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Activities Available at this Park
Facilities Available at this Park

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Park Contact

This park proudly operated by:
Quality Recreation Ltd.
250 850-7125
info@explorebcparks.ca

Fire Restrictions in Effect for this Park
Smoking is prohibited
During a campfire ban, smoking is restricted in all public areas of a park or protected area. Please read this Information Bulletin.

Morton Lake Provincial Park

About This Park

Morton Lake Provincial Park There is a reason the area northwest of Campbell River is called “lake country,” that visitors to Morton Lake Provincial Park are sure to discover. From April to June and September to October, lake fishing for Rainbow, Cutthroat and Dolly Varden trout on Mohun Lake in the park can be excellent. While this park is popular with anglers, there is still plenty to do if fishing isn’t your favourite pastime. During the summer, visitors can fill their days swimming, canoeing, boating or just lounging on the sandy beach at Morton Lake.

Today little sign can be found of a devastating fire that burned more than 30,000 hectares of forest surrounding Morton Lake to the ground in 1938. The fire, which burned for more than one month, inspired a massive replanting effort the following year, during which 800,000 Douglas fir trees were planted in one month – an incredible accomplishment in those days.

Morton Lake Provincial Park, which includes all of Morton Lake and a section of shoreline on neighbouring Mohun Lake, provides access to the popular Sayward Canoe Route – a 47-kilometre paddle and portage circuit. The park offers lake-front camping, as well as a boat launch, pit toilets, a short hiking trail to tranquil Andrew Lake and a large picnic/day-use area.

Established Date: November 28, 1966
Park Size: 74 hectares

Reservations

All campsite reservations must be made through Discover Camping. When reservations are not available all campsites function as first-come, first-served.

make a reservation

Campsite Reservations

Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.

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. Morton Lake Provincial Park is located 27 km northwest of Campbell River in the Sayward Forest. The easiest way to reach Morton Lake is via Hwy 19. Turn off at the Menzies Main logging road, approximately 10 minutes past the pulp mill. Follow the gravel Menzies Main for 12 km, then take Morton Lake Road for another 7 km to the park.

Maps and Brochures

Any maps listed are for information only – they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

Nature and Culture

  • History: A devastating fire in 1938 burned more than 30,000 hectares of forest surrounding Morton Lake to the ground. The fire, which burned for more than one month, inspired a massive replanting effort the following year, during which 800,000 Douglas fir trees were planted in one month – an incredible accomplishment in those days. Hemlock, cedar and white pine has naturally regenerated in the park.
  • Conservation: Douglas-fir while hemlock, cedar and white pine are found here.
  • General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information

Management Planning

Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing

Canoeing

Canoeing and kayaking is a popular activity on both Morton and Mohun Lakes. Mohun Lake provides access to the Sayward Canoe Route – a 47 km paddle and portage circuit. Contact the Ministry of Forests for further information on this paddling opportunity.
Cycling

Cycling

Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.
Fishing

Fishing

From April to June and from September to October, lake fishing for Dolly Varden, rainbow, and cutthroat trout on Mohun Lake can be excellent. Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking

Hiking

A trail leads from the campground across from campsites 7 and 8 to Andrew Lake, approximately 30 minutes away. 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.
Pets on Leash

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.
Swimming

Swimming

A fine sandy beach with a warm lake and picnic area attracts swimmers and sunbathers. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.

Facilities Available at this Park

Accessibility

Accessibility

The change house and pit toilets at the day-use area are wheelchair accessible. Two wheelchair accessible pit toilets are located in the campground.
Boat Launch

Boat Launch

There is no boat launch at Morton Lake but launching of small car-top boats and canoes can be done at Mohun Lake. A natural ramp is available for trailered boats on Mohun.
Campfires

Campfires

While fires are allowed, we encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. Campfire rings are provided at each campsite, as well as communal rings in the day-use area. Firewood can be purchased from the Park Operator. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act). 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. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.
Drinking Water

Drinking Water

There is one cold water hand pump, located at the intersection of the campground and day-use area.

Picnic Areas

Picnic Areas

This park is a very popular summertime destination, with a sandy beach and warm lake. Facilities include picnic tables, a parking area, and pit toilets.

Pit or Flush Toilets

Pit or Flush Toilets

This park has pit toilets located at the day-use area and campground.
Vehicle Accessible Camping

Vehicle Accessible Camping

Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available. All sites are located adjacent to the lake. This park is open year-round; a winter camping fee is in place and campers must be self-sufficient.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $18.00 per party/night
BC Senior’s Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $9.00 per senior party/night. Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.
Winter Camping

Winter Camping

This park is open year-round. Campers must be self-sufficient.
Winter Camping Fee: $11.00 per party/night