Park overview
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.
Advisories
Safety info
- 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.
Camping
Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.
Facilities
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.
Activities
There are no developed trails in this park. Visitors should use caution and be safe when adventuring out in the backcountry.
The Pine River provides good opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and powerboating.
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.
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.
Horses and horseback riding are permitted.
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.
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.
Park and activity maps
Learn more about this park
Park details
- Date established: June 29, 2000
- Size: 614 hectares
Nature and culture
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.