Park Contact
This park proudly operated by:
Quartz Contracting
northquartz@aol.com
250 964-3489


Paarens Beach Provincial Park
About This Park

Welcome to Paarens Beach Provincial Park. Situated on the south-west shore of beautiful Stuart Lake, Paarens Beach is a delightful small provincial park that few people outside of the area seem to know about. With an uncrowded campground, large beach and boat launch, it is an ideal base from which to explore the rich history and enjoy the multitude of recreational opportunities around Stuart Lake and the nearby community of Fort St. James.
If relaxing on the beach or around your campfire at Paarens Beach is not enough, there is plenty to see and do in the Fort St. James area. The Fort St James Visitor Info Centre can provide the visitor with maps, directions and information on things to do and see in and around the community.
There are close to twenty lodges and resorts on various lakes or rivers, canoeing opportunities on the Nation Lakes Chain (there is an Arctic grayling catch and release fishery here!), and houseboats available on Takla Lake.
If you want to avoid the crowds, the campground at Paarens Beach is extremely attractive. Each of the 39 campsites has a picnic table and fire ring. A number of campsites at Paarens Beach are available for reservation. To reserve a site, use the BC Parks reservations system.
A large day-use/picnic area is located on a lengthy stretch of wide sandy beach. Change houses, abundant picnic tables, a playground for the kids and a log picnic shelter are all available to help you enjoy leisurely summer days swimming and sunbathing at the beach. A boat launch is also located within the park to access Stuart Lake.
Stuart Lake, one of the largest natural lakes in the province at about 70 kilometres long, is the southernmost in a chain of three lakes. The Stuart-Takla chain includes Stuart Lake, the Tachie River, Trembleur Lake, the Middle River, which has been designated a Provincial Heritage River, and finally the remote and spectacular Takla Lake. Takla is the fifth largest natural lake in the province at close to 90 kilometres in length.
Know Before You Go
- Boaters are cautioned to keep a close eye on the weather as Stuart Lake is subject to sudden heavy winds which can transform the lake surface into dangerous whitecaps.
- Help protect the park land. Enjoy Paarens Beach Park but please leave it as you have found it so that future visitors may also enjoy the park.
- No alcohol is allowed on the beach or in the day-use area.
- For safety reasons, firearms are not permitted in the park. Paarens Beach Park is closed to hunting.
Reservations
All campsite reservations must be made the BC Parks reservations system. When reservations are not available all campsites function as first-come, first-served.
Campsite Reservations:
Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.
Location
Paarens Beach is located less than a two-hour drive northwest of Prince George on the south shore of Stuart Lake and about 11 kilometres from the community of Fort St. James. From Prince George take Highway #16 west one hundred kilometres to Vanderhoof, at which point it is another 54 kilometres north on Highway #27.
Maps and Brochures
Nature and Culture
Management Planning
Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing

Cycling

Fishing

Hiking

Pets on Leash

Swimming

Waterskiing

Windsurfing
Facilities Available at this Park

Accessibility
Some facilities in the park are wheelchair-accessible.

Boat Launch

Campfires

Drinking Water

Picnic Areas

Pit or Flush Toilets

Playground
