Conservancy overview
This park encompasses the world’s largest intact coastal temperate rainforest. The unique rainforest has old-growth trees over 800 years old. The Kitlope valley is an important habitat for marbled murrelets, bald eagles, moose, grizzly, black bear, wolf and waterfowl. The Kitlope valley lies within the traditional territory of the Haisla First Nation, based out of Kitamaat Village.
It takes a few hours to travel to the Kitlope by boat from Kitimat. The ideal to visit the area is in July and August, when the marine conditions and the weather are at their best. Along the way visitors can do some fishing, visit Weewanie or Shearwater Hot Springs and watch for whales, seals, eagles, mountain goats, and bears. Spectacular views of the waterfalls, granite cliffs, and hanging glaciers along Gardner Canal can be seen. Visitors arriving in larger vessels can anchor just outside the estuary area in deeper water and then take a smaller boat (jet boats are best) up the Kitlope River to Kitlope Lake.
Advisories
Special notes
- There are no roads or trails in this wilderness area.
- Information for interpretive programs may be available from the Kitlope Watchmen at the BC Parks cabin from May to October.
- Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problem with bears.
Camping
Backcountry camping is allowed, but facilities may not be are provided. All sites are on a first come, first serve basis.
Campsite locations:
- Kemano Community Association campsite on N. side Kitlope River: Lat. 53º 12.865’ N; Long. 127º 50.636’ W
- Hill/Amos campsite on E. side of Kitlope Lk.: Lat. 53º 07.687’ N; Long. 127º 46.717’ W
- Rediscovery campsite on E. side of Kitlope Lk.: Lat. 53º 06.305’ N; Long. 127º 46.412’ W
There is a BC Parks/Watchmen Cabin on the south side of the Kitlope River (Lat. 53º 12.95’ N; Long. 127º 51.78’ W). It is not available for public use or camping.
Facilities
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.
Campfire bans may be in place. Before lighting a fire, check for bans or restrictions on BC Wildfire Service and on local or Indigenous government websites.
Activities
There are no developed trails at this park. Use caution when exploring the backcountry.
Good swimming sites can be found along Kitlope Lake. There is a very nice beach area at the Rediscovery campsite.
There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.
There are paddling, canoeing and kayaking opportunities on Kitlope Lake and Tezwa River.
There are paddling, canoeing and kayaking opportunities on Kitlope Lake and Tezwa River.
There are fishing opportunities for trout, char and salmon.
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. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to the potential for problems with bears and other wildlife.
This Conservancy is open to hunting during lawful hunting seasons but is closed to grizzly bear hunting. Please check the BC Hunting and Trapping Regulations for more information.
The park is located at the end of the Gardner Canal, on British Columbia’s central coast, approximately 50km northwest of Bella Coola and 120km southeast of Kitimat. The area is accessed by boat to the end of the Gardener Canal. The area is accessed by boat and aircraft only. Visitors should be experienced in ocean navigation and wilderness survival. Visitors can use jet boats to access Kitlope Lake and Kitlope River systems.
- Reference: Marine Charts #3743 (Douglas Channel) and #3745 (Gardner Canal).
- Reference: 1:50,000 topographic map #93 E/4 (Kitlope Lake).
Conservancy and activity maps
- Map [PDF 1.36MB]
- Brochure [PDF]
- Area map - Douglas Channel Area Parks and Protected Areas [PDF 2.2MB]
Learn more about this conservancy
Conservancy details
- Date established: February 20, 1996
- Size: 322,020 hectares (321,572 ha upland and 448 ha foreshore)
Conservancy contact
Kitamaat Village Council.
Provides on-site Haisla First Nation co-management of the Kitlope through their Kitlope Watchmen program, from approximately May to October. They also provide commercial recreational tours and wildlife viewing in the Kitlope and other parks and protected areas along Douglas Channel and Gardner Canal.
Nature and culture
History
In 1994 the West Fraser Timber Company relinquished all rights to harvesting in the Kitlope area without consideration or compensation from the B.C. Government. The conservancy was proposed with cooperation between the Haisla Nation and the B.C. Government to protect the largest intact coastal temperate rainforest in the world. The Kitlope was first established as a protected area on February 20, 1996. Its designation was later changed from protected area to conservancy on June 27, 2008. The Kitlope area encompasses a rich diversity of natural and cultural heritage values.
Cultural Heritage
The Kitlope Valley lies within the traditional territory of the Haisla Nation. Known to the Haisla as “Hushuwashsdu” or “Source of the milky blue water,” the Kitlope area is a focus of native lore and native stories such as “The Man Who Turned to Stone.” The Kitlope Valley also has significant archaeological site potential. The Haisla have used the Kitlope area for the harvesting of plants, animals and fish including salmon and oolichan.
Conservation
The area encompasses the world’s largest intact coastal temperate rainforest. This unique rainforest has old-growth trees over 800 years old. The Kitlope watershed provides a large intact diversity of wildlife and fish habitats, ranging from estuaries, lakes, rich flood plains, steep side slopes and alpine areas.
Wildlife
The Kitlope Valley is an important habitat for marbled murrelets, bald eagles, moose, mountain goats, grizzly bear, black bear and waterfowl. A variety of waterfowl and birds can also be found throughout the Kitlope watershed. All five species of pacific salmon, herring, and oolichan spawn throughout the many rivers and creeks.
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.