Park overview
Nestled in the Nitinat Lake watershed, Hitchie Creek Park protects old-growth lowland rainforest as well as river and lake ecosystems. The creek provides a key wildlife corridor for large species moving through the watershed, such as Roosevelt elk, black bears, cougars and wolves. A wide range of species, from salamanders to songbirds, reside in Hitchie Creek Park, which also protects potential habitat for species at risk like the endangered Marbled Murrelet and Keen’s long-eared myotis.
This undeveloped park provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, nature appreciation and wilderness camping. Nearby Nitinat Lake in the adjacent Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is a popular recreation destination for swimmers, boaters, paddlers and anglers.
Advisories
Safety info
- Open fires are strongly discouraged. We encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. If you must use a campfire, please practice Leave No Trace camping ethics.
- There is no designated swimming, canoeing or kayaking areas. However, there swimming, canoeing and kayaking opportunities at nearby Hitchie or Nitinat Lakes (which are outside the park).
Special notes
- There is no vehicle access to this park. Access is by hiking from Hitchie Lake within the adjacent Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, a rough route approximately 1 km long.
Camping
There are no designated campsites at this park, however random wilderness camping is allowed. No facilities are provided and there is no fee. This park is open year-round. Please practice “Leave No Trace” camping ethics.
Facilities
Activities
Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
Pets and 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.
Hitchie Creek is situated to the north of Nitinat Lake and is adjacent to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on the southwest coast of Vancouver Island. Access to the park is by hiking from Hitchie Lake within the national park, a rough route approximately 1 km long.
Park and activity maps
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: July 12, 1995
- Size: 247 hectares
Nature and culture
Conservation and Wildlife
Nestled in the Nitinat Lake watershed, Hitchie Creek Park protects old-growth lowland rainforest as well as river and lake ecosystems. The creek provides a key wildlife corridor for large species moving through the watershed, such as Roosevelt elk. A wide range of species, from salamanders to songbirds, reside in Hitchie Creek Park, including large predators such as black bears, cougars and wolves.
The park also protects potential habitat for the endangered Marbled Murrelet and Keen’s long-eared myotis. This park protects sections of the Windward Island Mountain ecosection, underrepresented in the protected area system. The characteristic understory of this mainly Western hemlock forest includes false azalea, bunchberry and oval-leaved blueberry, all of which occur here.
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.