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
Wilderness camping is allowed; no facilities are provided.
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.
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 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.
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.