Park overview
Located near Hope, Nicolum River Park is characterized by dense forest cover and a small, fast flowing river. It provides fishing opportunities to the travelling public on Highway 3.
Advisories
Safety info
- Nicolum River Park Campground is closed indefinitely.
- Park users can still walk into the park if conditions such as weather permit.
Activities
Rainbow Trout fishing is available in the Nicolum River.
Anyone fishing in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. To learn more, see the fishing and hunting guide.
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.
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 Nicolum 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.
This park is located 8 km east of Hope on Highway 3, near the junction of Highways 3 and 5.
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: March 16, 1956
- Size: 18 hectares
Nature and culture
History
Nicolum River was designated to Provincial Park status in 1956. It serves as the first roadside rest-stop for visitors en route from the Lower Mainland to the Interior.
Cultural Heritage
In 1846, Alexander Caulfield Anderson of the Hudson’s Bay Company explored the valley occupied by the Nicolum and Sumallo Rivers in search of a route to the Cariboo (the Dewdney Trail). In the process, he set up camp in the vicinity of Nicolum River Park. The section of Highway 3 at the park was once part of the historic trail.
Conservation
The park is situated in the Coastal Western Hemlock biogeoclimatic zone. Characteristic species associated with this zone and presently on site include coastal western hemlock, red cedar, and in well drained areas, Douglas fir. The understory is sparse and consists mainly of sword fern, bracken, salmonberry, and moss species.
Wildlife
The significant wildlife species in the park are primarily songbirds and fish. These include varied thrush, black-throated grey warbler, red-breasted nutlatch, and Dolly Varden. Transient species in the area include porcupine, coyote, Columbia blacktail deer, and black bear.
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.