The Stuart-Trembleur-Takla Lake boating system is located in north central British Columbia and comprises nearly 300 km of waterway. These long, narrow lakes are among the region’s most significant recreational features. The lakes offer great sports fishing opportunities for rainbow and lake trout, burbot, kokanee, and mountain whitefish. The chain is also part of the longest migration route of chinook and sockeye salmon in British Columbia. With more than 630 km of lakeshore to explore, few developed facilities, and sparse levels of use, this chain of lakes provides a remote wilderness experience. A series of small parks have been established along the system providing protected anchorages or attractive beaches. No facilities have been developed at these sites.
Stuart Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in the province at 90 km long with 270 km of shoreline. The community of Fort St. James is located on the southeast end. The main body of the lake is between 6 to 10 km wide and is road accessible at many locations. The northwestern arm of the lake is narrower, has limited road access, and more of a wilderness feel. This portion of the lake is very scenic with numerous bays, points, and islands. Wildlife viewing, boating, hunting, and angling are popular pursuits in the area.
Stuart Lake Marine Park consists of three lakeside sites protected as part of the Stuart-Trembleur-Takla Lakes boating system. Stuart Lake Park is also on the Stuart-Trembleur-Takla Lakes boating system. These sites provide no facilities, but may offer protected anchorages or sandy beaches.
The Tachie River connects Stuart Lake to Trembleur Lake. The 26 km of river can be a challenge to navigate with fast water and small rapids. Trembleur Lake is almost 50 km long. It has an irregular shoreline with sheltered bays and coves and a scenic wilderness setting. There is one marine park site on Trembleur Lake.
The Middle River flows from Takla Lake into Trembleur Lake. The river, designated as a Provincial Heritage River, is 22 km long and navigable. At 96 km in length, Takla is the fifth largest lake in the province. Almost 250 km of undisturbed shoreline with sandy beaches and isolated bays are available to explore. There are three marine park sites on Takla Lake. There is sporadic road access on the east side of the lake.
NTS map references:
Park Size:
Stay Safe:
Wilderness camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided.
Practice Leave No Trace camping:
Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence. Please see BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis for site specific information.
Popular sport fish include rainbow trout, lake trout (char), kokanee, freshwater ling cod (burbot), and mountain whitefish. Refer to the current BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis for specific catch quotas and regulations; the Stuart-Trembleur-Takla chain of waterways is in Region 7 (Omineca-Peace) - Zone A.
Cycling is permitted. Helmets are mandatory in British Columbia and must be worn at all times.
Please note that bicycles with electric assist motors (e-bikes) are not allowed on the trails within Stuart Lake Marine 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.
Hunting is permitted only during lawful game hunting season. Check with Hunting and Trapping Synopsis for regulations.
Please note: Any maps listed are for information only – they may not represent legal boundaries and should not be used for navigation.
Two Islands Site – located close to the midpoint of the lake, these are the two nearest island due south of the Stuart Lake site; UTM zone 10: 394000E - 6050000N (NTS map reference: 93K/10).
Stuart Lake Park – 32 km northwest of Fort St. James on the north shore of Stuart Lake; road access from Fort St. James is 30 km on Tachie Road and south 2 km to the lake on Hibiscus Road (NTS map reference: 93K/10).
Jus K’etl’o Bay – located on the north shore 15 km west of the Tachie River on the northwestern arm of the lake; boat access only. UTM Zone 10: 371000E – 6057000N (NTS map reference: 93K/10 & 93K/11).
North Arm Site – located on the north shore 12 km northwest of Jus K’etl’o Bay and 27 km west of the Tachie River on the northwestern arm of the lake; boat access only. UTM Zone 10: 361000E – 6060000N NTS map reference: 93K/11).
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.