Conservancy overview
Europa Lake Conservancy contains a large pristine lake, watershed, old growth forests and wetlands in a remote and elevated setting near the Gardner Canal. It has a diversity of wildlife habitats and spectacular mountain scenery with high mountain peaks, glaciers, waterfalls, and smaller lakes and tarns. Access into this wilderness area can be difficult.
Advisories
Safety info
- There are no roads or trails in this wilderness area.
- There are no facilities in the conservancy.
Camping
Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. All sites are on a first come, first served basis.
There are winter camping opportunities in this conservancy but access may be a problem if the lake is frozen over.
Facilities
Firewood and facilities are not provided. We encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of campfires and using campstoves instead.
If you must have a fire, please burn only dead and down wood, and be sure to fully extinguish the fire when done. 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.
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.
Activities
Swimming is possible in the lake, but the water is cold year-round.
There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.
Adventurous and experienced canoeists or kayakers may enjoy exploring Europa Lake and Europa Creek if they can get their boats to the lake.
There are opportunities for trout and char fishing in Europa Lake and Europa Creek. Please consult the appropriate non-tidal fishing regulations for more information.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
Waterfowl, bears, wolves, mountain goats and furbearers may be seen in the conservancy.
This conservancy is open to hunting during lawful hunting seasons but is closed to Grizzly Bear hunting. Please check the BC Hunting and Trapping Regulations for more information.
Europa Lake Conservancy is only accessible by float plane or helicopter and is located approximately 60 kilometers south of Kitimat. It is located about 5 kilometers inland from the south side of Europa Reach, about half way down the Gardner Canal.
- Reference: Marine Chart #3745 (Gardner Canal).
- Reference: 1:50,000 scale Topographic Map #103 H/8 (Gardner Canal).
Visitor Information Centre:
Kitimat Visitor Information Centre
PO Box 214
2109 Forest Avenue
Kitimat, BC, Canada V8C 2G7
http://www.tourismkitimat.ca/
e-mail: info@tourismkitimat.ca
ph: 250-632-6294 or 1-800-664-6554
Conservancy and activity maps
Learn more about this conservancy
Conservancy details
- Date established: June 27, 2008
- Size: 8,940 hectares
Nature and culture
History
Europa Lake Conservancy was designated as a conservancy on June 27, 2008 following recommendations from the North Coast Land and Resource Management Plan.
Cultural Heritage
The conservancy is in the asserted traditional territory of the Haisla First Nation. Use the below link for more information or to contact this First Nation.
Conservation
The conservancy protects the undisturbed old growth forests, wetlands, wildlife habitat and watershed of Europa Lake.
Wildlife
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.