Lower Nimpkish Park

Welcome to the new BC Parks website

Park overview

Rustic Lower Nimpkish Provincial Park comprises a corridor of land centered on both sides of the Lower Nimpkish River, extending about 4 km from the north end of Nimpkish Lake, southeast of Port McNeill on northern Vancouver Island.

The corridor is, wherever possible, about 300m wide on each side from the centre of the river, which 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.

Park Size: 200 hectares

Advisories

Camping

Wilderness camping

Wilderness camping is allowed; no facilities are provided.

Facilities

Campfires

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.

Activities

Swimming

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 at provincial parks.

Canoeing

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.

Kayaking

Fishing

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. All anglers should check the current regulations issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada prior to fishing. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Pets on leash

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.

Hunting

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.

Maps and location

View a more detailed map.

Location Map

Lower Nimpkish Provincial 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.

Learn more about this park

Park details

Date established: July 12, 1995
Size: 200 hectares

Nature and culture

Cultural Heritage - Lower Nimpkish Provincial 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.
General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information

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.