Ts’ilʔos Provincial Park

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

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

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].

• Important Messages to Hunters and Anglers

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

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).

• Important Messages to Hunters and Anglers

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Cold water pumps are found in the campgrounds.

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

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

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.

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.

Wilderness camping is allowed; no facilities are provided.