This park encompasses the world’s largest intact coastal temperate rainforest. This 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 best time 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; watch for whales, seals, eagles, mountain goats, and bears; and view the wonderful waterfalls, tall granite cliffs, and hanging glaciers along Gardner Canal. Visitors arriving in larger vessels can anchor just outside the estuary area (deeper water) and then take a smaller boat (jet boats are best) up the Kitlope River to Kitlope Lake.
Backcountry camping is allowed, but facilities may not be are provided. All sites are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Campsite locations:
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.
There are fishing opportunities for trout/char and salmon. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
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 50 km northwest of Bella Coola and 120 km 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.
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.
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.