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Advisories

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Group camping

There are group campsites at this park. Reservations are not accepted for these group sites. All sites are on a first come, first served basis. There are no camping fees charged at this time.

Marine-accessible camping

Wilderness marine-accessible camping is allowed year-round. Please use the food cache provided at Widgeon Creek Campsite to prevent conflicts between bears and people. Campfires are not permitted in the park. Users must be prepared for winter conditions during the off-season.

There are two main areas for marine-accessible camping.

Widgeon Creek 

Not shown on the park map.

Widgeon Slough and Widgeon Valley are accessible by canoe. Canoes or kayaks can be launched from Grant Narrows at the south end of Pitt Lake, and paddled through Widgeon Slough. Paddling time is approximately two hours to reach the Widgeon Creek camp site. There are about 10 designated sites. Overflow camping is available on the grassy areas around the camping area. There is a pit toilet but no garbage facilities. Users are required to pack out all garbage.

Pitt Lake

There are four marine-accessible camping areas up the shoreline of Pitt Lake. BC Parks is currently in the planning process for these areas, and has yet to fully implement an operations strategy. The sites are maintained. 

Camping facilities are provided at Dark Creek on the west shore of Pitt Lake, Osprey Creek (north and south), and Raven creek camping areas are located on the east side of Pitt Lake. Please see the Golden Ears Provincial Park map [PDF] which shows the camping locations on Pitt Lake.

Wilderness camping

Wilderness camping is allowed year-round, but no facilities are provided. Campfires are not permitted within the park. Users must be prepared for winter conditions during the off-season.

The main camping area for wilderness camping is Burke Mountain (shown on the park map). Several of the Burke Mountain trails climb up the ridge onto the Burke Mountain plateau where there are several lakes. Please avoid causing damage to the ecosystem. 

Winter camping

Winter wilderness camping is allowed. The backcountry of the park is open to year-round. Please use the food cache provided at Widgeon Creek campsite to prevent conflicts between humans and bears. Campfires are not permitted in the park. Users must be prepared for winter conditions during the off-season.

Picnic areas

This park has a day-use and picnic area. Widgeon Creek is used as a destination day-use area for paddlers. 

Defrauder Falls, on the west shore of Pitt Lake, is a day-use area. No facilities are provided. The site is boat access only.

Pit or flush toilets

There are pit toilets available at the Widgeon Creek camping area.

Hiking

Use caution when travelling over creek crossings. Bridges and boardwalks are in poor condition. For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.

Swimming

There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.

Canoeing
  • Widgeon Creek is used as a destination day-use area for paddlers. See Marine-accessible camping for more information.
  • Defrauder Falls on the west shore of Pitt Lake is a day-use area. No facilities are provided. The site is boat-access, only.
Kayaking

There are kayaking opportunities available.

Fishing

Pitt Lake is well known for excellent cutthroat trout fishing. Several species of salmon pass through the lake in the fall en route to the Pitt River. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Wildlife viewing

Widgeon Slough provides unique waterfowl habitat. Depending on the time of year, migratory birds can be viewed in large numbers. Blue Herons are a common site along the bank of the slough and lake. In addition, the higher elevation trails on Burke Mountain offer unique views of the lower mainland and the Coast Mountains.

Pets on leash

Pets and other 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.

e-Biking

Bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are permitted on signed or designated trails within Pinecone Burke Park, provided they meet the definitions and criteria for e-bike use as outlined in the BC Parks cycling guidelines.

Hunting

This park is open to hunting. All applicable hunting licences are required. However, there is no park specific hunting permit needed.

Winter recreation

Park visitors can explore the backcountry of Burke Mountain in the winter months on touring skis or snow shoes. No winter trails are marked. There are no winter facilties.