Park overview
The rustic Lower Nimpkish Park comprises a corridor of land centered on both sides of the Lower Nimpkish River. It extends 4 km from the north end of Nimpkish Lake, southeast of Port McNeill on northern Vancouver Island.
The corridor is 300 m wide on each side, from the centre of the river. The river runs through the park but does not fall under BC Parks jurisdiction. This undeveloped wilderness park offers opportunities for fishing and nature appreciation, and helps to protect important riparian habitat containing bald eagle nesting sites and habitat for marbled murrelet, a threatened species.
Advisories
Camping
Wilderness camping is allowed and no facilities are provided.
Facilities
While fires are allowed, 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.
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 is no designated swimming area at this park. Visitors choosing to swim should be aware that the waters of the Lower Nimpkish River, which runs through the park, are known to be dangerous.
There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.
There are opportunities for paddling at Lower Nimpkish Park. However, BC Parks does not manage the river (the river is not part of the park) and does not recommend canoeing, kayaking, tubing or swimming as the waters of the Lower Nimpkish River are known to be dangerous and may contain hazards such as strainers and sweepers. Proper precautions should be taken when traveling this river.
There are opportunities for paddling at Lower Nimpkish Park. However, BC Parks does not manage the river (the river is not part of the park) and does not recommend canoeing, kayaking, tubing or swimming as the waters of the Lower Nimpkish River are known to be dangerous and may contain hazards such as strainers and sweepers. Proper precautions should be taken when traveling this river.
The park is a popular destination for fishers searching for sockeye, Coho, chinook pink and chum salmon, as well as steelhead, cutthroat, Dolly Varden, kokanee and rainbow trout.
Anglers should be aware that black bears frequent the area along the river’s edge, especially during spawning season. Please 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. Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Portions of this park are open to hunting for specific species. Hunters must have valid licences and tags. Please refer to the current Hunting and Trapping Regulations and Synopsis publication for closures and regulations.
Lower Nimpkish Park is located on northern Vancouver Island approximately 5 km south of Port McNeill in the regional district of Mount Waddington. The park can be accessed from the north from the subdivision of Nimpkish Heights, just south of Port McNeill. There is no formal trail access from this area and it is not recommended.
The park can also be accessed from the south by foot or by canoe or kayak at the north end of Nimpkish Lake. Paddlers should be aware that the waters of the Lower Nimpkish River are known to be dangerous and should take proper precautions.
Park and activity maps
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: July 12, 1995
- Size: 200 hectares
Nature and culture
Cultural Heritage
Lower Nimpkish Park lies within the traditional territory of the Namgis First Nation. The park contains a portion of a First Nations traditional cross-island trade route known as the Grease Trail.
Conservation
The park contributes to the representation of submontane very wet maritime Coastal Western Hemlock variant gap in the Nahwitti Lowlands ecosection and the Northern Vancouver Island ecosection. It provides anadromous fish habitat and protects important riparian habitat containing bald eagle nesting sites, as well as habitat for the marbled murrelet, a threatened species.
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.