Nation Lakes Park

Highlights in this park

Nation Lakes offers a 120 kilometre route to canoeists through four spectacular lakes of Tsayta, Indata, Tchentlo and Chuchi. The Nation Lakes chain connects these lakes which drain into the Arctic watershed. The park encompasses several small parcels of land on Tchentlo and Chuchi lakes.

Depending on how quickly you travel, canoeing the lake chain in its entirety takes between five and ten days. At various locations along the lake chain you will find both rustic provincial park campsites and forest service recreation campsites for canoeists to rest and enjoy the amazing sunsets.

There are four road locations that provide canoe access to the Nation Lakes chain:

Northwest end of Tsayta Lake
Southeast end of Chuchi Lake
North side of Chuchi Lake
North end of Tchentlo Lake

Nation Lakes Park was established in 2004 as a result of the Fort St. James Land Resource Management Plan. The park is located approximately 260 km northwest of Prince George. Connected by the Nation River, the chain of lakes provides a peaceful and remote wilderness canoe route for paddlers. For centuries the Carrier people have lived here and travelled this route and continue to do so.

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

Bathymetric Maps:

Getting there

To access the northwest end of Tsayta Lake drive west on Highway 16 from Prince George. Head north on Highway 27 near Vanderhoof to Fort St. James. Take the Tachie Highway for 40 km to the Leo Creek Forest Service Road (FSR), then follow the Leo Creek FSR for 68 km to the Driftwood FSR. Take the Driftwood FSR for 54.5 km to the Fall-Tsayta FSR. Turn right and drive approximately 5 km.

National Topographic Series 1:50,000 maps of the park are available at most BC map retailers. While they may be of interest, they are not necessary for people attempting the Canoe Circuit, as the park map and brochure are sufficient for navigation. Relevant maps are 93N1, 93N2, 93N3, 93N5 and 93N6.

Camping

Marine-accessible camping

At various locations along the lake chain, you will find both rustic provincial park campsites and Forest Service Recreation campsites for canoeists to rest.

When visiting marine-accessible sites, be respectful of the sensitive wildlife habitats, and learn how to stay safe using our marine visitor guide.

Things to do

Swimming

Along the chain there are many sandy beaches to enjoy.

There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.

Canoeing

This park offers a 120 kilometre route to canoeists through four spectacular lakes of Tsayta, Indata, Tchentlo and Chuchi. Depending on how quickly you travel, canoeing the lake chain in its entirety takes between five and ten days. At various locations along the lake chain you will find both rustic provincial park campsites and forest service recreation campsites for canoeists to rest and enjoy the amazing sunsets. Please read the following Important Notice [PDF] if wishing to visit this park.

Kayaking

This park offers a 120 kilometre route to kayakers through four spectacular lakes of Tsayta, Indata, Tchentlo and Chuchi. Depending on how quickly you travel, canoeing the lake chain in its entirety takes between five and ten days. At various locations along the lake chain you will find both rustic provincial park campsites and forest service recreation campsites for kayakers to rest and enjoy the amazing sunsets. Please read the following Important Notice [PDF] if wishing to visit this park.

Fishing

Fish species include rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and lake trout.

Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

Wildlife viewing

There are wildlife viewing opportunities in this park.

Hunting

Hunting is permitted only during lawful game hunting season. Check the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for regulations.

Anyone hunting in British Columbia must comply with BC hunting regulations. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.

Facilities

Campfires

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 designated campsite. 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.

About this park

History

Nation Lakes Park was established in 2004 as a result of the Fort St. James Land Resource Management Plan.

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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