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During a campfire ban, smoking is restricted in all public areas of a park or protected area. Please read this Information Bulletin.
Eskers Provincial Park
About This Park
Eskers Provincial Park is a day-use park located 40 km northwest of Prince George. Encompassing 3,979 hectares of gently rolling terrain and many small lakes, the park conserves a portion of the 40 km long Stuart River Eskers Complex. These unique land forms, for which the park is named, are long sinuous gravel ridges. They were created when sand and gravel were deposited in the meltwater channels of ancient glaciers that once blanketed this northern region.
Visitors can enjoy walking and hiking, canoeing, fishing, nature study and wildlife viewing. In the winter the summer hiking trails are turned into an excellent network for snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing enthusiasts. A 3 km beginners loop is located just off the Pine Marsh parking area. For an additional challenge and exercise, skiers can enjoy the 6 km trail to Kathie Lake.
Established Date: December 4, 1987
Park Size: 4,044 hectares
Know Before You Go
Stay Safe
- Please obey posted speed limits and use extra caution due to rough road surface.
- If you go for a hike, ensure you are prepared for inclement weather conditions.
Special Notes
- Fires are not permitted in this park.
- Snowmobiles and ATVs are not permitted in this park.
- Flowers, trees and shrubs are part of the park’s natural heritage. Please don’t damage or remove them.
Location and Maps
Please note: Any maps listed are for information only – they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.
Eskers Provincial Park is located 40 km northwest of Prince George. Turn west off highway 97 north onto Chief Lake Road. Continue west for 27 km (at km 12 Chief Lake Road turns into Ness Lake Road). At the west end of Ness Lake turn north onto Ness Lake Road North. Follow this road for 1 km to the Eskers Provincial Park entrance.
Maps and Brochures
Any maps listed are for information only – they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.
Bathymetric Maps:
Nature and Culture
- Conservation: The thick layer of soil left in the wake of the glaciers supports a mixed forest of aspen, lodgepole pine and Douglas-fir with some spruce in the southern reaches of the park.
- Wildlife: Eskers Park is an ideal “outdoor classroom” for those wishing to study the array of birds and mammals who make their home in the wetlands among the eskers. One of the most prominent residents is the beaver, whose industry is obvious along most of the lakeside trails. The park’s diverse forest and numerous lakes provide excellent habitat for a wide variety of wildlife such as moose, deer, black bear, squirrels, grouse and abundant waterfowl.
Management Planning
- Management Planning Information
- There is currently no approved valid management plan for this area. Management plans are prepared as soon as practicable, subject to available resources and the ability of key planning partners to participate.
Activities Available at this Park
Canoeing
Circle Lake is an ideal location for families to learn flat-water canoeing. The canoe launch provides easy access to the lake. Those willing to carry a canoe into Camp Lake will find several portage trails connecting some of the smaller, more remote lakes between Camp and Kathie Lakes.
Cycling
Mountain bikes are allowed on all park roads and designated trails. The trails that are designated for cycling enthusiasts are the 2.3 km gated service road to Camp Lake. Another 3.2 km along a hilly trail will bring you to Kathie Lake. Bicycles are not allowed on any of the other trails within the park. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in BC.
Fishing
Camp and Kathie Lakes provide excellent angling opportunities for rainbow trout and brook trout. Camp lake also has a kokanee fishery. Lakeshore casting may produce a brook trout in Bow or Butterfly Lakes. Park also offers excellent ice fishing during the winter season. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
Those who enjoy walking and hiking can explore the rolling topography and diverse landscapes of Eskers Park’s 15 km of marked trail linking Pine Marsh, Camp Lake and Kathie Lake. 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.
Hunting
Only portions of this park (Taginchil Lake area) are open to hunting. All hunters should refer to the current BC Hunting and Trapping Regulation Synopsis for regulations and further information.
Pets on Leash
Pets/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.
Wildlife Viewing
There is a viewing platform in this park. The park is a “outdoor classroom” for those who wish to study the array of birds and mammals that make their home in the wetlands among the eskers. The park’s diverse forest and numerous lakes provide excellent habitat for beaver, moose, deer, black bear, squirrels, grouse and abundant waterfowl.
Winter Recreation
All of the hiking/walking trails are excellent for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Cross-country ski tracks are periodically set within Jago’s field; no other tracks are provided within the park. You can also toboggan on the various hills within the park.
Facilities Available at this Park
Accessibility
All facilities at Circle Lake are built to special needs standards and are suitable for wheelchairs and the elderly. Access via the service road is available to those groups requiring vehicle access to the lake. Please contact BC Parks for admittance. Wheelchair accessible toilets are located at both Circle Lake and Pine Marsh.
Drinking Water
Drinking water is available from the hand pump at the Pine Marsh in summer months only.
Picnic Areas
This park has a day-use/picnic area. A picnic shelter with a stove is in the picnic area for use by visitors.
Pit or Flush Toilets
This park only has pit toilets – no flush toilets.
