Pritchard Park | BC Parks

Highlights in this park

Visitors can enjoy bird watching, nature study and canoeing. The park is valuable for public access and enjoyment of the river frontage, since much of the river frontage between Chase and Kamloops is in private ownership.

It encompasses a 5 km section of riparian habitat on the South Thompson River. Surrounding vegetation consists of aspen, cottonwood, Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, willow, Russian olive, hawthorn, Saskatoon berry, grass and sedge.

The park provides important habitat for trumpeter swans and a variety of other waterfowl. Shorebirds, passerines, beavers, muskrats and otters also frequent the area. The South Thompson River contains trout, salmon and other fish species.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

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

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

Pritchard park is located on the South Thompson River, approximately 40 km northeast of Kamloops. The park is only accessible by boat. There is no road access.

Things to do

Canoeing

Canoeing on the Thompson River is popular with visitors.

Wildlife viewing

There are wildlife viewing opportunities in the park.The park provides important habitat for trumpeter swans and a variety of other waterfowl. Shorebirds, passerines, beavers, muskrats and otters also frequent the area.

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.

About this park

Cultural heritage

The presence of cultural heritage sites is unknown, but there is a possibility of Kekuli pits in the area.

History

The park was created as a result of recommendations made in the Kamloops Land and Resources Management Plan.

Conservation

The park protects a 5 km section of riparian habitat and frontage on the South Thompson River. Aspen, cottonwoods, Ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, willows, Russian olive, hawthorns, Saskatoon berry, grasses and sedges are protected within the park.

Wildlife

The park provides habitat for Trumpeter and Tundra swans, a large variety of other waterfowl and shorebird species, passerine bird species, beaver, muskrat, and otter. Trout, salmon and other fish species inhabit the South Thompson River.

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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