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Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Protected Area

Advisories

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Vehicle-accessible camping
This park offers 16 vehicle accessible campsites on a first-come, first-served basis, campsite reservations are not accepted. There are large sites, double sites and wheelchair accessible sites available. Most sites are shaded due to the surrounding deciduous forest. Additional parking is available at the Visitor Information Centre, which is located next to the campground. Self-registration, running water, fire wood available, sorry no sani-dump facilities, Visitor Centre located next to the campground.
Vehicle Accessible Camping Fee: $20.00 per party/night
BC Senior’s Rate (day after Labour Day to June 14 only): $10.00 per senior party/night. Read the User Fees Policy for information on Senior Camping Discounts.
Wilderness camping

Wilderness camping is permitted in the backcountry and alpine areas. Camping is not permitted in the frontcountry or lava beds. No developed trails or facilities are provided.

Accessibility information

The campground has a wheelchair-accessible campsite and pit toilet.

Picnic areas
This park has several day-use/picnic areas. One is located at Vetter Falls another at Lava Lake and also, the Visitor Information Centre. There are fire rings available at the Visitor Information Centre and the day-use area.
Pit or flush toilets
Pit toilets are available at Lava Lake, Vetter Falls, Nisg̱a’a Campground, the visitor information shelter and the Tseax River pullout. A wheelchair accessible pit toilet is located at the Nisg̱a’a Campground.
Drinking water
There is a water pump located at the Nisg̱a’a Memorial Lava Bed Park campground.
Boat launch
A gravel, single lane boat launch accessing the Nass River can be found at the park’s north end. A gravel, single lane boat launch accessing Lava Lake can be found at the park’s south end. Parking space is available for vehicle and boat trailers at both locations. Overnight moorage is not recommended at the Nass River boat launch location due to fluctuating river levels.
Campfires

Please Conserve Firewood. There are fire rings available for use at the visitor centre and the campground. While campfires are allowed and campfire rings are provided at each campsite, we encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of fire and using campstoves instead. Firewood can be purchased in the park or you may bring your own wood. Fees for firewood are set locally and may vary from park to park. Limited burning hours or campfire bans may be implemented. 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.

Hiking
  • Five short interpretive trails, “Crater Creek”, “Beaupre Falls”, “Tree Mould Trail”, “Vetter Creek Trail” and the “Fish Wheel Trail” provide easy access to several of the park’s special features.
  • For your own safety and preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
  • The Nisg̱a’a alkali basalt flow is one of the youngest and most accessible volcanic features in British Columbia. The guided volcanic tours offer the park visitor a chance to hike 3 km through a scenic old growth forest and past a variety of volcanic features to a viewpoint overlooking the crater. To protect the special features of the area, unguided access to the volcanic cone is prohibited. The hike is rated as moderate with some hills and steep stairs. Visitor access to the cone area may only be allowed on guided tours or under special permit. Please refer to interpretive programs.
Swimming
There is swimming available at Lava Lake. The beaches are a mixture of sand and rock.
Canoeing
Canoeing and kayaking opportunities are available at Lava Lake.
Kayaking
Fishing

Excellent fishing opportunities for salmon on the Tseax River. Nisg̱a’a citizens should obtain a Nisg̱a’a fishing licence from the Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government for fishing within Nisg̱a’a Lands. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. Please refer to current fishing regulations.

Interpretive programs

Lava Cone Tours

  • Drop-in tours are available on Saturday/Sunday/Monday/Wednesday at 10 am from the visitor centre.
  • $45 for adults, $35 for seniors and students. School and group rates are available for 15 or more. Minimum 4 people per tour.
  • Time: Leaving from Visitor Centre at 10 am.
  • Other days and times can be booked in advance. There are group rates for 10 or more. Large groups can be accommodated. No maps at this time. Please ensure you have good walking shoes, water, lunch and appropriate clothing. Lunches are available for additional cost of $20. Not recommended for children under the age of 7.
Notes:
  • Tours generally take about 4 hours
  • Trail is classified as a moderate hike
  • All trips rain or shine
  • Sorry no dogs allowed on trail
  • Book ahead to ensure your spot
  • Call for group rates

Self-Guided Auto Tour

Brochures are available at Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government Office – New Aiyansh, the Nisg̱a’a Park Visitor Centre and the Terrace Visitor Centre, and online.

Nisg̱a’a Visitor Centre

The visitor centre is located at the campground and offers merchandise, maps, stories, pictures, and information about attractions. Learn about Nisg̱a’a language, culture, history, feasts and laws.

Hours of operation:

  • May 15th to June 24th: 
    9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
  • June 25th to Labour Day (September 3rd): 
    9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday (Tuesday closed) 
    9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
  • The visitor centre is closed on all statutory holidays except Labour Day.

For more information on the campground, Visitor Centre and guided tours please contact our on-site operator, Steve, at 250 641-4400, or visit the website at www.nass113.com.

Wildlife viewing

Self-Guided Auto Tour brochures are available at Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government Office – New Aiyansh, the Nisg̱a’a Park Visitor Centre and the Terrace Visitor Centre, and online.

Pets on leash
Pets/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 Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Protected Area. 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 within the park. Please refer to the current hunting regulations. Check with Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government for licensing requirements for harvesting wildlife on Nisg̱a’a Lands.

Winter recreation
Snowmobiling is permitted in the Sterling Mountain Snowmobile area.