Nechako Canyon Protected Area

Highlights in this protected area

Established in July of 2000, this 1,246 hectare protected area is located about 80 km southwest of Vanderhoof. Access is via the Holy Cross forest service road on the west side of the canyon, or the Kenney Dam Road to the east (NTS map reference: 93F/10).

The Nechako Canyon Protected Area includes the 7 km long Grand Canyon of the Nechako. The canyon was created by the raging Nechako River cutting through volcanic rock, but is now a dry riverbed since the construction of the Kenny Dam diverted the water to the Pacific Coast. This impressive gorge with sheer rock walls, towering pinnacles, and overhanging cliffs is now considered a special feature, providing a rare opportunity to observe these erosional features.

The area has been utilized by the Carrier First Nations peoples for many years. More than 130 archaeological sites have been documented including a village site near Cheslatta Falls where pit depressions from dwellings and food caches can still be found.

There are no park facilities at Nechako Canyon, but just outside the protected area off the Holy Cross Road, is the Cheslatta River Recreation Site. This popular camping site is actually on land owned by Alcan, the company behind the construction of Kenney Dam and the reservoir development of the area.

The Kenney Dam, 7 km south of the recreation site, was an impressive feat of engineering when it was built in the early 1950s. With four million cubic yards of ma
From the recreation site, a forest service trail follows the Cheslatta River to meet the the Nechako River at the 18 metre high Cheslatta Falls. The Cheslatta Falls hiking trail is 1.2 km one way. Beware of steep drop-offs to the turbulent river and slippery footing at the falls. Stay on the marked trail.

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

Getting there

This 1,246 hectare protected area is located about 80 km southwest of Vanderhoof. Access is via the Holy Cross forest service road on the west side of the canyon, or the Kenney Dam Road to the east (NTS map reference: 93F/10).

Things to do

Hiking

Athough there are no developed trails at this park, from the recreation site, a forest service trail follows the Cheslatta River to meet the Nechako River at the 18 metre Sheslatta Falls. The Cheslatta Falls hiking trail is 1.2 km one way. Beware of steep drop-offs to the turbulent river and of slippery footing at the falls. Stay on the marked trail. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.

Fishing

There are fishing opportunities in this park.

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

Hunting

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

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

Winter recreation

There are cross country skiing opportunities in this park; however, there are no set tracks. There are also snowshoeing opportunities in this park. The trails to use for both these activities are the same as the summer trails.

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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