Nickel Plate Park

Highlights in this park

Secluded and serene, the main attractions at this semi-wilderness park are fishing, hiking and winter recreation. Nearby is Lookout Mountain that overlooks the glaciated Nickel Plate Lake. At the north end of the lake, dotting the shoreline, are fascinating, huge boulders (erratics) deposited by receding glacial ice. The park also provides opportunities for Nordic skiing and snowmobiling.

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

From Green Mountain Road, follow Apex Mountain Road through Apex Mountain Village to the Hedley Creek/ Nickel Plate Forest Service road. Follow this for about 4.5 km. Turn at the big rock and follow this road for half a kilometre to reach the camping area. Access by four-wheel drive vehicles only.

Camping

Wilderness camping

Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.

When visiting the backcountry, always follow Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. To learn more about staying safe in the backcountry, read our backcountry guide.

Things to do

Hiking

For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.

Swimming

There are swimming opportunities in this park.

There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.

Canoeing

There are paddling, canoeing and kayaking opportunities at this park.

Fishing

Nickel Plate Lake has been a fishing destination since the 1940’s. It is stocked with rainbow trout by the Summerland Trout Hatchery. There are ice fishing opportunities on Nickel Plate Lake.

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 at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. 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.

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 Nickel Plate 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.

Hunting

Hunting is permitted only during lawful game hunting season. Check with 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

Cross-country skiing is popular in the area and the Nickelplate Cross-country Ski Club operates groomed runs nearby.

There are snowshoeing opportunities in the park though there are no designated trails. The area is used for snowmobiling and to access Sheep Rock in Brent Mountain Protected Area.

There are ice fishing opportunities on Nickel Plate Lake.

Facilities

Boat launch

Boat access to the lake is made available by a rough gravel boat launch at the north end of the dam, although the gravel does not extend to the water’s edge when lake levels are low. Light boats are commonly launched down the face of the dam.

Pit or flush toilets

This park only has pit toilets, no flush toilets.

About this park

History

Established December 14, 1938. Nickel Plate Lake has been the site of management activities by local rod and gun clubs and government agencies since the 1940’s. For many years it had been a popular fishing spot for residents of Hedley and nearby mining communities like Mascot.

The first recorded management activity was the introduction of a freshwater shrimp species in 1944 by the Nickel Plate Rod and Gun Club. Subsequent actions by the club, and overseen by a game warden, included an extensive program to introduce new species of aquatic vegetation in 1950.

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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