Ts’ilʔos Provincial Park

About This Park

Ts’ilʔos (pronounced “sigh-loss”) Provincial Park comprises rugged mountains, clear blue lakes, glaciers, alpine meadows, and waterfalls. It is bordered by the rugged peaks of the Coast Mountains to the west, and the dry Interior Plateau to the east. The diversity and contrast in landscapes and vegetation are a result of a rainshadow effect on the east side of the mountains. While the northern and eastern portions of the park are relatively dry, the south end of Chilko Lake is characterized by moist areas of the coastal western hemlock zone.

The provincial park was established in February of 1994 as a wilderness area set aside to protect vegetation, wildlife and fish habitats, cultural values, and special features. The diverse ecosystems in the park remain largely undisturbed by human activity, making this park an ecologically significant area in the province. Chilko Lake, the largest, natural high-elevation freshwater lake in Canada, dominates the park. Stunningly beautiful, due to its blue-green hues and dramatic mountain backdrops, Chilko Lake is popular with boaters, kayakers, and anglers. Backcountry hiking and camping is also a cornerstone of the recreational opportunities offered by this remote park.

Established Date: February 12, 1994
Park Size: 233,240 hectares

Note: Ts’ilʔos Park is co-managed through a Memorandum of Understanding between BC Parks and the Xeni Gwet’in First Nations Government.

Know Before You Go

Stay Safe

Ts’ilʔos Provincial Park is remote. Visitors must be self-sufficient and competent in order to deal with the challenges of the outdoors. BC Parks does not provide rescue services.
Only experienced boaters and kayakers should attempt Chilko Lake, due to the unpredictable winds and other challenges such as high waves, icy waters, and a shortage of safe landing areas. Canoeing on Chilko Lake is not recommended.

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.

Location Map

Please note: Any maps listed are for information only; they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.

Location Map

Ts’ilʔos Provincial Park is located in a relatively undeveloped and isolated part of the Chilcotin. As the crow flies, the park is approximately 160 km southwest of Williams Lake, or 250 km north of Vancouver. There are two main vehicle access routes into the park, and two campgrounds, one at the end of each route. Both routes take 4 to 6 hours from Williams Lake, though travel time varies considerably depending on weather conditions. Roads are rough, and conditions vary considerably. Drive carefully and with lights on. The nearest communities to the park are Nemiah Valley, Hanceville, Tatla Lake and Williams Lake.

No scheduled flights serve the park. Several airstrips are located outside the park boundary; a Park Use Permit is required for commercial air access within the park.

Topographical map numbers 1:50,000 92N/1, 92N/8, 92O/4, 92O/5, 92N/9, 92J/13 and 92K/16 cover the park. These are necessary for hikers, horseback riders and other backcountry travellers.

Maps and Brochures

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

Park Map [PDF]

Nature and Culture

Management Planning

Activities Available at this Park

Canoeing

Kayaking is popular on Chilko Lake. Canoeing on Chilko Lake is not recommended.

Climbing

There are climbing opportunities available at the south end of Chilko Lake; however they are remote and hard to access.

Cycling

The Ts’ilʔos Management Plan provides opportunities for mountain biking on designated roads and low elevation trails so that there is minimal impact on the environment or conflict with other users. Please see designated areas below:
Mountain Biking is permitted on:

The Yohetta Valley trail as far as the West end of Yohetta Lake (Olson’s Cabin)
Existing roads and as designated in the North Chilko Lake Unit
Existing roads in the Tsuniah Unit
Existing roads in the Tullin Unit

At all times horses and hikers have priority.

Mountain Biking is not permitted in the following areas:

Ts’ilʔos Unit
Lord River Unit
Stikelan South Unit
South Chilko Lake Unit

Please view the attached map for the different Ts’ilʔos Management Units [PDF].

Fishing

Important Messages to Hunters and Anglers

Hiking

The backcountry of Ts’ilʔos Park is recommended for experienced travellers only who are equipped for trail finding, first aid, and survival situations. Hiking routes are not maintained and there are no facilities.

In order to meet budget targets, trail maintenance has been reduced on the Yohetta/Tzchaikazan Loop Trail in this park. Although this trail will remain open, users may encounter fallen trees and/or trail wash-outs. Extra caution is advised.

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.

Trail Information

Horseback Riding

There is horseback riding at this park, although trails are neither maintained nor marked.

Tsylos Park Lodge offers a number of recreational opportunities in this park (including horseback riding expeditions, hunting trips and flyfishing).

Hunting

Important Messages to Hunters and Anglers

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

There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks. There is no developed sandy beach, and the water is very cold.

Winter Recreation

It is possible to crosscountry ski and snowshoe in the park, however, there are no set trails.

Facilities Available at this Park

Boat Launch

A concrete boat launch is available for trailerized boats at Gwe Da Ts’ih Campground. This boat launch closes annually on September 15th.

A natural launch, suitable for cartop boats, is located at Nu Chugh Beniz.

Campfires

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. Firewood can be purchased in the park or you may bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary from park to park. 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.

Drinking Water

Cold water pumps are found in the campgrounds.

Picnic Areas

This park has a day-use/picnic area at Nu Chugh Beniz Campground only. There are a few picnic tables in this area.

Pit or Flush Toilets

This park only has pit toilets located at the campground. There are no flush toilets.

Vehicle Accessible Camping

This park offers vehicle accessible campsites on a first-come, first-served basis; campsite reservations are not accepted. There is a variety of shaded, treed, and open sites at each campground and parking is available for extra vehicles.

Nu Chugh Beniz Campground

The Nu Chugh Beniz campground has 16 campsites, 1 of which is a large pull-through, 3 double, and the rest are single vehicle sites. There are also 4 tent pads at this campground. This very scenic but often windy campground on the east side of Chilko Lake is accessed via Highway 20 to Hanceville, then 121 km on gravel from Hanceville via Konni Lake and the Nemiah Valley. Supplies are available near the campground at the Nemiah Valley Tl’ebayi Community Centre: gas, propane, laundry and internet service.

Gwe Da Ts’ih Campground

The Gwe Da Ts’ih campground has 8 single vehicle sites. To reach this small, rustic campground at the north end of Chilko Lake, take Highway 20 to Tatla Lake, then drive 63 km on a gravel road from Tatla Lake to the Gwe Da Ts’ih campground. Follow signs for Chilko Lake. Lodges nearby may offer meals and some basic supplies.

These campgrounds run on a self-registration system and drop boxes are in place so people can pay their overnight fee. There are no payphones at either campground.

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.

The closest store to the Nu Chugh Beniz campground is at Nemiah Valley Tl’ebayi Community Centre or at Hanceville. The closest store to the Gwe Da Ts’ih campground is at Tatla Lake.

Walk-In/Wilderness Camping

Wilderness, backcountry or walk-in camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.

In This Park

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Visitor Information

Park Contact

Xeni-Gwet’in First Nation