+) per night

The BC Parks backcountry permit registration service allows you to purchase a backcountry camping permit before leaving home. Although this does not reserve a campsite, it provides the convenience of prepaying for your trip and not having to carry cash. We encourage all visitors to register online so we can reduce the need to collect fees in the field.

Self-registration vaults are located in the parking lot at the Carmanah Valley Trailhead.

Wilderness camping

Wilderness camping is allowed at several locations upstream from The Three Sisters in the Carmanah Valley, with hike-in camping available above the valley where the Carmanah Valley Trailhead is located. This is the only area in the park where campfires are permitted.

Camping is also permitted during the summer months in the valley on the Carmanah Creek’s exposed gravel bars. Campfires are prohibited here.

Campsites with tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings are provided beyond the parking area on the service road. Short-term vehicle camping is permitted in the parking lot.

All campers are expected to adhere to Leave No Trace camping practices.

Backcountry camping is also available, with a permit, at Carmanah Walbran.

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Campfires

Campfires are only allowed in the steel fire rings located in the campsites along the service road and in the area near the Carmanah Valley Trailhead. Campfire time restrictions are in effect and cooking fires are allowed from:

 7am – 9am, 11am – 1pm, 5pm – 7pm, small campfires after 7pm. Campfire rings are provided. 


Fires are NOT PERMITTED elsewhere in the park.

To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking and your own firewood.

Picnic areas

There are day-use and picnicking areas in the park.

Pit or flush toilets

There are six pit toilets located at convenient points throughout the park.

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Hiking

The Carmanah Valley offers spectacular opportunities for wilderness hiking. Many sections of the trail in the Carmanah Valley are extremely muddy and difficult. Be equipped with appropriate clothing (including adequate raingear) and good hiking boots. 

Several of the Carmanah hikes are described below. Please note that hiking times may vary depending on trail conditions and weather. Distances are one-way and the approximate hiking times are based on good weather conditions.

For your own safety and preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.

Wildlife viewing

The old-growth setting of Carmanah Walbran Park is awe-inspiring no matter where you go. Trails from the Carmanah Valley Trailhead lead to a variety of park highlights.

Viewing platforms are located at Coast Tower, Three Sisters, and Heaven Tree. An elevated platform at Three Sisters offers visitors a different perspective of this majestic old growth forest. These viewing platforms also help to protect the vegetation surrounding these natural wonders.

Pets on leash

Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash and under control 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.

Hunting

Portions of this park (see Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan [PDF]) are open to hunting for specific species. Hunters must have valid licences and tags. Please refer to the current Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis publication for closures and regulations.