Owyacumish River Park

Highlights in this park

Owyacumish River Park and the adjoining Brim River Hot Springs Protected Area epitomize the rugged terrain and spectacular scenery of the B.C. north coast. Rivers flow through narrow valleys with steep, bare rock walls interspersed with numerous waterfalls. This area is surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Coast Mountains, Kitimat Ranges.

The park contains old growth forests, fish and wildlife habitat as well as scenic waterfalls. The remoteness and pristine condition of the area, in combination with the marine and freshwater interface, ensures high value habitat that is suitable for a wide range of wildlife species, from shorebirds to grizzly bears.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

There are no developed trails in the park.
Be bear aware while on shore in this park and avoid taking dogs or other pets into backcountry areas.

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

Owyacumish River Park is located on the north side of Gardner Canal, approximately 15 km west of Kemano Bay and about 70 km southeast of Kitamaat Village. Kitamaat Village and the city of Kitimat are the nearest communities to this park. Access is by boat only and Owyacumish River is not suitable for jet boat travel. Use Marine Chart #3745 (Gardner Canal) and NTS Map Sheet # 103 H/9 (Brim River).

Kitimat Visitor Information Centre

PO Box 214
2109 Forest Avenue
Kitimat, BC, Canada V8C 2G7
http://www.tourismkitimat.ca/
Email: info@tourismkitimat.ca
Phone: 250-632-6294 or 1-800-664-6554

Camping

Cabins and huts

April 27, 2016: The Haisla Nation Trapper’s Cabin at the entrance to Brim River has collapsed and no longer usable. At this time it is unknown if the cabin will be repaired or replaced.

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.

Winter camping

There are winter camping opportunities at this park, as it can be accessed year-round.

Things to do

Swimming

Swimming is possible in the ocean, but the water is cold all season long.

There are no lifeguards on duty in BC Parks.

Canoeing

Adventurous and experienced paddlers may enjoy exploring this region.

Fishing

There are opportunities for fishing in Owyacumish River.

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

Pets on leash

Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.

Hunting

The park is open to hunting. Please refer to the British Columbia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information.

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

Facilities

Campfires

Campfires are permitted but firewood is not provided. We encourage visitors to conserve wood and protect the environment by minimizing the use of campfires and using campstoves instead.

If you must have a fire, please burn only dead and down wood, and be sure to extinguish the fire fully. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil so please use it conservatively, if at all.

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

Owyacumish River Park was designated as a class A provincial park on May 20, 2004 following recommendations from the Kalum Land and Resource Management Plan.

General Wildlife, Marine & Outdoor Ethics Information

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.

Contact