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Redfern-Keily Park

Open to public access
There are no reported advisories for this park


Advisories

Camping

Backcountry camping

Primitive campsites are found along both the Nevis Creek/Besa River trail and the Sikanni Chief River/Trimble Lake Trail. There are approximately 26 sites along the Redfern Lake trail, of which seven are located within the park.

Cabins and huts
A BC Parks cabin located on the north east side of Redfern Lake is open to the public and free of charge. This cabin, which is maintained by the snowmobile club has several bunk beds, a woodstove and table. A pit toilet is conveniently located behind the cabin. The cabin can accommodate approximately 6–8 people comfortably and is open throughout the year. It is on a first-come, first-served basis, people need to be prepared to camp outside in the event that the cabin is full. Please keep this cabin clean and in good shape for the next visitor.
Winter camping
Winter camping is available. Access in winter is via snowmobile. As described above, a BC Parks cabin located on the north east side of Redfern Lake is open to the public and free of charge. The cabin is maintained by the local snowmobile club. Please keep it clean and in good shape for the next visitor.
Campfires
Use of local vegetation is only allowed if it is already dead and fallen. Please keep campfires small.
Hiking

This park has hiking and/or walking trails. Two trail systems provide access into Redfern-Keily Provincial Park. The first, Redfern Lake Trail, follows Nevis Creek and the Besa River to Redfern Lake. The second trail follows the Sikanni Chief River to Trimble Lake. A third trail links Trimble Lake to the Besa River, completing a loop.

Both trails are open to snowmobiles, horses, hikers, and dog sleds; however, motorized vehicles, mountain bikes, and e-bikes can only access the park via the Redfern Lake Trail. Motorized access along the Sikanni River trail does not extend into the park. Primitive campsites are found along both trails. There are approximately 26 sites along the Redfern Lake trail, of which seven are located within the park.

Canoeing
River rafting, kayaking and canoeing out to the Alaska Highway is possible along the Besa/Prophet Rivers or the Sikanni Chief River (although on the latter, the falls must be portaged).
Fishing

Redfern Lake is 539 hectares in size and has a maximum depth of 81 metres. Lake trout, lake whitefish, pygmy whitefish, and rainbow trout are resident to the lake and its associated streams. Fairy Lake is 151 hectares in size and has a maximum depth of 56 metres. Rainbow trout are the only residents of this high elevation lake. Trimble Lake is 314 hectares in size and has a maximum depth of 34 metres. Arctic grayling, bull trout, mountain whitefish and rainbow trout are resident to the lake.

Please consult the current BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis for fishing information Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.

Visitors to the area in winter can ice fish on Redfern, Trimble or Fairy Lake. Due to the cold temperatures, the ice freezes extremely thick making it quite the workout just to drill a hole (unless you have a power auger).

Wildlife viewing
Views abound! The journey up the valley to Redfern Lake is surrounded by spectacular peaks, flowing rivers and wildlife. At Redfern Lake a good day hike can be had up to Fairy Lake which is surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of high Rocky Mountain peaks. Glaciers to the north of the lake glitter a deep blue. In the fall, the autumn colours dominate the landscape. Through Sikanni Lake, keep an eye out for bison which, although not natural to the area, have made it their home and have multiplied in number. They are large and gregarious – so if you see one, chances are you will see dozens more. Other note worthy species of wildlife common to the area are moose, Stone sheep, caribou, and of course the predators that follow them – wolves, black and grizzly bear, lynx, and wolverine.
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.
Cycling

Bicycle helmets are mandatory in British Columbia.

Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Redfern-Keily Provincial 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 are a traditional way to travel in the area; however, horses’ hooves each exert over 1,500 p.s.i. of pressure every time they hit the ground, which can greatly impact trails and campsites. Review the Horse Riders’ Backcountry Ethics adapted for Redfern-Keily Provincial Park to reduce impacts to the environment and keep the park accessible to riders in years to come.

Hunting

The park is open to hunting. All hunters to the area should refer to the current BC Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis.

Winter recreation

Cross country skiing can be done in many locations within the park. One of the better areas is along the shore of either Redfern or Fairy lake. No tracks are set and the trail up to Fairly lake is steep. There are no defined snowshoeing trails; however, there are numerous multi-use trails in the vicinity of Redfern Lake which can all be snowshoed.

Snowmobiling into Redfern Lake is by far the most common form of access into the area. There are two routes which can be used to access the area: the Redfern Lake Trail and the Sikanni River Trail. Both are described above under the "Know Before You Go" section along with a park zoning map which shows the areas open for snowmobile use. Snowmobiling is allowed in the Nature Recreation Winter Zone from November 1 until April 15.

The area is subject to extremely cold winter conditions. Visitors to this area are reminded to be prepared. Temperatures of -40°C and colder are a reality in this area and the temperature can drop dramatically from one valley to another. The BC Parks cabin located on the north east side of the lake is a good shelter to keep the frost off.