Pine River Breaks Park

Highlights in this park

Pine River Breaks Park with its open grassland hillsides protects a scenic landscape along the Pine River. Mixed forests of trembling aspen and spruce provide shelter for mule deer and other ungulates, especially in winter.

Visitors to this unique area can access it via a short hike from the Sundance Pit Road or by boat along the Pine River.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

Bring your own drinking water, as potable water is not available in the park.

Special notes

Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs) are prohibited in this park. ORVs include ATVs, off-road motorcycles, snowmobiles and side-by-sides.

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

Location Map

Getting there

Pine River Breaks Park is located on the north side of the Pine River, approximately halfway between the District of Chetwynd and East Pine River, near Sundance Lakes on Highway 97. The site is several kilometres north of Mount Wartenbe in the extreme southern portion of the Peace Lowlands. Access is via Highway 97, and south at Sundance Lakes along a trail through private property (L813), or through Sundance Pit Road that leads towards a trail on crown land and into the park. Visitors can also access the area by using the boat launch located at East Pine Park and boating up the Pine River.

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

There are no developed trails in this park. Visitors should use caution and be safe when adventuring out in the backcountry.

Canoeing

The Pine River provides good opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and powerboating.

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.

Wildlife viewing

There are wildlife viewing opportunities in the park.

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

Cycling is permitted. Helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Pine River Breaks 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.

Horseback riding

Horses and horseback riding are permitted.

Hunting

The park is open to hunting. All hunters to the area should refer to the current BC 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

To preserve vegetation and ground cover, please don’t gather firewood from the area around your campsite or elsewhere in the park. Dead wood is an important habitat element for many plants and animals and it adds organic matter to the soil. You can conserve firewood and air quality by keeping your campfire small. Be prepared to bring a portable stove for cooking.

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

Cultural heritage

First Nations of the Treaty 8 Tribal Association have traditionally used the area.

Conservation

Pine River Breaks Park is located in the Peace Lowlands ecosection on the south facing side of the Pine River. This area protects important wildlife wintering habitat, especially for ungulates. The park also protects an unusual assemblage of glacial landforms complete with esker formations and kettle ponds.

Wildlife

Wildlife found in the park includes mule deer, white-tailed deer, moose, coyote and the occasional 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.

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