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, contact the Discover Camping Campground Reservation Service.
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.
Established Date: May 8, 1972
Park Size: 50 hectares
Campground Dates of Operation
All dates are subject to change without notice |
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Opening and Closing Campground Dates: (campground is accessible but may not offer full services such as water, security, etc.) |
May 15 – September 11 (gate is closed during off-season) |
Campground Dates with Full Services and Fees: | May 15 – September 11 |
Campground Reservable Dates: | May 19 – September 3 |
Total Number of Vehicle Accessible Campsites: | 39 plus 4 walk-in beach campsites |
Number of Reservable Campsites, if applicable: (all remaining sites are first-come, first-served) |
17 |
Note:The above information is for the campground only. Park users can still walk into the park if conditions such as weather permit. Check the "Attention Visitor Notice" above for park alerts. |
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 through Discover Camping. 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 and Maps
Maps and Brochures
Nature and Culture
Management Planning
- Management Planning Information
- Approved Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan [PDF 179.7KB]
Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing

Cycling

Fishing

Hiking

Pets on Leash

Swimming

Waterskiing

Windsurfing
Facilities Available at this Park

Accessibility

Boat Launch

Campfires

Drinking Water

Picnic Areas

Pit or Flush Toilets

Playground
