Lower Tsitika River Park

Highlights in this park

This park, situated in the Lower Tsitika River drainage, helps to protect the upland portions of Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve and its sensitive Orca habitat. This park receives minimal visitation as hikers are prohibited to enter the Tsitika River estuary.

Lower Tsitika River Park has high fish values and is one of the few protected areas on Vancouver Island that contains a full range of biogeoclimatic variants, from low elevation to alpine tundra.

Know before you go

Advisories

Review the detailed guides under visit responsibly for more information on staying safe and preserving our natural spaces.

Visit responsibly

Follow these guides to ensure your activities are safe, respectful, and ecologically friendly:

Maps and location

Location Map

Getting there

Lower Tsitika River Park is located east of Woss on northern Vancouver Island. There is no access to this park from Johnstone Strait, as all access to Robson of Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve is prohibited. The only access to this park is via the Tsitika Main Line logging road that departs Hwy 19 approximately 20 km east of Woss. Nearby communities include Woss, Telegraph Cove, Port McNeill and Sayward.

Camping

Wilderness camping

There are no designated campsites at this park, however random wilderness camping is allowed. No facilities are provided. Please practice “Leave no trace” camping ethics.

Things to do

Fishing

Fishing is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing regulations. All anglers should 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 on leash

Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash and under control all times. 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. Pet owners should ensure their dogs do not enter streams used for drinking water as they can be carriers of Giardia. Please water your pet well away from drinking water sources.

Cycling

Bicycles must keep to roadways. Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Lower Tsitika River Park. E-bikes are restricted to park roads and areas where motorized use is permitted. The only exception to this policy will be for authorized and identified trail maintenance bikes conducting work on behalf of BC Parks.

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.

About this park

History

Lower Tsitika River Park was established on July 12, 1995 as part of the Vancouver Island Land Use Plan. This park protects the lands between three previously established Ecological Reserves, namely Tsitika Mountain Ecological Reserve, Mt. Derby Ecological Reserve and Robson Bight (Michael Bigg) Ecological Reserve.

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.

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