Morton Lake Park
Park overview
There is a reason the area northwest of Campbell River is called “lake country,” that visitors to Morton Lake Provincial Park are sure to discover. From April to June and September to October, lake fishing for Rainbow, Cutthroat and Dolly Varden trout on Mohun Lake in the park can be excellent. While this park is popular with anglers, there is still plenty to do if fishing isn’t your favourite pastime. During the summer, visitors can fill their days swimming, canoeing, boating or just lounging on the sandy beach at Morton Lake.
Today little sign can be found of a devastating fire that burned more than 30,000 hectares of forest surrounding Morton Lake to the ground in 1938. The fire, which burned for more than one month, inspired a massive replanting effort the following year, during which 800,000 Douglas fir trees were planted in one month – an incredible accomplishment in those days.
Morton Lake Provincial Park, which includes all of Morton Lake and a section of shoreline on neighbouring Mohun Lake, provides access to the popular Sayward Canoe Route – a 47-kilometre paddle and portage circuit. The park offers lake-front camping, as well as a boat launch, pit toilets, a short hiking trail to tranquil Andrew Lake and a large picnic/day-use area.
Established Date: November 28, 1966
Park Size: 74 hectares
Advisories
Dates of operation
Open to public access year-round
Current status:Open to public access
- Facility type
- Vehicle-accessible camping
- Main camping season dates
- 2023: April 27 to October 9
- Reservable dates
- 2023: April 27 to October 6
- Winter note
- Winter rates in effect Oct. 1 – April 30; no services provided.
Camping
All campsite reservations must be made the BC Parks reservations system. When reservations are not available all campsites function as first-come, first-served.
Campsite Reservations
Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available.
Campsite reservations are accepted and first-come, first-served sites are also available. All sites are located adjacent to the lake. This park is open year-round; a winter camping fee is in place and campers must be self-sufficient.
Facilities
Accessibility information is available for this park.
This park is a very popular summertime destination, with a sandy beach and warm lake. Facilities include picnic tables, a parking area, and pit toilets.
There is one cold water hand pump, located at the intersection of the campground and day-use area.
While fires are allowed, we encourage visitors to conserve the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using stoves instead. Campfire rings are provided at each campsite, as well as communal rings in the day-use area. Firewood can be purchased from the Park Operator. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary. To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park (this is a ticketable offence under the Park Act ). Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.
Activities
From April to June and from September to October, lake fishing for Dolly Varden, rainbow, and cutthroat trout on Mohun Lake can be excellent. 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 or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
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 Morton Lake Provincial 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.
Maps and location
Morton Lake Provincial Park is located 27 km northwest of Campbell River in the Sayward Forest. The easiest way to reach Morton Lake is via Hwy 19. Turn off at the Menzies Main logging road, approximately 10 minutes past the pulp mill. Follow the gravel Menzies Main for 12 km, then take Morton Lake Road for another 7 km to the park.
Park and activity maps
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: November 28, 1966
- Size: 74 hectares
Park contact
This park proudly operated by:
Quality Recreation Ltd.
250 850-7125
info@explorebcparks.ca
Nature and culture
- History: A devastating fire in 1938 burned more than 30,000 hectares of forest surrounding Morton Lake to the ground. The fire, which burned for more than one month, inspired a massive replanting effort the following year, during which 800,000 Douglas fir trees were planted in one month – an incredible accomplishment in those days. Hemlock, cedar and white pine has naturally regenerated in the park.
- Conservation: Douglas-fir while hemlock, cedar and white pine are found here.
- 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.