Rearguard Falls Park

Highlights in this park

The Rearguard Falls viewpoint provides an excellent opportunity for travelers to witness the end of a long journey by the Chinook, largest of the Pacific salmon.

These fish have survived several years at sea to return to the river of their birth, the mighty Fraser. From its estuary in British Columbia’s lower mainland to this point, the Chinook have traveled upstream over 1200km. Some may be successful battling over these falls to reach the gravel above, but for most, Rearguard Falls marks the end of their journey.

Know before you go

Advisories

Safety information

Children should be supervised. The viewing area drops off steeply to the river.
Bring your own drinking water as potable water is not available in the park.
The water here is extremely cold and fast-moving. Spray from the falls can reduce visibility and make adjacent rocks slippery. For your safety please remain within the fenced area and enjoy a safe visit.

Special notes

Help protect the park land. Enjoy Rearguard Falls Park but please leave it as you have found it so that future visitors may also enjoy the park.
Alcohol is not permitted in the park.
Firearms are not permitted in the park. Rearguard Falls Park is closed to hunting.

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

Located 285km east of Prince George on Highway 16. The closest communities are Tete Jaune Cache, Valemount and McBride.

Things to do

Hiking

There is one trail to a viewing area at Rearguard Falls. Be careful as the viewing area drops off steeply to the river.

For your own safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to the designated trail. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.

Fishing

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

Wildlife viewing

This park has a small viewing area to look at the waterfall. In autumn, visitors may see runs of Chinook salmon, as this is the end of them on the Fraser River. The falls are usually impassible for the salmon as they are too high for them to jump.

Pets on leash

Pets/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.

Winter recreation

During winter, visitors can snowshoe on the walking trail to the falls.

Facilities

Accessibility information

Accessibility information is available for this park.

Pit or flush toilets

This park only has pit toilets, no flush toilets.

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

This park proudly operated by:
Quartz Contracting
Email: mountrobson@shaw.ca