Protected area overview
This protected area is situated on the shores of Ekwan Lake and can be accessed by automobile only in winter. Just getting to this protected area is an adventure!
Between spring thaw and winter freeze during periods of high water, float planes may land on the open water of this shallow lake. In winter however, four-wheel drive vehicles must travel there via the Sierra oil road south of Fort Nelson, then via Westcoast power line winter road to the north end of the lake.
Once there, visitors can relax, enjoy the wilderness and take part in some spectacular fishing.
Advisories
Safety info
- Vehicle access to this area is limited to the winter season when winter roads, roads built upon the frozen ground, are established. Always prepare your vehicle and yourself for extreme winter conditions. As a safety precaution, personal vehicles should be equipped with radios to maintain contact with working truck traffic. All vehicles accessing this area should also carry chains and have four-wheel drive capabilities.
- Hikers and campers should be prepared for all weather conditions in this changeable climate. Always carry first-aid equipment and extra clothing and food.
- Water sources in the backcountry may carry giardia or other parasites; boil or filter all water when in the backcountry.
- Please remember this is bear country. These animals are powerful, unpredictable and are extremely dangerous.
Special notes
- There are no roads to this protected area during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Temporary ice roads are built during the winter. These roads are frequented by heavy trucks and machinery. Radio communication with the correct frequencies are required to remain in contact with these vehicles.
Facilities
Please keep backcountry campfires small. Portable stoves are recommended for cooking.
Activities
Anglers can try their luck for arctic grayling, bull trout, inconnu, whitefish, northern pike and burbot. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. 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.
Ekwan Lake Protected Area is located approximately 175 km southeast of Fort Nelson and 35 km west of the Alberta border.
Protected area and activity maps
Learn more about this protected area
Protected area details
- Date established: January 25, 2001
- Size: 1,525 hectares
Nature and culture
History
The Ekwan Lakes were identified as a protected area in the Fort St. John Land and Resource Management Plan in 1997.
Cultural Heritage
Doig River First Nations.
Conservation
Ekwan Lake Protected Area is situated in the Fort Nelson Lowlands which includes the Clear Hills. Boreal white and black spruce forests surrounds Ekwan Lake. The lake is shallow and provides ideal habitat for walleye and northern pike.
Wildlife
Moose, caribou and black bear are the most common species observed in the park.
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.