In This Park

Activities Available at this Park
Facilities Available at this Park

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Park Contact

This park proudly operated by:
Quartz Contracting
Email: mountrobson@shaw.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.

Rearguard Falls Provincial Park

About This Park

Rearguard Falls Provincial Park

The Rearguard Falls viewpoint provides an excellent opportunity for travelers to witness the end of a long journey by the Chinook, largest of the Pacific salmon. These fish have survived several years at sea to return to the river of their birth, the mighty Fraser. From its estuary in British Columbia’s lower mainland to this point, the Chinook have traveled upstream over 1200 km. Some may be successful battling over these falls to reach the gravel above, but for most, Rearguard Falls marks the end of their journey.

Established Date: August 21, 1991
 Park Size: 46 hectares

Know Before You Go

Stay Safe

  • Children should be supervised. The viewing area drops off steeply to the river.
  • Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
  • The water here is extremely cold and fast-moving. Spray from the falls can reduce visibility and make adjacent rocks slippery. For your safety please remain within the fenced area and enjoy a safe visit.

Special Notes

  • Help protect the park land. Enjoy Rearguard Falls Provincial Park but please leave it as you have found it so that future visitors may also enjoy the park.
  • No alcohol is permitted in the park.
  • For safety reasons, firearms are not permitted in the park. Rearguard Falls Park is closed to hunting.

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.

285 km east of Prince George on Highway 16. The closest communities are Tete Jaune Cache, Valemount and McBride.

Management Planning

Activities Available at this Park

Fishing

Fishing

Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking

Hiking

There is one trail to a viewing area of Rearguard Falls. 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.
Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife Viewing

This park has a small viewing area to look at the waterfall. In the Fall, visitors may see runs of Chinook salmon, as this is the end of them on the Fraser River. The falls are usually impassible for the salmon as they are too high for them to jump.
Winter Recreation

Winter Recreation

During winter, visitors can snowshoe on the walking trail to the falls.

Facilities Available at this Park

Campfires

Campfires

No firewood available. Firewood can be purchased outside the park or you can bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. While campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite, we encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. 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.
Pit or Flush Toilets

Pit or Flush Toilets

This park only has pit toilets; no flush toilets.