Goldpan Provincial Park

Goldpan Park was constructed in 1956 on the banks of the Thompson River, and it is still located there today. It is a convenient overnight camping spot for travelers on Hwy #1 and is a destination site for fishermen during peak fishing times.

This is also a popular base camp for visitors enjoying guided river rafting, and exploring the Thompson/Pavilion area. It's an area rich in geological and human history.

Date Established: March 16, 1956
Park Size: 5 hectares

Stay Safe

• The extremely hot, dry climate can result in overexposure to the sun. Everyone in your party should wear sunscreen of at least SPF 15, and a hat with a brim.
• The waters of the Thompson River are very swift, especially in June and July during high water. Use caution in and around the waters edge.
• Wood ticks are most prevalent between March and June. These parasites reside in tall grass and low shrubbery and seek out warm-blooded hosts. Although they are potential carriers of disease, they are a natural part of the environment and can be easily avoided. Your legs should be protected by wearing trousers tucked into socks or gaiters. After outdoor activity, thoroughly examine yourself. Check your pets for ticks as well. See the below Visitor Safety Information for more details regarding ticks.
• Roadways can be very busy. Whether you are walking, cycling, roller-blading, skateboarding or driving, please be careful. Always yield to the slowest mode of travel; e.g., cyclists yield to walkers. Obey all traffic regulations and rules of the road.

Special Notes

• Quiet hours are 10 pm to 7 am. Music, generators, etc. must be shut off completely between these hours.
• Hibachis and campstoves can burn the picnic tables. Please do not use them on the tables.
• Valuables, when left unattended or at night, should be stored out of sight and locked up at all times. Please report all thefts to the park staff as soon as possible.
• Traffic Safety: The speed limit within the park is 20 km/hour or less.
• Motorcycles and bicycles are permitted on park roads, only. Motorcycles must be properly licenced and must be operated by a licenced driver only. Helmets must be worn. Unlicenced ATVs or dirt bikes are not permitted.
• Parking is prohibited on the side of the road. Please park on the gravelled portion of your campsite or in designated parking spaces. Vehicles parked in day-use areas after 11 pm may be ticketed or towed.
• Pets must be on leash (no longer than 2 metres) at all times while in the park. They are not allowed on beaches or in day use areas. Owners must clean up after their pets.
• Consumption of alcohol is prohibited except in your campsite.

• Location Map

• History: Established in 1956, the park provides access to the river for visitors. The Thompson Canyon area where Goldpan is situated is rich in history. The historic Cariboo Wagon Road passes through the area.The starting point of the road was in Yale and construction of the road took place between 1862 and 1865. The road was a narrow, treacherous track winding along the cliffs of the canyon and allowed stagecoaches and freight wagons access to the interior of BC. The road linked the gold fields of the Cariboo to Vancouver.
• Cultural Heritage: There is evidence of First Nations activity in the area in regards to fishing and using the river for a travel route.
• Wildlife: Fish species in the Thompson River include trout, steelhead, and salmon. Osprey can be seen flying over the river.

• Management Planning Information
• The approved management plan for Goldpan Provincial Park [PDF] is available in PDF format.
  Disclaimer:
  This is not the original management planning product. This document has been scanned from the original format of the plan. It may contain some formatting changes, however the content is consistent with the original.

Canoeing

Fishing

Pets on Leash

Swimming

Wildlife Viewing

Campfires

Drinking Water

Picnic Areas

Pit or Flush Toilets

Vehicle Accessible Camping